Chequers - Swinford - Thursday 21st July 2016
Next to the Star at Geddington "Chequers" at Swinford run it very close in popularity with the side .In the main , this has much to do with there being an enthusiastic local contingent who turn out in all weathers, to watch, clap and join in , which they did again last Thursday in a steady drizzle of wet which started at about the time we arrived. The venue is shared with Coventry Morris ,a fine bunch of chaps. We also had the usual 'visit from a passing Articulate Lorry complete with 42 foot trailer and a driver looking for access to the M1/M6. With arms pointing in all directions of the compass he brove off looking somewhat bewildered. By not long past 9.00 it was agreed that Bonny Green was overdue and we should be retiring to the pub - mainly because there are usually 'Hot Dogs' and chips waiting for us - and there were again. A really nice and much appreciated gesture by the Landlord.
Talking of gestures by the Landlord he made one earlier in the year which ultimately lead to the Pubs current Blue and White striped 'livery'. The story goes that back in Feb when things were not going quite so well he made a wager that if Leicester City won the Premier League he would paint the pub in blue and white stripes. Well much to the surprise of many and the Landlord in particular the Foxes jolly well went and did it -stands back in amazement - and true to the Landlord's word he painted the pub. in the teams livery. If you want to see it or photograph it or do a selfie outside of it be quick as it is going back to its more mundane Cream/White ' colour scheme in August.
One final work has to be said about how good it was for us old codgers to see three 'Young 'uns' getting stuck into Shepherds Hay in spite of the rain - splashing aout as Pauline gave her customery 'Know to do it session' The girl in the yellow cagoule and the two young lads had the hanky waving to a 'Tee'. And to the gentleman , who I presumed was a grandparent, who asked me about the history of Morris Dancing , I would say please encourage them as Morris Dancing for all its fun goes back around 1100 years, at least we think, and probably back even further. The enthusiasm of those three at Swinford is the future and continuation of the Morris Tradition = it was great to see them
Talking of gestures by the Landlord he made one earlier in the year which ultimately lead to the Pubs current Blue and White striped 'livery'. The story goes that back in Feb when things were not going quite so well he made a wager that if Leicester City won the Premier League he would paint the pub in blue and white stripes. Well much to the surprise of many and the Landlord in particular the Foxes jolly well went and did it -stands back in amazement - and true to the Landlord's word he painted the pub. in the teams livery. If you want to see it or photograph it or do a selfie outside of it be quick as it is going back to its more mundane Cream/White ' colour scheme in August.
One final work has to be said about how good it was for us old codgers to see three 'Young 'uns' getting stuck into Shepherds Hay in spite of the rain - splashing aout as Pauline gave her customery 'Know to do it session' The girl in the yellow cagoule and the two young lads had the hanky waving to a 'Tee'. And to the gentleman , who I presumed was a grandparent, who asked me about the history of Morris Dancing , I would say please encourage them as Morris Dancing for all its fun goes back around 1100 years, at least we think, and probably back even further. The enthusiasm of those three at Swinford is the future and continuation of the Morris Tradition = it was great to see them