Exeter Morris has announced it plans to fully embrace becoming a mixed gender side – the first in Exeter – and welcome new dancers and members, both men and women.

The Morris side, which attracts members from as far as Crediton, Taunton, Honiton and Colyford, has changed its name from Exeter Morris Men to Exeter Morris to mark this new chapter. 

Morris dancing was originally predominantly performed by men, but nowadays, there are as many female Morris dancers as there are male, a trend Exeter Morris aims to encourage.

For the Morris men and women of England, it's now that time of year when the bells are put away and colourful outfits are hung up for the winter months.

It's also the time of year when many Morris sides are hoping to recruit new members, strengthen their teams and keep this British tradition alive, including in Exeter.

Exeter Morris is inviting anyone who has ever enjoyed watching Morris dancers to come along and try it out for themselves.

The side is hosting a couple of Morris dancing taster evenings at 7.30pm on Thursdays, October 14 and 29 at Ide Memorial Hall, on the south west side of Exeter.

John Armstrong, squire of Exeter Morris, said: "If you live within our catchment area and you'd like to come along and see what Morris dancing is all about, we would be very happy to see you at our taster evenings.

"We provide the sticks, but you might want to bring your own hankies." 

Exeter Morris is the oldest established side in Devon, formed in 1951. They dance the traditional Cotswold style of Morris dancing and are anxious to help maintain the English Morris dance traditions for future generations.

Their current dancers are aged from their 30s upwards, so younger members will be particularly welcome.

Foreman Graham Wood said: "We often have people tell us they've thought of trying Morris dancing but have never got round to it. Well, if you tap your feet listening to music, we should be able to teach you to Morris dance."

Morris dancing is great fun, good exercise and gets you to some of the best pubs in Devon! You too could soon be helping to keep alive one of England's oldest traditions for future generations to enjoy. 

For more details visit www.exetermorris.co.uk