Phillipa gets the HuMP!
A woman driven to tears by morris dancing is now urging others to have a go.
Phillipa Henderson says she laughed so much at the Hurst Morris People (HuMP) taster sessions last year she had tears in her eyes.
This year HuMP’s taster sessions are on September 21 and 28 at 8pm at Hurst Village Hall, School Road, Hurst RG10 0BP.
Everyone , men and women, are welcome to have a go at the free sessions. No previous dancing experience is necessary. On offer are home-made cake in the interval and a pub visit afterwards.
Phillipa Henderson described her first experience of morris dancing: “Coming to the taster sessions was enormous fun. The
HuMP members were so friendly and welcoming.
“There were no expectations as to my ability, or lack of it, and I was just encouraged to join in.
“No-one wanted to know my age, my job, where I was from, it was simply people getting together to share a common interest - a pleasant change from what often happens when joining a new group.
“I can clearly remember laughing so much I had tears in my eyes when attempting some of the dances. Having the chance to try something new, eat homemade cake and listen to great live music was enough to make me decide that this is what I wanted to do. “
Phillipa, 48, a counsellor and sign language interpreter, is now a regular dancer with the side.
HuMP Squire (leader) Karen Ricketts of Twyford said: “People often tell us they’ve thought of having a go at morris dancing and never got round to it.
“It’s great exercise and good fun. HuMP are a friendly, welcoming crowd.”
The side does Cotswold tradition dances, with hankies and sticks. They perform at pubs, fairs and festivals.
For details visit www.hump.org. uk, email contact@hump.org.uk or call Sue on 0118 932 0571.