On Songs of Praise* on BBC TV this evening they had an item on Thaxted Morris Men.

It seems they dance in the parish church, a custom that started in the early years of the 20th century when the then Morris Team asked if they could dance in the church. The response of the vicar at the time was along the lines of "yes if you attend the service first". It seems the vicar at the time was of a radical and somewhat unorthodox disposition.

What was nice about this feature was that Morris was given a proper, sympathetic hearing. There was a brief explanation of what Morris was about, how the costumes came about along with film of the dancing and the musicians. No sniggering or snide comments or mocking remarks. What a change - and from a religious programme of all places.

* For those outwith the UK, Songs of Praise is a programme of hymns which is broadcast every Sunday evening