Whitethorn Morris Dance With The Flowers Of May In Denham

A Memory of Denham.

Correct me if I am wrong but I think that this view shows the splendid canal side pub which I remember as "The Malt Shovel".

One fine evening in May 2004 the dancers from two Harrow based Morris sides met here and entertained a crowd of pub regulars and a few passing narrow boats on the Grand Union Canal. I was there with my piano accordian to lead the Whitethorn Band and I particularly remember this evening as for the very first time we had a banjo player, Terry, playing along with us. The second side to perform that evening was "The Flowers of May" - a long established side of women clog morris dancers who were first formed in the 1970's and from whom my own side "Whitethorn Morris" were susequently formed in 1977.

It was lovely to see the two sides performing together and also very convenient as while one side danced the other could go to the bar to replenish tankards of beer! The Whitethorn Morris dancers in particular looked spectacularly attractive in their bright scarlet and blue kit plus polished black clogs. I enjoyed the evening with my accordian and have some photographs of the occasion as well as this view to remind me!