"Charlton Cherries"
Primary School Children
The Charlton Cherries is a club for children of Primary Shool age (4-11 years)
which meet in the Memorial Hall during the summer months for the purpose
of
folk dancing, especialy Maypole Dancing.
It first met in 1987 and many children from Charlton and the surrounding
villages have enjoyed practising dancing round the Maypole and also
performing Morris dances. Originally the club was associated with
the English Folk Dance and Song Society, through their Youth branch,
known as the Hobby Horse Club.
However, when EFDSS adopted a policy of not supporting the
Hobby Horse Club, Charlton Cherries became affiliated to
Open Morris, one of the three national organisations for Morris
Dancers, and it is through them that the Cherries are insured.
The Club used to meet throughout the year on a fortnightly basis, but
with the increasing amount of time the leaders have to spend on other
commitments, they now meet only on certain Tuesdays during the
summer months. Meetings are held in the Memorial Hall from
6.00pm -7.00pm. Subs are currently £1.00 per meeting.
Members of the club have danced with the National Youth Folklore
Troupe of England (NYFTE) since it was formed in 1990 and have
danced at major folk festivals in this country and on the continent.
On reaching secondary school age, a number of members continue
dancing with Apricot Morris, a women'sMorris team based in the
neighbouring village of Aynho.
We would welcome enquiries from anyone would would like to join or help.
Please contact David Morgan on 01295 811404
or email:
morgan@cartwright-rd.freeserve.co.uk
or Bev James on 01869 810532
