MEAVY-based Dartmoor Border Morris have organised an event for Children in Need dubbed ‘Pudsey’s Day of Morris’ — where ten other Morris sides will join them for a day of dancing on Saturday (November 21).

The various Morris sides will be dancing in Tavistock’s Bedford Square from 10am until 4pm, while collecting for the BBC’s Children in Need appeal.

Last year, despite the freezing conditions and touch of rain, they collectively raised £1,047 in six hours and every penny went to the charity.

Treggie, bagman for Dartmoor Border Morris, said: ‘Last year’s event was full of colour, music and passion, but was also very public-friendly with plenty of opportunities for the public to have a go.

‘Morris dancing might be centuries old and the origins completely lost, but it is still a popular pastime with people who like to dance to live music and keep fit, or are fed up with playing music at home by themselves. Most of the sides attending are local and will not just be men in beards drinking ale and waving hankies — though there might be one or two of those around!’

Following the making of a new television commercial for the side’s sponsor, the Black Farmer, — which is to be aired in January on Channel 4 — company owner Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones will be attending the fundraising day.

Dartmoor Border Morris thank all the local people who got behind the group’s idea and supported them, such as Tavistock Town Council, Bob’s East End Café, the Tavy Club and Tavy Ales.

‘Without the help of these organisations, Pudsey would not have a day of Morris!’ said Treggie.

The event is weather dependent so if there is heavy rainfall on the day, the sides will be having a music session in the Tavy Club instead.

Dartmoor Border Morris is a mixed, family side of various ages and backgrounds. Following this event, the side will host an open evening in Meavy Village Hall on Wednesday, November 25 from 8pm, where anyone can turn up and get stuck in with learning the dances or playing a musical instrument.

For more details visit www.dartmoorbordermorris.com or visit the Facebook page.