Open Morris Member Sides

based in Belper in Derbyshire, Fleet Folkloric Forum was established by visual artist, musician and folklorist Chris Lewis-Jones, theatre designer and drama practitioner Ian Pringle and arborealist Alex Begg. We explore traditional and local folkloric practices, such as well blessing, wassailing, bound beating and dancing in the May. However, we also design new rituals and practices, such as the May Mares and Channel Swimming (‘channels’ are what the nailers of Belper called what people might call ginnels, twitchles or alleys). The May Mares ride hobby horses and interact with the public in a number of (humorous) ways. The mares reference Belper’s smithing legacy and the its association with the Derbyshire highwaymen Black Harry and his friend, Dick Turpin. Although we are not primarily a dance side, we are working with chorographer Emma Lewis-Jones to design May Mares dances, using elements of north west Morris and circle dance.