Bells and beers for Pilgrim Morris

Round & About

New Members

The cheery sight and sound of morris dancers is a sure sign of summer, so make sure you catch Pilgrim Morris this season

Pilgrim Morris of Guildford were established in 1972 and dance a variety of traditions in the Cotswold style, generally dancing around Surrey and north-east Hampshire during the summer season.

After kicking off the season on St George’s Day as one of the guest sides on a walking tour of Odiham, Pilgrim Morris followed up with the ever popular Summerpole event on Guildford High Street – perhaps you enjoyed their dancing last month?

There is a full schedule of events for the summer season that can be found on the Pilgrim Morris website with some of the highlights for the coming year being the Walking Tour of Windsor dancing as guests of Windsor Morris in the streets of the historic town on Saturday, 29th June and the Albury Produce Show on Saturday, 20th July as well as numerous pubs this month and next.

Pilgrim Morris always welcome new members so if you fancy giving it a go, come along during the Practice Season (October to April). We practice at Holy Trinity Junior School, Addison Road, Guildford, on Wednesday evenings between 8pm and 10pm.

Being a Pilgrim is about more than dancing: we normally have a music session after our pub gigs and the team has a strong social side. We also present the traditional Guildford Mummers Play on Twelfth Night (January 6th) in the oldest pubs in Guildford town. Please come to one of our events this summer and join in the fun.

Henley Dragons rebound, seeking new paddlers

Round & About

New Members

After months off the Thames due to fast flows, Henley Dragons are back on the water and spreading the word!

The town’s Dragon Boat and Outrigger Canoe team had their first race of the season last weekend – a 7km slog up the river and back in Wraysbury. They powered in – in first place, over 2 minutes ahead of the second fastest crew. This weekend saw their outrigger canoe crew bring back a stash of medals from the National Sprint Championships held at Eton Dorney. The mixed crew claimed gold in both the 500 and 1000m. The men earnt themselves a couple of bronzes and Henley women added two more golds and a silver.

And it wasn’t just in the UK. The dragons wander far and wide with two members of the club making it all the way to Venice to paddle in the spectacular 33km ‘Vogolonga’ river marathon.

With four newly trained coaches, the dragons are raring to go and very much welcoming new members so if you fancy giving it a go – get in touch! [email protected]