Wyvern Jubilee Morris
Alan has recently returned from teaching far away in exotic places. When he joined he claimed his dancing was sometime ago. He is living proof that like riding a bike, once the skill is aquired it is never forgotten.
Occupation: Retired from teaching and trading standards.
Time with WJMM: Joined 2007
Other sides: Former member of Northhampton Morris Men.
Other Interests: Most sports. Biking, Walking, Scuba Diving (only in warm water now). It seems the name Alan is associated with outdoor activities?
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Queens Delight, Bucknell.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: Saddleworth Rushcart seems to feature large in Wyvern Jubilee. Whilst part of the 150 man Rushcart pulling team, Alan fell over his stang (oo-er missus) and caused a pile up in the resulting confusion!
Alan is the current Squire (Leader) of the side. He is affectionately known as "The Nose", though for the life of him he can't think why.
Occupation:
Alan currently works for Agusta Westlands
Time with WJMM: Joined 1993
Other sides: Formerly with Babylon
Other Interests: Alan is a man of action and enjoys Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, and Caving. He also plays guitar, ukulele, mouth organ and didge ... With 2 young children - Zoe, and Charlie - we don't know where he finds the time!
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Saturday Night, Bucknell
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: On a weekend tour of the Isle of Wight, Alan found that he had forgotten to bring his socks but fortunately he was able to buy some locally. However, it wasn't until everyone was dressing, ready to go on, that he realised that he had also forgotten to bring his trousers.
Andy arrived from the east bearing gifts. He has had connections with another beast, Dilwyn, but we haven't let Nigel know yet! Andy also boasts a large collection of hats for some strange reason and, apparently, wears anoraks at weekends. Wyvern's equivalent of Giorgio Armani.
Occupation: Woodworker
Time with WJMM: Joined in 2001
Other sides: Former member of Standon Morris Men (Hertfordshire)
Other Interests: Andy is a Quaker with a keen commitment towards humanity and has dedicated his life for the good of others. He has had, in his time, a fine collection of motorbikes and boulders. He will often be seen arriving on his current bike in tatters
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Vandals Of Hammerwich, Litchfield because, in his own words, "I get to hit people and stuff with sticks".
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: In an enthusiastic moment in a linked border hay, smothered in black grease paint - floodlights - the crowd baying for more speed. the laws of physics took over and the rule of base over apex came into play. In true Morris form the fall was perceived by Andy to be one smooth flowing move but in reality ... hmmmm?
Being friends with Jed, Andy arrived with Bonnie as the other groupie. After a few Ales he agreed to try dancing - and guess what? - he caught the bug.
Occupation: TBD
Time with WJMM: New kid on the block.
Other sides: Moonbeams/Animals.
Other Interests: Bonnie Poole.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Too soon to say.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: On one of his very first dance outs with WJMM, whilst performing in a confined area, Andy suddenly disappeared down a hole (drain). Unfortunately, in doing so, he injured his ankle which kept him out of the side for most of last season. Hope he has better luck this year.
Bonnie arrived with Andy and became WJMM's' first Groupies. She then picked up the Bodrahn and never looked back. Bonnie also makes new waistcoats for the side when required.
Occupation: TBD
Time with WJMM: New kid on the block.
Other sides: Not known.
Other Interests: Most sport. Andy Poole.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Too soon to say.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: Early days yet.
Sometimes known as "Brain" (he claims the spell check was broken - but the name stuck), Brian is the immediate past Squire (leader) of the side.
Occupation: Brian is retired from Agusta Westlands. He spends much of his spare time outside of Morris walking the coastal paths of Britain.
Time with WJMM: Joined 1999
Other sides: Babylon
Other Interests: Walking, sports cars and memory games.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Banbury Bill, Bampton
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: As part of his Brian training, Brain would often make calls that did not belong in the tradition. However the side having no more of a clue than Brian always followed!
Until recently Chris was the sole member of the Wyvern Jubilee Band. This has lately been augmented to become, as some would have it, The Chris Toyne Big Band. He has also been known to shake a mean leg (and hankie) when the occasion demands.
Occupation: Freelance technical consultant to Agusta Westlands, Morris and Folk Dance musician and becoming an expert in DIY.
Time with WJMM: Chris was a founder member of the side in 1977 but took a sabbatical for a couple of years so, strictly speaking, he has not been with the side as long as Pete. Still pretty impressive though.
Other sides: Treacle Eater Clog
Other Interests: Chris holds a private pilot's license and, when not playing for WJM, he takes to the skies. He may also be seen in and around the area playing at barn dances, either with his accordion or double bass.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Bledington to dance, Fieldtown to play
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: In days of days of yore Chris use to feign mortal injury at the end of Beaux of London City. The side would them select a Pretty Young Thing to provide a kiss to revive the expiring musician. On the last occasion Chris opened his eyes to come face to face with a heavily bearded gentleman who remarked "Hello Matey". Since then Chris has lost interest in this particular piece of street theatre!!
Duncan hails from Saddleworth, Greater Manchester, and we met him there at the Saddleworth Rushcart festival in 2003, where he was the winner of the Worst Singer contest. He subsequently moved to Somerset and was delighted to find us as a local side. Duncan is famed for his Peruvian folk songs which he sings with a passion. He returned to Saddleworth this year but, aided by Geoff, only attained second place in the contest. Can't get the staff, eh Dunc?
Occupation: Schoolteacher
Time with WJMM: Joined 2004
Other sides: Duncan used to dance with Ousewashes Molly Dancers (Norfork). For those who do not know what molly dancing is check out the contacts and links page.
Other Interests: Guinea Pigs and pan pipes but not necessarily in that order.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Idbury Hill, Bledington.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: Duncan believes he has had plenty of them, usually associated with cider. The problem being with cider is, at the time, it all seems perfectly normal - the net result - status quo. Happy Daze!
Having been a loyal follower of the side for many years, Geoff now plays various instruments, and is occasionally known to dance. He has also somehow become attached to the animal of the side. If you ever lose anything at a stand - money, small children, or shiny things - Geoff can usually extract them from Nigel, the side's kleptomaniac Wyvern.
Occupation: Retired
Time with WJMM: We cant get rid of him!
Other sides: None
Other Interests: Guinness, golf and restoring vintage aircraft.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Beansetting, Headington - he raves about this simple dance.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: Ask Nigel - he knows all Geoff's little secrets.
Jed is the Foreman (dance instructor) of the side and also our Fool (silly person). His family motto is Ad astra ridiculus; semper illic supervacuus quom (fool to the stars; always there when least needed). He is a quietly spoken, modest fellow. In fact you would hardly know he is there most of the time.
Occupation: Project Manager for his local council
Time with WJMM: Far too long
Other sides: Bluefields, Babylon, Treacle Eater Clog, No Mean Feet, Wessex, Moonshine - phew!!
Other Interests: Morris dancing is all he has ever wanted to do
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Foxtrot to Old Joe Clarke
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: Most Thursdays!
Jon is the current Bagman (secretary), and has been a past squire. He always seems to have a joke for every occasion and every occasion for a joke.
Occupation: Works for Agusta Westlands
Time with WJMM: Joined in 1986 which makes him the third senior member of the side,although his youthful looks belie his age.
Other sides: None
Other Interests: Jon has a young family and unlike Les and Alan (sorry Al, you're on your own now) has fathered boys, the road to our continuing survival! He is famed for his love of hot meat curries.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Anything with sticks; he hates hankies (with the exception of Jubilee, our own dance).
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: At a morris festival on the Isle of Wight Jon awoke one night wanting to use the lavatory. Unable to locate said facilities in the guest house where the side were staying, he descended the fire escape (naked) to avail himself of the great wide open. Unfortunately, once the job was done, he could not find the fire escape to get back in. He then decided that the only option open was to rest a while in a nearby ditch until it was light enough to find his way back. However, when he reached the ditch, he found it already occupied by a dancer from another side.
Keith met with WJM at the post-practise pub and expressed a wish to join. He then played a mean guitar - and has just got meaner!
Occupation: Our Yeomarks Man
Time with WJMM: Joined 2007
Other sides: None.
Other Interests: Beer, ships, Beer. Pole dancing. More beer.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: The only one he knows all the way through.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: Only time will tell.
Ken lives in Poole, Dorset but currently works used to work in Yeovil (now employmentally challenged). He was press-ganged into the side whilst working for Les. A sound career move. Also, he used to have a bowler hat. Where the hell did that go?
Occupation: Freelance Software Engineer (any takers?).
Time with WJMM: Joined 2005
Other sides: Noone else would have me.
Other Interests: Plays guitar around and about. Duckin' and divin', bobbin' and weavin'. Makes websites.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Saturday Night, Bucknell.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: That &!@@%? photograph. Thanks Pete.
Les has been Squire, Bagman and Treasurer in his time. He plays the banjo in the WJM band when not dancing.
Occupation: Software Engineer at BAE Systems.
Time with WJMM: Joined in 1992
Other sides: No Mean Feet (Appalachian clog) and a former member of Victory Morris (Hampshire)
Other Interests: As well as a young family Les also has one Springer spaniel and two cats to contend with!
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Idbury Hill, Bledington
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: Fried bread and toothpaste. Go on, ask him. You know you want to!
Pete was a founder member of the side and is our scrapbook keeper/archivist. He can usually be seen with a camera, avoiding strenuous dances (such is the wisdom of experience!). He has been squire of the side four times in the past.
Occupation: Works for Agusta Westlands and, in his own words - "30 years ago I couldn't spell Engineer, and now I are one".
Time with WJMM: Pete was a founder member of the side and has danced continuously with them since the start. Legend has it that he inventedMorris Dancing, though he is far too modest to admit it.
Other sides: Westland Practice Morris, Westland Jubilee Morris. Same difference really.
Other Interests: Recycling old railway carriages, walking along canals and photography. Did we mention photgraphy?
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Adderbury dances in general
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: He says censored, but with 35+ years under your belt even Pete has had a few! Whilst dancing on grass, Pete's foot slipped into a hole dug by a dog and he sprained his ankle. Forced to retire from the dance he hobbled away to the sidelines, using his stick as support. One of the other side members, thinking The show must go on, rushed to take his place and grabbed the stick from Pete's hand, causing him to fall flat on his face, where he remained for the rest of the dance.
Richard recently moved from somewhere to Yeovil. We bumped into him on one of our gigs. He obviously liked what he saw as he joined up with us the following week.
Occupation: TBD.
Time with WJMM: Joined in 2010.
Other sides: TBD
Other Interests: TBD.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: TBD.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: TBD
Snapper just happened. We decided that Nigel would eventually grow up, and with Geoff losing his marbles we could do with a wild beast master!
Occupation: Buffalo and Bison farmer.
Time with WJMM: Another new boy.
Other sides: None.
Other Interests: Rugby.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Undecided.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: We think Snapper is far too serious to have any of these!
Steve joined around the same time as Alan Balding. We thought at first Andy had lost weight, but soon realised Steve was better looking. Steve always has a song for us during the music sessions.
Occupation: Councellor.
Time with WJMM: Joined in 2008.
Other sides: A good question - ask and he will tell you!
Other Interests: TBD.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: TBD.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: We'll find out one day!
Our very own Wyvern (Draco Africanus). He is still a very young Wyvern and therefore a little headstrong but he is quite tame.
Occupation: Kleptomaniac
Time with WJMM: Since a small leathery egg
Other sides: We never mention other sides for fear of him eating the other beasts/animals.
Other Interests: Wyverns love riddles and eating elephants.
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Limited by his stature.
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: Geoff.
New members are always welcome. If you think you would like to give it a go our contact details are on the right.
Occupation: Yours
Time with WJMM: Stay as long as you like
Other sides: We are shameless and won't hold it against you.
Other Interests: You've seen ours - would you fit in?
Favourite Dance/Tradition: Your choice
Most embarrassing Morris dance incident: There will be one - trust us!