Cardiff Ladies Morris

Cardiff Ladies Morris were formed in 1973 and were one of the three founder members of the Women’s Morris Federation.

Interest in starting the side came from two Cardiff organisations - the Folk Club and the Mountaineering Club. Initially the dances were taught by two members of Cardiff Morris Men; then a couple came from Bath, and also the early “Ladies” learned by attending workshops.

The side developed by becoming an Adult Education class - this brought income and numbers and also provided a place to dance at no extra cost. It was considered normal for there to be 25 - 30 ladies and the average age was mid 20s. None of the original members are still dancing with the side although several did attend our 25th reunion in 1998.

Present kit consists of red skirts, white blouses, black waistcoats sporting the badge, with black sweatshirts for cold weather! Originally there were two kits - a day and an evening one. The evening kit was similar to the present kit, with the addition of a bowler hat and a frill on the skirt to provide “swing”; this was based on ceilidh dress of the time. The day kit was red and white gingham mini dresses with a black waistcoat and bowler. The idea for the outfit came from traditional Welsh costume from an earlier Century such as would have been worn by a merchant’s wife; the gingham fabric was chosen as it was felt that this would always be readily available. With the change in fashions (and for decency’s sake), a frill was added to the dress in May 1977. The gingham dresses and bowlers disappeared around May 1990.

The side started off dancing Wheatley and Ilmington traditions and at various times throughout its history has danced Bidford, Stanton Harcourt and a few North West dances (Knutsford).

Today our dances are from the Cotswold villages of Ilmington and Ducklington plus our own tradition of Llareggub (à la Dylan Thomas), these being dances developed by members of the side over the past 30+ years.