| Flaming Morris began in April, 1987. Most of the original members belonged to Ottery Community Theatre, which had just finished a production of The Passion in the Parish Church. Several of us woke up the day after the last night party with the vague idea that we'd agreed to help start a morris side! The first time we danced out was in Summer 1987, with an ad hoc all-white kit and still no decision on a name.
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In November that year we danced in the Ottery St. Mary Carnival, wearing rag jackets and jeans. By the following year, we had adopted the name Flaming Morris, inspired by one member's husband, who said this every time she joined us on practice night! It seemed particularly appropriate, as Ottery's most famous event is the Tar Barrels. We adapted our kit to include a red/yellow/orange rag jacket over white shirt and trousers (or skirt).
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| At some point we realised that all of our children were joining in the dances behind us, so we decided to make it official. For several years (till they all got too cool!) they joined us under the name of Flaming Nuisance. They had several dances of their own, and also boosted the numbers by joining in larger scale dances such as the Farandole. We still like to finish our sets at fetes with this dance, which everyone can join in.
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In 1999 we were invited to join the Feniton Twinning Association in a trip to Louvigny, near Caen. A small but enthusiastic representative side took up the offer, and enjoyed friendly hospitality and brilliant weather. |
