Mr Hemmings Traditional Abingdon Morris Dancers

Mr Hemmings Traditional Abingdon Morris Dancers. In 1978 The team was formed, this was with local men who had previously danced with the Abingdon Morris. Other men who were either born locally or have resided in the town for many years also joined the team. The team decided to take their name from an earlier dancer "Tom Hemmings" , and it is in recognition of his effort and contribution to the Abingdon Morris that the present team call themselves “Mr Hemmings Traditional Abingdon Morris Dancers”. There is a current repertoire of twelve dances including a solo jig. These are: The Princes Royal The Girl I Left Behind Me Curly Headed Ploughboy Maid of the Mill The Duke of Marlborough The Squire’s Dance Jockey to the Fair Constant Billy Sally Luker Shepherds Hey (Jig) Nutting Girl Gentleman Jack Also documented are “Royal” versions of Maid of the Mill and "Jocky to the fair", these were performed at Sidmouth Folk Festival in 1983. The team performs during the summer months from May to September, usually at local fetes, pubs and with other morris sides around the area. On May the 6th, we dance along Ock Street to celebrate Tom Hemmings’ birthday. During the summer, we have a day of dance around Abingdon with other morris sides often joining us on the day. Whilst the team has connections with a long line of Abingdon Morris dancers going back many generations, 2003 is the 25th anniversary since our formation in 1978. Should you require any further information regarding our team and the Abingdon Morris tradition or maybe you feel you would like to give it a try, then please contact us via the guest book. This short history about the Abingdon Morris was compiled and written by a member of the team since 1981. Thanks go to those for their help in supplying information to enable this website to materialise: Text and photographs are copyright © to MrHTAMD