Archive entry for 1979
What actually happened, before time takes its toll and surrounds everything with a rosie glow
The first contact was made with other Morris sides during 1979. In the spring, four men unofficially attended Thames Valley Morris Men's Hoptide Feast, and in September the Spring Grove Morris Men attended their first day of dance with the Yateley Morris Men. This was widely enjoyed though it did expose the limited range of dances performed by Spring Grove. During the summer the men danced at fetes and pubs and in July danced in procession around the centre of Kingston in support of the Ethelred Fayre.
December 1979 - Wagon and Horses, Kingston

Doug Gray Cary Hendy
Francis Carter
To mark the occasion a new dance 'The Seven Saxons' was learnt and performed in the Ducklington tradition. To emulate the last Kingston side, handkerchiefs and long sticks were used, and the dance performed by seven men. The most unusual booking was for the Anglo-Chinese Society where the men performed alongside various Chinese entertainers. The side acquired an animal built in 1979 - the Spring Grove Pig - designed and built by Tony Crowther. The men also wore straw hats for the first time.

Members
Francis Carter and Doug Grey, both experienced Morris men, joined the side in the Spring and Autumn respectively and took over the teaching from Gus. During the Winter of 1979-80 several new traditions were learnt and the side made important steps forward.
Role of Honour 1979
Joined
Francis Carter
Doug Grey
John Lawrence
Jim Tiernan
Peter Tiernan
Luis Castillo
Norman Bayliss
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Left
Clive Sweet
Frank Sweet
Paul Evans
David Ellis
Cary Handy (now in Tanzanier)
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New Dances
Brackley -
Headington -
Adderbury -
Bucknell -
Ducklington -
Winster -
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Jockey to the Fair
Getting up stairs, Laudanam Bunches
Laudanam Bunches, Constant Billy, Black Joke
Willow Tree
Seven Saxons
Processional
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Officers
Squire
Bagman
Treasurer
Foremen
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Richard Guscott
Stephen Nash
Martin Winmill
Francis Carter and Doug Gray |
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