The Black Farmer Dances Through the Summer With the Dartmoor Border Morris
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones, aka The Black Farmer, is well known for his love of Morris Dancing and none more so than his local troupe – Dartmoor Border Morris – who he continues to support this year.
A packed calendar of engagements – all raising money for the Dartmoor Search & Rescue Team – will give many people the opportunity to enjoy this traditional spectacle, and maybe even join in!
Says Wilfred: “The vibrant movement, costumes, music and colour, really captivates my senses. I just love the camaraderie, unity and flamboyance of the sport and its British tradition - and the way it unites a group of men and women for the simple enjoyment of dance and celebration of life. I hope everyone can get out and enjoy some Morris dancing this summer!”
The Dartmoor Border Morris and friends will be dancing at the following venues:
19th May, 8pm - The White Thorn Inn, Shaugh Prior with guests Beltane Border Morris
25th May, 8pm - The Walkhampton Inn, with guests Wreckers Morris
1st June, 8pm - The Tamar Inn, Calstock with guests Catseye Morris
11th June, All Day - Royal Cornwall Show, Wadebridge
18th June, Afternoon - Meavy Oak Fair
22nd June, 8pm - The White Hart Hotel, Menheniot with guests Tywardreath Morris
25th June, Afternoon - Tavistock Pride Festival, Meadowlands Park
28th June, 8pm - Seven Stars Inn, Tamerton Foliot, with guests/The Old Town Twelve
15th July, 8pm at The Church House Inn, Holne with guests Dartington Morris
21st July, 8pm - Peter Tavy Inn, with guests Tinners Morris & Cog`s & Wheels Ladies Morris
27th July, 8pm -The Pint & Post Inn, St Giles on the Heath, with guests Barrel Morris
31st July, all day - Sidmouth Folk Festival, as guests with 100s of other Morris sides
11th August, 8pm - The Crumpled Horn Inn, Polperro, with guests Trigg Morris
16th August, 8pm - The Rugglestone Inn, Widecombe in the Moor with guests Black Bess Morris
24th August, 8pm - The Cornwood Inn, with guests Harberton Navy
31st August, 8pm - The Horse & Groom Inn, Bittaford, with guests Grimspound Border Morris.
1st September 7.30pm - The Blacksmiths Arms, Lamerton with guests Lodestone Border Morris
13th September, all day - Widecombe Fair
21st September, 7.30pm - Practice evening in Meavy Parish hall. Open to anyone who wants to dance or play a tune.
1st October, 2pm - Bere Ferrers Apple Day Festival.
19th November, 10am - Pudsey Day of Morris. Tavistock will have over 200 Morris dancers perform collecting for the BBC Children in Need appeal.
If you’re new to Morris Dancing, it’s a tradition that dates back as early as 1448. Morris Dancing really is an art and has long been enjoyed by Englishmen and women. Well known in England before the Spanish Armada, the Gunpowder Plot and even the Wars of the Roses, Morris Dancing boasts over 500 years of the evolution of a dance!
