Morris men at The Old SwanBy Trish Swain
One fine early summer’s evening towards the end of May we heard the plaintive and distinctive sounds of music emanating from The Old Swan.
Following the sound we stumbled upon a bucolic scene, and one played out many times over past centuries – the Aldbury Morris Men had returned for their annual visit. As usual the dances were intricate and performed with great spirit and good humour; even the dancer whose satnav had taken him to Great Missenden was able to laugh as he managed to join in the last dance… just!
Afterwards all retired to the warmth of the pub and continued the tradition of passing down tunes and trying new melodies over a pint of ale.
Looking at the rosy cheeks and whiskers of some of the dancers, and listening to their easy banter, it was easy to forget that we were in 2010 and not 1810. Long may such evenings continue and enable us to retain the links to our rural past!