In 1994, the Morris Men of Little Egypt were invited to join with the town-twinners of Haverhill in visiting Haverhill's twin town in Germany, Ehringshausen. Many of the team went and so successful was the visit that a whole new perspective on the power of dance has developed.
The hosts of the Morris men in Germany belonged to a local folk-dance group known as the Hoingker, from the neighbouring community of Aßlar-Werdorf. With a very different style of dancing, based on polkas and waltzes, they make a dazzling contrast to the more bucolic stompings of the Morris. Their hospitality was incomparable, and left a lasting impression on all who took part.
Since our first contact, the Hoingker have returned to Glemsford, in 1995; we in turn revisited the Hessenland in Autumn 1996.The pictures here are samples from our archives, recalling a wonderful few days in Hessen. We hope to welcome them back here in the not too distant future.
