Ben Harding

BEN HARDING

Date of Birth:

31/01/1965

Place of Birth:

Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire

Occupation:

Communications Manager

Year began the Morris:

2004

What was it that made you try the Morris?

After having been a professional rock musician for 12 years, but now having settled into a new (relatively normal) career and having moved from London to Cornwall, I wanted an opportunity to play music again, and to explore my folk roots, which were always there but rather anaemic. I'd always enjoyed Morris dancing when I'd happened across it, and when I was invited to accompany Trigg in the latter half of Summer 2004, to watch them dance and then play along at the afters, I leapt at the chance. Their musical repertoire enthralled me - everything from folk song from around the world to Victorian music hall, and novelty songs of the 40's and 50's to the Rolling Stones. The sight and sound of Chris Ridley pumping out 'This Could Be the Last Time' did it for me - I was going to be a part of this, by hook or by crook. And then the dancing started. All of a sudden, the playing became secondary. There's something a little dervish-like about the Morris - you lose yourself in the dance. The only experience I have to compare it to is that of being on stage in a sweaty club, or at Wembley Stadium. The same urge to perform, to impress, is there. It's just that the setting is a little different. Anyhow, I love it - I can't imagine being without it.

Are you a Dancer, Musician, Both or other?

Both, but I'm a dancer first and foremost, though I'm thinking about introducing a little guitar to one particular dance&ldots;

What made you persevere with it?

The welcome, the comradeship, the music, the dance, the challenge, the people, and the common purpose.

Who you have danced with except Trigg?

No-one. For me, at this time, it'd be very weird to do so.

What is your preferred Dance Tradition?

I love Fieldtown for its elegance (and because I spent a year dancing this exclusively), but I think that Bucknell and Stanton Harcourt will grow to be my favourites. I love the 'snappiness' and precision of these traditions.

What is your favourite Dance?

It changes from week to week, if not day to day, according to which one I get right! 'Valentine' will always be up there, but at the moment, it's Pete Philp's (as yet unnamed) Stanton Harcourt dance to the tune of 'From Night 'Till Morn'. Just feels right.

What 'High Spot' do you remember since you started?

So many, so many. The first night I came out with Trigg, playing at Mawgan Porth, on the cider, with Jim nudging me through the songs and Viv telling me to put my fag out during her rendition of 'I have a bonnet trimmed with blue' (still my fave of hers - makes me shiver). My first Easter Monday - have there really been two? The day I was presented with my baldric, and the day I popped over to Pete Marlow's to pick up my bells, hat and britches. I don't mind telling you I put the lot on as soon as I got home (already had the socks). And I've the photos to prove it!Ladies' Night 2005, when Ian called me at about 8 o'clock to say 'where are you?'&ldots;And, of course, the unforgettable first Ring meeting. That many real-ale-farting Morris dancers in one gymnasium, plus the punk rock medley in the canteen&ldots; I will perform the Clash one of these days&ldots;Add to that: every practice night, whatever the weather, and every dance out.

A bit about yourself:
I'm partner to the fantastic Louise, who couldn't be more supportive of my Morrissing if she tried, and dad to Matilda, who already has her Morris Dancing outfit!

Date of Birth:	31/01/1965
Place of Birth:	Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire
Occupation:	Communications Manager
Year began the Morris:	2004
What was it that made you try the Morris?	After having been a professional rock musician for 12 years, but now having settled into a new (relatively normal) career and having moved from London to Cornwall, I wanted an opportunity to play music again, and to explore my folk roots, which were always there but rather anaemic. I'd always enjoyed Morris dancing when I'd happened across it, and when I was invited to accompany Trigg in the latter half of Summer 2004, to watch them dance and then play along at the afters, I leapt at the chance. Their musical repertoire enthralled me - everything from folk song from around the world to Victorian music hall, and novelty songs of the 40's and 50's to the Rolling Stones. The sight and sound of Chris Ridley pumping out 'This Could Be the Last Time' did it for me - I was going to be a part of this, by hook or by crook. And then the dancing started. All of a sudden, the playing became secondary. There's something a little dervish-like about the Morris - you lose yourself in the dance. The only experience I have to compare it to is that of being on stage in a sweaty club, or at Wembley Stadium. The same urge to perform, to impress, is there. It's just that the setting is a little different. Anyhow, I love it - I can't imagine being without it.
Are you a Dancer, Musician, Both or other?	Both, but I'm a dancer first and foremost, though I'm thinking about introducing a little guitar to one particular dance&ldots;
What made you persevere with it?	The welcome, the comradeship, the music, the dance, the challenge, the people, and the common purpose.
Who you have danced with except Trigg?	No-one. For me, at this time, it'd be very weird to do so.
What is your preferred Dance Tradition?	I love Fieldtown for its elegance (and because I spent a year dancing this exclusively), but I think that Bucknell and Stanton Harcourt will grow to be my favourites. I love the 'snappiness' and precision of these traditions.
What is your favourite Dance?	It changes from week to week, if not day to day, according to which one I get right! 'Valentine' will always be up there, but at the moment, it's Pete Philp's (as yet unnamed) Stanton Harcourt dance to the tune of 'From Night 'Till Morn'. Just feels right.
What 'High Spot' do you remember since you started?	So many, so many. The first night I came out with Trigg, playing at Mawgan Porth, on the cider, with Jim nudging me through the songs and Viv telling me to put my fag out during her rendition of 'I have a bonnet trimmed with blue' (still my fave of hers - makes me shiver). My first Easter Monday - have there really been two? The day I was presented with my baldric, and the day I popped over to Pete Marlow's to pick up my bells, hat and britches. I don't mind telling you I put the lot on as soon as I got home (already had the socks). And I've the photos to prove it!Ladies' Night 2005, when Ian called me at about 8 o'clock to say 'where are you?'&ldots;And, of course, the unforgettable first Ring meeting. That many real-ale-farting Morris dancers in one gymnasium, plus the punk rock medley in the canteen&ldots; I will perform the Clash one of these days&ldots;Add to that: every practice night, whatever the weather, and every dance out.
A bit about yourself: I'm partner to the fantastic Louise, who couldn't be more supportive of my Morrissing if she tried, and dad to Matilda, who already has her Morris Dancing outfit!