The Broadstone Morrismen, based in Retford in Nottinghamshire, were formed in 1980, and perform dances in the style collected from Cotswold villages.
Each year they dance at dawn on 1st May on top of the old Motte & Bailey at Laxton in Nottinghamshire. Beer and breakfast in provided for the large crowd of spectators.
During the period from May to July they dance around the villages of North Nottinghamshire, and occasionally further afield.
The side take their name from the Broadstone found in the market square in Retford. This ancient stone with it's scooped out hollow was used to pass coins through vinegar during times of plague.
The men dance in black and white, the traditional colours of Retford, and have yellow ribbons. The front badge shows the Retford Broadstone shown in the logo above. The badge on the back shows the Coat of Arms of Retford with two Rampant Choughs.
The side practices on Mondays from 8:30pm to 10:00pm from September to April at the Grove Street Methodist Hall in Retford. New members and musicians are always made welcome.
Dancing at the Bus Nuts Annual Convention at Sandtoft
Dancing-in at the 1986 Ring Meeting in Worksop
The Broadstone Dances - music and instructions
Other sites to visit
The English Folk Dance and Song Society
Visit the Broadstone Brewery Web site
Forthcoming events of Broadstone Morrismen