Thames Valley Morris Men was formed in 1952 from members of the Curfew Morris Men who danced in Chertsey in the 1930's and local members of the English Folk Dance and Song Society.
TVM were originally called the 'Mid-Surrey Morris Men' for a short period and danced at the Claygate Flower Show in 1952. They became the Thames Valley Morris Men at their inaugural meeting in 1953.
The side became part of the Morris Ring in 1955, and give-or-take a few arguments, has remained a member. It proposed Roy Dommett as Squire of the Ring in 19??.
TVM re-created the Oddington tradition in 1959, together with Dommett, and after many evenings in Jim Brook's cellar studying the notes. They danced for the first time on Hocktide in Kingston in 1961.
The side grew following the growth of interest in 'folk' in the 1970's with a practice evening for newcomers, an evening for those wanting to learn their jigs so they can dance into the side and a full side's evening. This has quietened down now to a single practice night.
This history has produced a large and relaxed side with a very wide spread of ages, not out to prove much, with an interest in dancing well. There are 10 to 20 dancers out on a typical tour, 30 active dancers and a total of 40 or so on the Mailing list.
