Jinky Wells II is a rather handsome teddy bear who hopes to travel around England, Europe and the World learning about Morris Dancing. What follows below is a brief extract from his diary:
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Sidmouth, Devon, England. 3rd August 1996.So here I am at Sidmouth festival, about to embark on my travels. The aim of my journeying is to see England and the world, and experience something of the ancient art of Morris Dancing in all its hues. My hope is that I shall be able to dance with various teams, passing from one to the next at various morris gatherings. My special ambition is to have encounters with the teams that have maintained their traditions since the days before the great morris revivals; but I also hope to see something of the morris in the colonies (and former colonies).
In time, I hope to become an ambassador for the morris, always, of course, maintaining a diplomatic silence on matters of controversy.
I'm also looking forward to meeting all the lovely audiences - I'm confident they'll adore me - and to having my picture in all the newspapers, being on TV and dancing on the wireless. Fame will not change me - I'll still be fond of a cuddle.
As I go, I hope I shall send souvenirs of my travels - scraps of ribbon, posters, programmes, photographs and so on for my scrapbook that my good friends Mark & Lynn have promised to keep.
I hope to send back emails to my Office Manager, Tedward the Fifth Morris, so he can include them on this Web Page, and to record all of my experiences in a journal with the help of future friends
A couple of points. I never want to wear blackface makeup, and I'm very, very keen to avoid the Hamersmith Morris Men (although I've heard that they all sleep with their own bears).
Sidmouth. August 4th 1996
My first public appearance - scrutineer in the John Gasson Memorial Jig Contest in the Manor Pavilion, keeping an eye on the judges (and I haven't even danced myself, yet). Quite an occasion. 300 morris dancers filling the theatre. I was introduced by Chris Rose, and people kept laughing.
The contest was won by Jameson Wooders of Berkshire Bedlams, musician Jan Elliot, with a "theatrical" jig called "The Emporers New Clothes". Personally I prefered the jig that Adrian and Mark of Downes on Tour did, possibly because of the Jar of Honey Bribe. See picture of me with Chris Rose.
August 4th. Evening
Went to the Morris Party at the Balfour. Didn't Dance, but had chance to natter to people.
Tuesday, August 6th. Lunchtime
I've had a dabble with Ryknild Rabble! But only for a quick 'photo call for the Sidmouth Herald Reporter Karen Edwards. I only got to pose - does this mean I'm famous?
Wednesday, August 7th. Morning
My first dance - on the main arena stage at Sidmouth! (well, actually it was the edge of the stage, at the end of the rehearsal for tonights show - Frost & Fire - celebrating the tituals of the year in Britain. With the help of Simon Pipe I danced Princess Royal, Bampton, finishing in a restrained fashion with a backwards somersault. The musiciand was Eliza Carthy (fiddle, quite good) who for some reason kept laughing. I don't know why.
Wednesday 7th - Evening
In the Market Square I was introduced to the audiences by Dave, the Molly from the Seven Champions Molly Dancers. He had the good sense not to kiss me (ergh, perish the thought), and I sat and watched them dance. I was at the side until one nasty man let his dog trample on me - but I got my revenge by willing the Champs to use the man in their Bacca Pipes type dance called over the people - he had to sit back to back with Hunky Dunky from Hammersmith (the whole Hammersmith side were NOT there) with his legs set our at right angles. That'll teach him! But I sat after that by Mark Rogers who was playing for the Champs. I knew he would look after me.
I have not got round to writing it all down yet, but I will soon. See picture of me with Mark Rogers & Hunky Duncan
Thursday August 8th.
They're making me work - I've had to steward at the Morris Workshop at the Bowd (dance tweaking, which seems to have little to do with nose tweaking). Met a lot of nice people.
Evening
Met Dobbin, the Frome Valley Morris horse, who gave me a nice ride around the Market Square during the evening show. I fell off, but was picked up & dusted off by Lenny Leggett, and then finished my ride. I also met lots of kids.
More 'photocalls, this time with Janet Dowling (President of the Morris Federation) and Donald Barnes, Squire of the Australian Morris Ring.
Janet had the good sense to officially appoint me the Ambassador for the Morris Federation to represent Morris Dancing around the world.
Friday August 9th.
I went to the double jig workshop and partnered my friend Tedward the Fifth Morris who has said that he'll look after my office while I'm on my travels. We had our 'photo taken together on the stage at the Bowd - I'm told that only the top stars are allowed on there so it was quite appropriate, really.
I spent a quiet day, and made sure that I avoided Hammersmith who were dancing in the Market Square. My photo appeared in the Sidmouth Herald, so at least people who could not make it to one of my perfomances have seen me.
Evening
I went up to the Council Offices and supervised the distribution of torches for the procession. At about 11.00pm we set off. I danced with Motley Mixed Morris, a bunch of dancers drawn from different sides, and was carried by a nice young lady - Mandy Green of Brazenose Morris.
There were tens of thousands of people lining the route and so many of them gave me a special loud cheer.
Saturday August 10th.
Travelled to the Cotswolds in Gloucestershire with T5M, Mark and Lynn to examine my new office. It's a bit cramped, but I'm sure it will function well enough. I've even got my own drawer in a filing cabinet for all the souvenirs that I'll send back from all over the world.
I think I'd like to pop back here from time to time to examine it all. And at last I've got a ruck sack for my diary.
Monday August 19th. The Black Horse, Cranham, Nr. Stroud.
Went out dancing with Stroud Morris Dancers and half way through the evening, Eynsham Morris turned up, so I let Eynsham dance Maid of the Mill with me and Stroud Princess Royal. I was told that the Princess Royal only lives 4 miles from Stroud & Prince Charles about 10 miles.
Sunday August 24th. Towersey.
I was really looking forward to this weekend, but it was really spoilt by Hammersmith being there. I had to stay hidden in a bag most of the time. I'm told that individually Hammersmith are nice people, but they can behave a little oddly when the side gets together. It's not known what their reaction to me would be, but I don't want to find out!
I did pop out to meet Alan of East Saxon Sword, and also Donald Barnes from Australia again. He has said that he'll take me down under in a few weeks time, but I'm not too sure what he means yet. As long as I'm back in England for May 1st next year.
Had a nice tour of the Cotswolds on the way back to my office and temporary home, via Headington, Bampton, Eynsham, Stanton Harcourt, etc.
Saturday August 31st. Faversham Hop Festival, Kent.
This is more like it! I can wander around freely, watch dancing and meet people. The Seven Champions were here again (they seemed to be running it) - I seem to keep bumping into them - Sidmouth, Towersey, here...
I went to the Brewery where Hartley Morris Men dedicated Valentine to me. Then Colin Crittenden of Wadard (and also Kits Coty Morris) carried me through a stick dance. Nice man, that Colin.
The most exciting bit was being thrust down the front of Ros's pinafore for a dance with Knockhundred Shuttles. It was nice and warm down there, and soft as well. Very nice of K100 to design their kit with me in mind. A lot of men were muttering that they wanted to be in my position.
Janet from the Morris Federation asked if I would like to do a presentation at the Morris Federation AGM in September
Sunday September 15th. Stroud Fringe Festival.
My first time dancing with Plymouth Maids, snuggled up on Sandra's chest. Jiggled around in 'The Molly Dance' but not as much as if I'd been on some of the other chests! They didn't have room for me.
I also danced with Mr Jorrocks. Well, OK, I watched them dance. But I did let them have the privilede of posing with me for a 'photo. I recognised one of them as a judge from the Jig Contest at Sidmouth. I'm told they are a good side, but I wonder why the kept stopping every 4 steps in one dance?
Plymouth Reunion Morris were also out, but it was hard to tell who was who, as they were all in different kit. With T5M I had some mulled 'real' cider, lots of 'real' beer and some mexican food (although I don't know if that was real or not. Rather a good weekend, all in all.
Saturday & Sunday September 21st/22nd. Downes On Tour weekend, Isle of Purbeck, Dorset.
We all took the steam railway from Corfe Castle (which seems to be falling down, but it's been like that for about 300 years, so I'm told) to Swanage, where I danced at the Station. I took the number 3 position in DOT's first dance, William and Nancy, and didn't put a paw wrong - until I fell over in rounds (Allan's fault). I also danced the Upton Stick Dance strapped into Chrs' belt.
During the lunch break at the Red Lion, Brian taught me to prachute - I enjuyed this a great deal, although I had one ignomineous landing in the next door garden and had to be rescued from a bramble bush.
Unfortunately, I disgraced myself later and had to have my head eased out of a beer mug (talk about a bear with a sore head). I redeemed myself with a perfect performance in TOD's Salisbury Plain, Safely tucked up against Deb's tummy. Then down to the sea front for more dancing. I particularly enjoyed the liquorice ice-cream.
We took the train back to Corfe Castle and after more dancing (which I just watched) we all had a wonderful cream tea which decorated my smout fur.
Sunday found us at the "Square and Compass", many dogs, turkeys and chickens vieing for attention. The sun came out after Downes men & TOD women danced an odd assortment of dances for 3, 4 or 6. A Downes man even managed to learn a chorus before the dance ended. The men let me into a William and Nance, Bledington. My choruses were at lease consistent.
28th November 1996. Adelaide, South Australia.
Just a short note to let you know all is well and that I'm having a marvellous time. Since leaving you all at Windsor, and what a weekend that was, I've been flat out trying to keep up with hosts Donald and Liz. Don't panic but we stayed with the Hammersmith boys in London. They even wrote in my diary! They have a wonderful pub scene down there. Why all the fuss about the Smiths? The greatest danger is the kid. Spent most of my time airborn while entertaining her.
Paris was wonderful. Glad we got through the tunnel without incident though. Climbed the tower, had lunch with a very nice expatriate Oz and generally took in the sights and sounds of this elegant, cultured city. The girls at the youth hostel desk took a shine to me.
Flew out to Australia via Singapore. Slept most of the way stuffed in the overhead locker alongside the Scotch whisky. First trip to the other side of the world. Uncle Don seemed really glad to get home. Straight to favourite coffee shop from airport! Next morning the local morris turned up at some ungodly hour and started to create a racket out the front of the house. Did the right thing and struggled up from the floor where Donald ( he likes to be called Donald ) dropped me the previous night. Met the Lancashire Witches and the Adelaide Morris Men. Became bosom buddies with one very attractive Witch- literally! Invited to dance their own "Aldgate Rant" with them. Bounced around chest high. I think I'm going to enjoy myself over here. Why didn't someone tell me about morris dancing in Australia before. Hate to be disloyal but they are very good at it and they are colonials!
Uncle Don got the flu soon after he got home. So did Liz. These Aussie bugs can be pretty vicious. Danced with the Adelaide Morris Men up in the Adelaide Hills recently. Four of them and one or two musicians. The others forgot to turn up. Somewhat truncated they put on a great show and wooed the crowd. Some kids asked for my address so I gave them my home address. You might hear from them before I get home. A bit miffed that the Adelaide Men didn't take me down to a place called Yankallila last weekend. Donald said he forgot to grab me as he rushed out the door. A Victoriana Fair or something. I would have liked to have seen them in their Border kit at the Masked Ball. The photos look really good. You lot should try to get down here sometime.
The great news is that I'm off to Brisbane in a few weeks. There is a big folk festival near there and we are going to drive up (2000 kms !!) through the middle of this enormous place in the middle of summer! Probably 40 degrees plus every day!
Then I'm staying on with the Rampants, a very wild lot I've heard, and meeting the other Brisbane and Queensland based sides. Will also meet Molonglo Mayhem from Canberra while there. Arrive Brisbane about 27 Dec.
How is my good friend Simon? Has anyone heard from him? Will he be in Canberra next Easter to pick me up at the National Folk Festival? He could run a few jig workshops and stun them all with his inspired dancing. Hong Kong are going to be there. Tell Simon to float a bottle across the ocean to let them know he's coming.
I'm off to help Uncle Don entertain one of his classes. Yes, I'm at school and he thinks I'll be good for a few lessons.
Watch out for a Xmas parcel including one or two photos. Please say hello to everyone.
Lots of hugs, Jinky
PS. Uncle Don has scolded me for not being in touch with you all but then he said his mates on the Net or something will keep you informed.
Courtesy of Caroline, part-time student at Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane - passing through on my uni holidays to check all the MDDL conversations for the past three months - herewith some mutterings from Jinky ...that is, I presume the slow dancing Australian Morris Ring Squire (alias Donald Barnes) hasn't got round to sending or emailing you some of Jinky's details ...
... Left the lovely Festival city of Adelaide on the 22nd and headed for Dubbo YHA (Youth Hostel) Backpackers.
Tuesday, 24 December
OK, we've travelled 1000km and we are only half way there. Donald and Liz spent the day at the Western Plains Zoo but I spend the day in a suitcase!
Wednesday, 25 December - XMAS IN AUSTRALIA
Interlude for a Ozzie Xmas song
Xmas in Australia is Xmas in Paradise
Xmas in Australia is basically bloody nice ...
Beautiful, warm sunny day - drove to Coonabarabran (in the middle of woop woop) where we met some good friends of Liz and Don's at a campsite in the Warrumbungle National Park. Hazel and daughter, Lauren, are known to some of the English sides. A night in a tent under a big, open star filled sky. Heavenly. Got to know the locals, kangaroos, over breakfast. We had a very meaningful time together. ["Uncle Don" should be sending you some evidence in the sometime near futre!]
26th December - arrived Brisbane
- and the beginning of a new chapter in my travels. [Here! Here! agree the Brisbane sector of Morrice Rampant]
27th December - arrived Woodford Folk Festival
circa one and a half hours north of Brisbane in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast.
29th DecemberWhat a wonderful festival Woodford is - I am meeting so many lovely people.
Tonight, I am having a sleep over with Anita Carr from Molonglo Mayhem Border Morris - yippee! [Sleep over - in tents, that is. This is a camping festival.]
I have danced "Toowoom-Bucknell with Morrice Rampant and Border with Molonglo. It ain't half hot though. Apparently, I am to be the prompter in a mummer's play tonight.
31 December 1996 - New Year's Eve, Woodford Folk Festival
The festival is set in a wonderful hidden valley - the perfect setting for the magnificent folk festival this is.
On the first night, I listened to Midnight Oil from the safety of my cosy little tent. I'm sharing it with Liz and Don. On subsequent days, I have ventured out in the early evening to dance out with Morrice Rampant (a wild lot too - a little English restraint wouldn't hurt I sometimes think) and Molonglo Mayhem Border Morris from Canberra led by the super energetic Paul Carr - they have turned up in tatter coats that are lightweight and airy - it can be hot and humid up here. Paul wears rather sexy tights too [Morrice Rampant women comment that they leave nothing to the imagination!]. Their gaily coloured carnival hats are a clever addition to their kit. Uncle Don and Liz dance with them - that's how they got in to the Woodford Festival for free!
I'm rather an honoured guest around here. Everyone wants to dance with me and God forbid sleep with me. The Rampants grap me at every opportunity to join in and dance with them at what can only be described as a frenetic pace. I leave the set feeling quite dizzy after spinning around on Geoff's [Hormone Rampant's] head, or strapped to Greg's [Rampant foreman] comfortable waist or hopping around with Kimbo [Rampant Squire]. They don't seem to have any rspect for sticks at all - the sole purpose of morris dancing as far as they are concerned is to break as many sticks as possible. Actually, now that we are on the topic of sticks ... Uncle Don is feeling a bit grumpy. He has been hit in the ribs and across the hand, but may be I shouldn't say too much about this.
Had a break from the festival on Sunday [29th December, 1996]
Went down [east] to Mooloolabah beach - great big booming waves rolling in from the Pacific, wide sandy beaches, beautiful Aussie girls (and boys) as far as the eye could see. It's a wonder we got there through - Geoff from the Rampants rode his motorbike with a guy called Rob (initially from Birmingham) on the back. Caught the attention of a friendly (!) policemen (on a motorcycle too). He discovered that Geoff's licence was somewhat deficient. Geoff must realize that if he wants to avoid suspicion, he must dress like the rest of us and not wear brightly coloured (fool's) trousers when riding. The cops can't resist. Anyhow, all of this stopped the convoy en route to Mooloolabah somewhat.
So glad to finally get to Mooloolabah, "bloody hot" as they say in the midday sun and this Englishman was glad to be out of it. Celebrated by climbing an umbrella pole at a pub, much to the amusement of the locals who thought I was doing a koala impersonation - in fact, I'd just had my first taste of XXXX - yes, they can't spell beer up here [in Queensland] and it had gone to my head. (The only decent l-a-g-e-r in this country is Coopers Ale from South Australia.)
A new side appeared to dance as well. Called themselves "Belswagger" and in traditional Cotswold kit. Didn't fool me though - they all looked like the lot that like to break sticks, Morrice Rampant. A lot of mix and match seems to go on in Queensland. Had a nice photo taken with Kimbo and Liz and took pride of place in group shot.
[Back to the festival now ...] Oh! I've got an earring! It didn't hurt at all. Alison, a spunky young lady (who is also the sister of one of the Rampant musicians, Seamus) sat me on her knee and gently led me through a ritual ear piercing. She's really nice. I really like her green streaked hair.
Notes:
Woke up early Tue (this morning! Phew!) and accompanied Susie Wilson and her mum Nettie to the Teddy Bears' Picnic. Met lots of Australian bears and their kids, had lots to eat and we were entertained by Michael Jackson on a squeeze box and a lady with a nice voice. Donald turned up and took photos and dragged me away. Spoiled sport!!
PS: I heard Uncle Don whisper to Liz that Morrice Rampant dance fast and furious because it disguises the fact that they don't know how to dance slow, high and with elegant style like he can.
Caught glimpses of other Queensland morris sides - Wild Mountain Morris, Ladies Pleasure and someone in Moreton Bay kit.
The highlight of the Woodford Festival must be the MORRIS EXTRAVAGANZA performed in the Folkloric Club. After hours of careful planning, rehearsal, last minute changes, Molonglo Mayhem and Morrice Rampant combined forces and presented an hour long feature ENGLISH MEN'S DANCE BUSINESS (!!!). At the rehearsal, I had general oversight from the top of a great big speaker and during the performance itself acted raucously as prompter guest of honour and sat on stage in Donald's top hat. The Australian morris really know how to do it when they put their mind to it. (A word of encouragement always helps.)
Well, there was a Mummer's play inspired by Molonglo with Paul, Leslie, Nick and Debbie in the lead - lots of Oz politicians, Father Xmas in evidence, a last minute doctor played with great skill by Gerry [Morrice Rampant] (his dolly bird assistants were the reason I was strapped tightly on to Monty's (the horse) back because, if left unrestrained, I would surely have disgraced myself on stage - Hazel, oh, Hazel! The crowd went wild, particularly when I made the horse, Monty, leap about in a frenzy - he has a real hang up about little Johnnie Howard, the PM who made a short appearance.
Then the jig. Oh what a joy. Traditional English Cotswold Morris to perfection. Uncle Don thought he could make his three Rampant co-dancers look rather foolish by dancing Nutting Girl real s-l-o-w and high and with showy style. He had to admit afterwards that the three Rampants (Greg, Kimbo and Liz) got most of the applause (the audience was surprisingly large) and that they could actually dance like him ... (may be better!!!) ...
Jinky, you ... are suffering from verbal diarrhoea! I think we have been together for too long. It's been lovely having you with us, but the time has arrived for you to move on.
I hereby pass you on to Greg Hall, Squire of Moreton Bay Morris, Foreman of Morrice Rampant and general rabble rouser.
I entrust him with the noble responsibility of taking good care of you and ensuring that you continue your journey in the land of Australia in good health, a state of cleanliness and appropriately tailored and gifted.
Until we meet again Jinky, in Canberra perhaps, will Simon be there!?
Lots of hugs,
~Uncle Donald, Squire, Australian Morris Ring
May 6th 1997
Just a quickie to say I'm alive and well Down Under and I haven't caught anything nasty.
I'm having an absolute ball with the Australian morris, they're such fun. I've been to down to Adelaide, South Australia then up to Woodford Folk Festival in Queensland, then down to Canberra (the capital) for their National Folk Festival. THEN I was bearknapped at the National and ended up back in Adelaide (that was pretty exciting, in more ways than one!) but made my way back to Queensland and now I'm in Tasmania. I've slept in more interesting places than I care to mention.
Struth, I'm knackered!
Sorry, I didn't get home for Mayday ...I had a better offer.
My Queensland mates will send a copy of my diary for my homepage very soon. With pictures too, I hope.
Must go, places to do and things to see.
Love to all
PS I've got some interesting souvenires to send home.
Tedward the Fifth Morris will be happy to take email on Jinky's behalf, and will try and pass it on whenever Jinky contacts his office at 4 Drift Way, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, England, GL7 1WF. Mail: Jinky@capers.compulink.co.uk You can also speak to Mark or Lynn Rogers at his office on +44 1285 650679Copyright © 1997 Simon Pipe and Mark & Lynn Rogers
Most recent revision 17th May 1997