Boxing Day 2007 Morris Dance, a year on!

The maestros of the accordian

Dancers and audience in front of St Mary's, Bottesford.

Dave Middleton (left).

The spellbound audience

Vic Martin, holding the batons.

Mu Martin and the other Greenwood Clog ladies.

Giving it some wellie!

The Duck Race in full flight (as it were).

Morris dancing is an ancient tradition that is alive and well in the modern Vale of Belvoir. Bottesford is fortunate to see the return of the dancers (the Foresters Morris and Greenwood Clog) to celebrate its annual Boxing Day duck race, raising funds for the Vale of Belvoir Lions. This year they raised £190. Risking rain, snow, tempests, floods and the grins of passing motorists, they entertain local people and Christmas visitors gathered at the start of the race and again at the ford on Rectory Lane. This year a large crowd was rewarded with a fine display of morris and clog dancing to the accompaniment of two excellent accordianists, with colourful costumes, decorative hats and clashing sticks. Mulled wine was provided by our excellent Rector to sustain needy revellers. The rain kept off, a good time was had by all, and afterwards the weary protagonists withdrew to restore their strength and give a musical performance at The Bull.