Spring Grove History And Archive

Spring Grove Morris Men formed in the Summer of 1977 for a one off performance at an "Evening of Love" organised by the Spring Grove Residents' Association in St John's Parish Hall, Spring Grove, Kingston on 17th September 1977. Gus Guscott who had danced and played melodeon previously with Wheatsheaf Morris Men acted as teacher and mentor.

The men enjoyed the dance and decided to continue the newly formed side. New men joined and a nucleus of regular dancers widened their knowledge of Cotswold traditions by close association with Cyril Smith of Thames Valley Morris Men based at the Foley Arms in Claygate, Surrey. Numbers grew as men from Ewell St Mary's joined in practices with Spring Grove and Thames Valley before forming their own side based in Ewell during the early 1980s.

After honing their skill for 7 years Spring Grove Morris proudly danced into The Morris Ring at the Thaxted Ring Meeting in 1984.

The side has danced regularly with other local sides, at Ring Meetings, on cable TV and on overseas tours.

Gus Guscott - Spring Grove Morris Men debut performance 17th September 1977

Abraham Brown - debut 17th September 1977

Young Collins - debut 17th September 1977

Waggon & Horses - December 1979

Old Taylor - Richmond Fayre May 1981

Jig - Richmond Fayre May 1981

Constant Billy Headington - All Saints' Church, Kingston February 25th 1984

Upton Stick casualty - All Saints' Church, Kingston February 25th 1984

Colin & Alan - evening with Ewell St Mary's Morris Men summer 1985

Spring Grove Morris Men - Claremont Gardens Summer 1987