Author: Sally Perry
Bramble Bank: Morris Men Dance On The Solent (Photos & Video)
Sunday, 23rd August, 2009 at 1:22 pm, Isle of Wight
Overseas, Photography, Travel, Video Content, West Wight
After a busy morning down in Ventnor, yesterday afternoon found us making our way towards the Hover Travel terminal in Ryde to join some 80+ Morris Men for a very exciting trip to the middle of the Solent to visit Bramble Bank.
If you’re a sailor, you’ll know Bramble Bank, or the Brambles, as a place to avoid. It’s a sandbar in the Solent that is so high that it’s exposed by low water spring tides.
The Men of Wight Morris dancing side, collectively being slightly mad, thought it would be a great idea to visit the Bramble Bank with visiting Morris sides from around the UK for a dance or three. Happily Hover Travel thought it sounded fun too, so donated the use of one of their hovercraft and the crew gave their time.
The anticipation was high, not just from the Morris Men as they waited for the craft to arrive, but from us and the other passengers too. I mean, how often do you get to walk about in the middle of Solent?
It really was an amazing experience with all involved grinning from ear to ear. Standing on the bank watching the assembled throngs dancing made you feel that the world had gone mad – in a good way. It had the added benefit of all of the money raised went to charity.
A snippet of video from the event (more to follow when we have time) …
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I wonder if the captain of the dear departed QE2 was watching the morris dancing as i believe he landed on the brambles bank as well.I bet i know what he was thinking all together now “its a lot less bother with a hover!”
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That does look surreal!
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….pity the sea could’nt have spared us from the return of the morris men!
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At least Morris Men know how to spell “couldn’t”, Adrian! ;oP=
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As one of the dancers involved (from Bristol Morris Men) I can confirm that it was a surreal, but very enjoyable experience – possibly the high spot of an excellent Morris Ring Meeting organised by the local side, Men of Wight. Many thanks to all concerned. Though some of us are going to have trouble with our bells corroding from the sea-salt, I suspect…
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So what happened to the rising sea level we were assured would happen by George Monbiot and his global warmist friends..?
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My dad, Ray Scarfe is the squire of the Men of Wight… I am a very proud daughter today because it looks very much to me like everyone had a great time on the Isle of Wight this weekend. Well done dad and all the Men of Wight and everyone else who helped out behind the scenes.
Folk dancing is part of our heritage and it is great to see it being recognised nationally and celebrated in such a great way.
As for the mad genes I have inherited from my mum and dad, I am proud of those too!!
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This is a perfect blend of English tradition (sadly lacking today) and eccentricity. Well done to all who took part, I wish I could have been there.
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I suspect that a sandbank is not a good surface for clog or step dancing.
Could one of the participants confirm this?
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I’m a member of Dartington Morris Men and was there too. A really excellent experience, and one that will be long remembered by me and my fellow dancers and musicians. Thanks to the Men of Wight for having this crazy idea.
I can confirm that clog or step dancing wouldn’t suit this surface, unless you go barefoot – it was very uneven and filled with puddles and potholes. You might have to forfeit your shoes if you try it!
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