SIR Francis Drake will rise to take on his old adversary the King of Spain at Buckland Abbey, when Dartmoor Border Morris perform their seasonal Mummers Play in the Great Barn. The event takes place on Sunday, December 11 from 2pm and will be followed by plenty of morris dancing. Mumming plays are ritual folk dramas with a peculiar mix of Christian and pre-Christian symbolism. Midwinter customs were a time for mis-rule and the play features several stock characters, from the Winter King, Mother Dolly, Mother Christmas and the miraculous Doctor. ?The plays were taken to the great houses and performed before gentry by labourers who would be rewarded with gifts of drink, food and coins of the realm,? said Dartmoor Border squire Steve Newland. ?We shall perform the play twice at the abbey, 2pm and 3.30pm. If you miss both we hope to repeat it again on Boxing Day, weather permitting in Walkhampton from noon,? he said. Dartmoor Border Morris are a mixed family side. ?We perform ?border? stick dances which are often danced quite vigourously,? said Steve. ?We are always interested in receiving new members. We are currently in our practice season which is a good time to learn. Throughout the summer, we dance weekly at local pubs, fetes and festivals.? If you are interested in learning to morris dance or a musician willing to play contact Steve on 01822 610412. l Wreckers Morris, Cornwall?s largest and loudest Border Morris Dance Side, is also looking for new dancers and musicians. If you enjoy great exercise, good fun and live music, then go along and give Wreckers a try. They meet at 8pm every Thursday at St Dominick Village Hall. The group caters for all ages and ability, and no experience is needed. Car sharing is available from most areas in Cornwall and the Tamar Valley. To find out more, contact Susie Weekes on 01579 383554, or look at website: http://www.wreckers-morris.co.uk">www.wreckers-morris.co.uk