‘Joke’ morris men become big hitters (From Swindon Advertiser)

‘Joke’ morris men become big hitters

1:30pm Wednesday 6th May 2009 in Search By Emma Streatfield

OFFERS have been flooding in for a group of parents who turned amateur morris dancers to raise funds for a school.

The 10-strong Bishopstone Union of Morris Men, or BUMMs as they are jokingly known, are mainly fathers of children at Bishopstone Church of England Primary School who were volunteered by their wives to perform at the school’s May fair fundraising event on Monday.

The morris men, who were accompanied by Syd Simpson on the accordion, raised between £200 and £300 and were also approached by other show organisers who wanted to enlist their services.

“Our wives told us we’d been volunteered for morris dancing,” said morris dancer and Bishopstone resident Paul Tremlin, whose wife is the school secretary.

“Everyone enjoyed it so much last year we had to do it again.

“It’s just doing it to support the school.

“We’re complete amateurs, we just thought it would be a good laugh and it’s an excuse to have a few beers and let your hair down.”

Their performance last year was supposed to be a one-off, however, due to its popularity it has been kept going and the group is considering continuing the tradition and may even take part in the Wanborough Show in August.

The group trains on Wednesday evenings in the pub and sewed their costumes themselves, but relied on choreography from Paul’s wife Sue, who is a dancer.

The group is now set to perform at the Royal Oak pub in Bishopstone from 1pm on Saturday as part of an open day for the nearby farm.

Anyone who wishes to get involved with the group and find out more about Saturday’s event can call the Royal Oak pub on 01793 790481 or visit the website, www.bumms.info.