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THE PRESS Solway Morris at the Start Folk Buzz Boxing Day in The Cumberland News Ireby Music Festival Heads Nook WI Newcastleton Traditional Music Festival The Cumberland News - Morris Dance to Fitness

MORRIS DANCE TO FITNESS – AND KEEP TRADITION ALIVE WIGTON is doing its bit to champion morris dancing with a new beginners class set to secure a future for the art. National reports have warned the traditional dance is dying out as groups fall by the wayside. The Solway Morris group, known traditionally as a side, have bucked the trend with a group of eight members who regularly tour festivals, carnivals and private functions. But the side, which formed in 2002, say new members are still needed. Chris Hobson, the chairman – known as a bagman – for Solway Morris, said: “We are a good example of a side that has started up in recent years and is thriving due to the enthusiasm of its members, but yet has struggled to recruit new members, “Morris dancing is good exercise, it is fun, it can be done by all ages, it is a good social activity and you can travel around the country and abroad meeting other teams. “It is English, and generally whereas others, such as the Scots and Irish look after their dance traditions, the English don’t. “Come on England, jump out of the comfy chair, promote your country, fly the flag, dance, have fun, and get fit!” Solway Morris practise during the winter months at Waverton Village Hall, near Wigton, on Tuesdays between 8pm and 10pm. A newcomers session is being held on Sunday between 11am and 8pm – all are welcome. Call 07885 241974 for more information. The Cumberland News Friday 6 February 2009 back to The Cumberland News - Morris Dance to Fitness

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email: bagman@solwaymorris.org.uk