Morris side appeals for fresh blood to boost Sussex tradition

Members of Hannah's Cat - one of the most popular local groups - want to see more people take up the sticks after seeing numbers dwindle to just a dozen.

Maggi Davis, the group's squire, said: "Morris dancing is great fun. It is important to keep these traditions alive and there is a brilliant social life in being a member.

"We meet regularly, everyone is welcome, and we take part in a lot of festivals - often staying overnight."

The group, based in Hastings Old Town, has been going for six years after former side Daisy Roots split into Hannah's Cat and Oojah Kappivvy, another Hastings-based troop.

Bexhillians already have the option to join the Royal Sovereign side, but Hannah's Cat organiser Susan Parfitt said the style of that group - known as Border Morris - is very different from their own Cotswold Tradition, which features sticks and hankies, and originates from 15th century Oxfordshire.

The Border style - so called because it grew along the border to Wales - occasionally features blackened-face makeup, and rarely uses hankies.

Those interested can expect to take part in a host of special events, including the Tenterden Folk Festival, the Faversham Hop Festival and Jack in the Green.

Hannah's Cat takes its name from the local legend of Hannah Clarke - a white witch who was said to fly over 1066 Country to protect it from Napoleonic invasions.

All the dancers are women, but men should not be put off, because Hannah's Cat also needs more musicians.

To find out more, contact Maggi on 01424 211873, or Heather Leech on 01424 716576.

Alternatively, you can visit All Saints Church Hall, All Saints Street, on Thursdays between 8.15pm-10pm, when the group practice. Their sessions resume after a short break in June, and cost 1.50 to attend.