SAINT George’s Day turned into a festival of traditional English dancing last weekend in Hook and the neighbouring villages.

An army of strangely– dressed folk descended on the village to help the Hook Eagle Morris Men celebrate their 25th birthday. More than 250 dancers and musicians in 16 guest teams – known as sides – gathered for what was possibly the biggest display of morris dancing in England, to celebrate the nation’s patron saint.

Jonathan Buisson, Squire of Hook Eagle Morris men, said: “After assembling in Hook, massed dancing took place in The Bury in Odiham for nearly three hours, with sides also performing outside The Bell, The Bel & Dragon at The George, and the nearby Waterwitch.

“The notorious thirst of morris dancers saw three barrels of beer drained at The Bell in the Bury over lunch time.”

Four coaches then transported the morris dancers on a marathon pub crawl to Hook, Hartley Wintney and Rotherwick. They performed outside Andwell’s Brewery, The Crooked Billet, The Wagon and Horses, The Cricketers, The Phoenix Inn, The Coach and Horses, and The Falcon.

Among those in attendance for the day of silver anniversary celebrations was former Hook vicar Reverend Stuart Foster. He helped set up Hook Eagle Morris Men 25 years ago.

Stuart was the founding father of the morris men when, in 1991, an auction of promises was held to raise funds for St John the Evangelist Church in Hook.

To fulfil the prize a couple of dancers from nearby Yateley Morris Men taught a small team from the church in Hook a couple of dances for the church fete in 1991. They enjoyed it so much that they wanted to carry on, and so Hook Eagle Morris Men was formed.

Rev Foster said: “Well, what can I say, other than to express my delight that you have survived and will soon enter into folk history. Bless you all!”

Another prominent guest was Sue Humphry, who won the original auction prize in 1991. She joined in the celebrations alongside other past members, who came from as far afield as Wales, Suffolk, and the Isle of Wight.

A few of the old timers, including Stuart, were persuaded to show they still have what it takes by joining in a couple of dances.

After their tour, the dancers carried on at the Hook Community Centre. Around 90 guests stayed for a birthday supper and barn dance, which proved to be a huge success.

Hook Eagle Morris Men raised large sums of money for St John’s Church in the early years. Since then they have supported local hospices and other organisations in Hook.

This year the proceeds from fundraising efforts will go to the Base Youth Club and a group which supports young people in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Awards.

John Ellis, bagman of Hook Eagle Morris, said: “We were overwhelmed by the response of other sides to our invitation to our birthday dance. It is some measure of our standing in the world of morris dancing that after 25 years we are so widely known and respected.

“We have a lot of people to thank for making the day such a success, including members of our own team for all their efforts, Hampshire County Council, Odiham Parish Council and InOdiham for helping with road closures and logistics, Farnham Coaches for transport, and the team at the Hartletts Café for their great help with our supper.

“We’d also like to thank the very morris-friendly pubs and Andwell’s Brewery for their support and continued warm welcome to morris dancers.”

Versions of the folk dance originally sprang up across Europe in the Middle Ages. The first recorded Morris dances in this country were in the 15th Century.

The origins of the name are lost in the mists of time. It may derive from ‘Moorish’, refering to Arabic invaders who expanded out of north Africa.

The dancers typically brandish sticks and handkerchiefs, and wear bells. They admit they come in for a bit of stick from detractors, on account of their antics. Few residents turned out to watch last weekend – whether out of indifference or disapproval. But the folk enthusiasts were undeterred. The tradition appears to be thriving in rural Hampshire.

Hook Eagle Morris have a packed and exciting programme of dancing planned for the rest of the year. Their next event will be for early risers; dawn on May Day at the White Hart Hotel in Hook – and then off to the Rochester Sweeps festival in Kent later the same day.

Bagman John added: “We will be at a number of local fetes and events in and around Hook later this year, giving plenty of opportunities to join.

“We are always in need of new dancers and musicians. No experience is required and we assure a warm and friendly welcome to newcomers. Our most recent recruit joined us for his Duke of Edinburgh award scheme and is now a very valued dancer at just 16 years old!”