Who are we?

The Foresters Morris Men (full title "The Foresters Morris and Sword Dancing Club") was formed in 1952, and was the first morris dancing club in Nottingham. It is still the best! Since we are near to Sherwood Forest, we have Robin Hood as our logo. The club was formed from the demise of other sides in nearby towns, which had been in existence in the 1930s, and were kept going by ladies such as Frances Downing during the war years.

What do we do?

We perform mainly English morris dances from the Cotswold and border regions, together with some dances from Lichfield. At appropriate times of year we perform a traditional local Plough Play (a type of mummer's play, see photos and sound) and mummer's play. We also include rapper sword dancing in our repertoire. For more details about morris dancing, You can read some of our handouts of background information or more background information or still more on morris dancing. Or would you like the French versions of these documents? Or for a more sober and serious view of the whole thing you can look at a BBC programme transcript.

Where can we be seen and heard live?

In the summer on Monday evenings, we dance at pubs in the local area. At any time of year we perform by request (for a fee!) at larger events. For an up-to-date list of our summer 2010 planned bookings, see here.

Where can we be seen in photos?

A selection of photos of us from our formation in the 1900s to now is available here, mostly copyright © Eric Foxley. Photos of the 28th March Nottingham City event here. And see a larger photo of two Foresters (Vic and Cecil) at the Peterborough day of dance on 26th September by clicking on this . Latest photos are from Bottesford on Boxing Day.

Where can we be heard on-line?

A selection of mp3 files of our dance music, singing and mumming are available here.

Why are we such good dancers?

Because we practise every week at the Queen's Walk Community Centre in the Meadows area of Nottingham on Monday nights in winter, from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m., then socialise over a drink! Visitors are always welcome to come and try it out, contact any member.

How do we spell our name?

We are the "Foresters Morris Men", not "Forresters" or "Forester's" or "Forrester's" or "Foresters' "!

How can you contact us?

If you are interested in finding out more, or in coming along for a taster session at one of our practices, or in booking us to appear at a function of some sort, phone our bagman Eric on 0115-978 6858 or our squire Stewart on 0115-914 1061 or email our bagman .

Full details and photos of Cecil Sharp's 3-hole pipe are here. Members page is here.

 

 

Foresters Morris Men support the Mallard brewery

Every pint a winner!