We are Kemp's Men: "many things merry - nothing hurtful..." is our motto and our aim is to have a lot of fun, promote the wonder that is the English Morris and help keep our traditional breweries and village pubs in business!
We have our nonagenarians, some dancers barely into their teens and everything else in between. We even have women in a variety of positions!... (wardrobe mistress, musicians) .... Above all, we are a bunch of friends... but that's not to say we're not up for a prank or two. Herewith an introduction to some of our stalwarts. If you've met these characters - feel free to add to their biographies - just click their link.
Tony Gomme
Reputed to be the "Randiest Morris Man in all England" and living proof that laughter is, indeed, the best medicine. A legend in his own trousers and still a regular dancer; turned 90 in 2011 and draws crowds of cheering admirers each year at the Aldeburgh Carnival. If not dancing, you'll find him encouraging the onlookers to part with their loose change.
This photo snapped at a posh wedding at Waxham Great Barn when Tony had sloped off inside for "refreshment" whist the rest of us sweated it out in full sun - probably better not to ask how or why he comes to be wearing the hat of the bride's mother!
Norris "Win" Winstone MBE
Win truly is an inspiration to all and responsible, over his long life, for helping innumerable dancers and musicians find their feet! A man of seemingly infinite patience (except with those who can't be bothered to "check their lines") who seems to be able to recall every tune that has ever been written in the history of the Universe and then teach it to the nearest unsuspecting box player. Now in his 99th year (2011) he is determined to get his telegram from the Queen and to be retired for as many years as he was working so that he gets "good value" out of his pension.
Win and Tony are frequently the last out of the pub and it's been known for them to be asked to drink up and leave as the landlord wants to lock up for the night and go to bed.
A well deserved MBE was awarded to Win in 2009 for his services to folk music and dancing - a proper and fitting recognition of one man's passion for our English tradition.
26th September 2011 - Win died peacefully this evening following a short period of illness. Although a time of sadness for Kemp's Men it is also a time of celebration; celebration of a life lived to the full and a life that contributed so amazingly to the happiness and fulfilment of others. Win gave unstintingly of his time and energy and, in the process, gave the gift of music and dance to all who asked.
All the Rest - "Mostly Harmless"
Here's a list of the rest of us - full length descriptions still to be done... Send me some info on the contact form if you wish to maintain your anonymity!
Peter Mayne: Squire... notable for inability to dance... at all... probably the only non-dancing Squire in Morris... plays a mean squeezbox... has been accused of poaching and been known to ruffle a few feathers.
Tim Huggins: Foreman and true Morris tart being Squire of some other outfit in Suffolk... like Ford Prefect, always knows where his towel is... can be grumpy... self-proclaimed beer expert and member of CAMRA... nut addict.
John Holt: apologist for Woodside Morris Men and dancer of the Nutting Girl at any and every opportunity... organiser of Sunday lunches.
Mike Jones: keeps us on the straight and narrow, solvent and in possession of public liability insurance... Morris tart but let off as he dances with a "proper" Cotswold side... can be persuaded to play concertina on occasion... able to demonstrate that, given sufficient beer, mass is no impediment to height achieved in the leaping.
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