HOOK Eagle Morris Men have strengthened their ties with the Hook Open Duke of Edinburgh group at a cheque presentation this month.

A total of £250 was donated to the group after raising funds throughout the year.

After they dance, it is traditional for Morris sides to ‘pass the hat around’ so that audience can show their appreciation in the usual way and during 2016, Hook Eagle Morris Men have been raising money to support young people in Hook.

John Ellis, from the Hook Morris group said: “We are pleased to be helping both the Hook Open Duke of Edinburgh Centre and the Base Youth Club, both located at the Hook Community Centre in Ravenscroft.

“We were delighted that Lindsay Graham, Hook Open Duke of Edinburgh Centre co-ordinator, and fellow volunteer Rachel Mamone were able to join us at our practise session at the Elizabeth Hall on October 14 to receive a donation of £250 to support their work.”

Following the cheque presentation, the Duke of Edinburgh group stayed to watch the Morris dancers practising a range of their dances. 

The Hook Open Duke of Edinburgh Centre is now in its second year of operation and has 28 young people aged 14-15 years old enrolled on the Bronze Award programme and a further 12, 15-16 year olds working towards the Silver Award.

As part of each level of the award, the young volunteers have to complete an expedition which includes overnight camping.

The centre is looking to build up a stock of equipment that can be used for all its expeditions, and the donation from Hook Eagles will be used towards reaching that target.

The Morris men also announced that they would be making a similar donation to the Base Youth Club in the near future as part of their continued work with young people in Hook.

The Hook Eagle Morris Men are still on the lookout for new members and more details can be found at www.hookeagle.org.uk or by by calling John Ellis on 07900 886855.