The Minster Strays
Founded in 2003, the team is based in the Howardian Hills between York and Pickering. We have members of both sexes and all ages, but with a common love of England's folk dance tradition.
Our repertoire includes elegant dances from the Cotswolds with complex sequences of galleys and capers, together with wild, raucous frolics from the Welsh borders. The varied traditions are reflected in our kit; smart waistcoats for the Cotswold, multicoloured tattered jackets for the Border.
We are members of the Morris Federation.
In 2010 we were awarded the Gordon Crowther Memorial Staff by Yorkshire Coast Morris at their Weekend of Dance; it is given annually to the team whose performance best portrays "the spirit of the dance".
Anyone who missed seeing our spot on the Look North television programme on 7 January 2009 can catch it at http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/7816684.stm!
Want to join us? Our practice sessions are held on Monday evenings between September and mid-May in Thornton-le-Clay - just off the A64 to the north of York. New members are always welcome; the September session are aimed particularly at beginners. Contact Wendy Williamson (tel 01904 414157) to find out more.