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11 Feb 07 - 06:56 PM (#1964404) Subject: Morris on Songs of Praise From: Tootler 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 |
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11 Feb 07 - 07:01 PM (#1964409) Subject: RE: Morris on Songs of Praise (BBC TV programme) From: RTim You should search out articles on the Rev. Conrad Noel, who was the vicar of Thaxted - and maybe then you will know why they dance in the church. Tim Radford |
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11 Feb 07 - 07:08 PM (#1964413) Subject: RE: Morris on Songs of Praise (BBC TV programme) From: Bainbo I've tried the BBC site, but it looks like Songs Of Praise isn't one of the programmes they'll let you watch on line. All I could find was this fact sheet. |
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12 Feb 07 - 05:30 AM (#1964653) Subject: RE: Morris on Songs of Praise (BBC TV programme) From: MairSea Saw the programme last night and I agree with Tootler - it WAS really nice to see Morris given a fair hearing and seeing it in church on TV. At Lichfield FF a few years ago we went to the church service and a Morris side danced in church, also at Weymouth one year. Those were of course localised events but still happen. I was though very glad to see the dancing on TV and getting a wider audience. Sorry don't often post as the mind wanders!!!! xox |