Morris dancing has long been a popular tradition in Oxfordshire and as lockdown eases Morris sides will have more opportunities to show off their skills in outdoor locations.

The Morris Federation has indicated May 17 is a date for the diary for Morris dancing as from that date, according to the Government's easing of lockdown, up to 30 people will be allowed to meet outdoors, and up to six people or two households will be able to meet indoors.

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The federation says it appears that practices and, possibly, performances may be allowed outdoors with up to 30 people, and indoor practices with up to six.

Eynsham Morris in 2019

Eynsham Morris in 2019

Morris dancing has a long history in the county and William Kimber was an influential enthusiast.

In 2011, the descendants of Mr Kimber were among 200 people who gathered in St Anne’s Road, Headington, for the unveiling of a blue plaque on the home he built for his family in 1905.

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On Boxing Day 1899, Mr Kimber and the Headington Quarry Morris Dancers were out performing to earn some extra money.

Bampton Morris Men danced through the flood in 1932 in front of the Elephant and Castle pub

Bampton Morris Men danced through the flood in 1932 in front of the Elephant and Castle pub

Folk song collector Cecil Sharp was staying at Sandfield Cottage in the village, and when 27-year-old Mr Kimber arrived with his concertina and dancers, Mr Sharp asked him to return the next day so he could write down the tunes.

Chris Kimber-Nickelson with fellow members of Headington Quarry Morris at the unveiling of a blue plaque for William Kimber in 2011

Chris Kimber-Nickelson with fellow members of Headington Quarry Morris at the unveiling of a blue plaque for William Kimber in 2011

The meeting helped inspire Mr Sharp’s lifetime of work, recording dances, folk tunes and songs, and introducing them to the wider public.

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It prompted a huge revival in Morris and folk dancing, which had been in decline, and Mr Kimber dedicated the rest of his life to promoting traditional dances.

Mr Kimber’s great-grandson Chris Kimber-Nickelson, marked the unveiling of the plaque with a solo Morris dance, accompanied by his ancestor’s famous concertina.

The chartered surveyor said at the time: “It is nice that he is being recognised with a blue plaque, because it is important to remember these things.

Jane Bird completed a 2.6-mile dance for May Morning in 2020

Jane Bird completed a 2.6-mile dance for May Morning in 2020

“Our dances are important local traditions, and it is good they are kept going. I am proud of the family connection.”

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And Mr Kimber’s granddaughter Julie Kimber-Nickelson, 72, said: “He was a stern man, and not the type of grandfather who would bounce you on his knee, but once he knew I could play piano it changed completely.

Morris dancing next to the Bridge of Sighs in Oxford for May Morning 2019

Morris dancing next to the Bridge of Sighs in Oxford for May Morning 2019

“He said he could not read music, and asked me to read it for him."

She said the family always danced regularly, in a tradition passed down through the generations.