Book sets out steps in history of town’s Morris dancing group
A new book has been published charting the history of Morris dancing in Ripley. the team’s bagman, tells how it came about
MICK BUCKLEY,
WHEN former and founder member Syd Barber made a bequest to Ripley Morris in 2015, the side decided to embark on writing the history of Morris dancing in Ripley from the earliest existing records to the present day.
In August 2021, after five years of painstaking research and writing, Ripley Morris, Derbyshire 1925 –2021 has been published.
The book details the establishment of Morris dancing in Ripley during the 1920s and gives an account of the first Ripley Morris side up to the mid-1960s.
Following this, Ripley Morris Men were re-formed in 1981 and became Ripley Morris in 2018. The book records how this incarnation of Ripley Morris has been at the forefront of developments and activities in the Morris world since the 1980s.
On September 23, Councillor Roland Emmas–Williams, Mayor of Ripley, presented a copy of the book to Ashley Copeland of Ripley Library as an addition to the local studies section.
Current Squire of the side, Alex Bowness, said he felt honoured to hand over the completed history to Councillor Emmas–Williams and he congratulated the sub-group coordinated by Graham Clarke which had overseen the development of the book.
Councillor Emmas-Williams said that he was particularly aware of his close association with Ripley Morris, dating back to a trip to Chateau Renault in 1995 and including attendance at a number of Ripley Morris Ale Feasts over the intervening years.
He congratulated the side on the publication of their history and noted that Ripley Morris have always played a part in the Ripley community through dancing at local events and in their continuing support of The League of Friends of Ripley Hospital. He hoped this relationship would endure for many years to come.
You can see Ripley Morris performing at Cromford Apple Day by the Boat Inn on Saturday, October 16, at 2pm and 3pm.
If you are interested in learning more about Morris dancing or would like to have a go yourself the side has just started on a new practice season and meets weekly at Fritchley Church Hall from 8pm to 10pm on Thursday evenings.
No previous experience is necessary and you will receive expert tuition and support in a convivial setting.
If you join now you will be dancing out with Ripley Morris on their annual Boxing Day Tour on December 26 this year.
Check out future activities through the Ripley Morris Facebook page or their website at ripleymorris.org.uk
Contact Ripley Morris by email at ripleymorris@hotmail.com
Ripley Morris are proud to wear the Ripley Town Crest and are supported by Ripley Town Council.