The Bampton Traditional Morris Men dancing in the morning of May 25th 2015 as far as Ham Court. I didn't follow them beyond this venue so was not able to record the remainder of the day.
This obituary was in The Guardian newspaper January 13th 2009. Francis was born on January 31st 1919 and died on November 27th 2009. The article was written by Derek Schofield.
The Bampton Traditional Morris Men had their tea in the old school in Church View for many years. In the last few years, they began a tradition of doing a dance inside, away from the public to get their legs going again but it was done without music. It was lovely hearing just the bells and their feet on the floor and the men enjoyed doing it.
Francis Shergold spent most of his adult life dancing Bampton Traditional Morris and was the squire of the Bampton Traditional Morris Men for over 50 years. In 1996 he was awarded the gold badge of the English Folk Dance and Song Society at Cecil Sharp House in London. The citation (included here) was read by Derek Schofield; 'Nibs' Matthews (Sydney Alfred Matthews) had the pleasure of pinning the badge on Francis's jacket. Francis gave a heartfelt speech of thanks and had his photograph taken with his beloved wife Ann and his sister Ruth Wheeler and then enjoyed a pint with Nibs. Sadly, now in 2017 both Francis and Nibs are long gone and their obituaries are included in this pdf.
On Spring Bank Holiday Monday 2003 Jamie Wheeler and Craig Godwin received their tankard for 25 years dancing and playing for the Bampton Traditional Morris Men.
All these pictures of the Bampton Traditional Morris Men were taken on May Bank Holiday 2003. Dancers include John Shuker, David Townsend, Martin Landray, Cyril Smith, Billy Main, fool Ray Borrett and musician Reg Hall.
A few photographs taken of the Bampton Traditional Morris Men dancing on Spring Bank Holiday in 2003.Musician Reg HallDancers Jonny Shuker, Toby Perry, Cyril Smith, Billy Main and Martin Landray. Ray Borrett the fool dancing the fool's jig.