Archer
For a few years I was a re-enactor with my former husband and son for the Battle of Camlann at Tintagel.
I participated in longbow archery displays, wore medieval costume and fought in battles.
I was also a member of a team that performed archery displays at Castle Cary in Devon. They practiced at Michelham Priory, Sussex and attended the magnificent festival at Herstmonceux. My most memorable shot was through a small hole in a shield wall at ground level. The blunt arrow slid between the legs of a kneeling soldier wearing a kilt!
Michaelham Priory Sussex
Musician
I am a member of two local town bands after self tuition of the melodeon since February of 2012 with help and advice from Mike Rowbotham. Accompanying experienced musicians has been a challenge but it greatly improved my abilities. I also play a folk drum in some of the processions.
St Pirans Day Penzance
Murdoch Day Redruth 2023 – by James Kitto
Dancer
Dancing has been a life-long passion. From infancy I imitated dancers seen on television performances. As the years progressed I learnt ballet and in my twenties I toured nightclubs as part of a dance troupe and a podium dancer.
I received dance tuition for ten years from Len Goodman at his Kent studio (Len later became a renowned Judge on the television show Strictly Come Dancing.)
From 1999 I began Morris dancing. I also attended belly dancing classes and in recent years have learnt Cornish dancing in Cornwall.
Whitby 2001
Sweeps Festival 2002
Sweeps Festival 2002 – Our feet didn’t touch the ground!
See: video footage of us dancing at The Swan in West Peckham 2002. My son was only ten years old and already a talented dancer and drummer.
The following videos are not good in quality but show how hard the team worked and how fabulous their dances are.
Guise Performer
A few months after moving to Cornwall I was contacted by an acquaintance who asked if I would be interested in becoming an apprentice Teazer for a local Obby ‘Oss. Through this I met Cassandra who accepted me for this role when she heard I had performed with a reputable Morris team. I also had martial arts training that requires a high level of fitness. After a few practices, Cassandra decided the best way for me to learn was to perform beside her on the streets. I did so as part of my Teazer training during 2009 and 2010.
2009
Mazey Eve 2009
Mazey Eve 2009
Mazey Eve 2009
I also participated in the 2019 procession for the first May Horns celebration.
May Horns 2010 – by Peter Carter
When Cassandra and I were no longer required for the local festival due to political disagreements (should you require further information go to the: Media Page). We created our own Guise team and re-named Cassandra’s ‘Obby ‘Oss. This enabled us to tour without restriction. Our Guise team has visited Scotland, Wales and Kent. I am now the main Teazer.
St Ives Festival 2012
Sweeps Festival 2011 – I. Elliott
St Pirans Day Redruth 2013
An experimental dance was devised by my talented son for Boekka’s Ceildih Performance at Teignmouth folk festival 2013. It was wonderful to dance with him and two of our best dancers at this time.
Wreckers Day of Dance Cawsand 2014 -John Attwood
I danced with a Cornwall Morris side from 2014 to 2016.
Dark Gathering Boscastle 2015
Dark Gathering Boscastle 2015 – Dougie Latham
Unfortunately the Cornwall Morris side did not provide the ‘dark and edgy’ performance I was accustomed to and there was a sudden decision by officers that all dancers changed their kit to brightly coloured shirts. They previously agreed I could wear a black one, but when this was questioned, it resulted in unreasonable, abusive and ‘cultish’ behaviour from the founder member.
My first Morris side in Kent had a high standard of performance accompanied by a dark energy and they were also an inspiration when Beltane Morris formed their side. After performing with an exceptional Morris team, I could not settle for anything less.
My time of Morris dancing completed a ‘full circle’ two years later with a surprisingly wonderful occurrence at the Dark Gathering. Read about it here: An Auspicious Dark Gathering 2018
Dark Gathering Boscastle 2018 – Image by Chris Neno
I now have the freedom of expression within my role as Teazer of Penkevyll and this confirmed that Morris dancing is no longer an option for me.
Unfortunately when one leaves a Morris team there can be repercussions. Certain officers who contrive to appear faultless but seek revenge, can seek out allies to create vile false rumours with the intention of destroying the reputation of the targeted former member. The following links may help anyone who has also experienced these problems:
Psychological Foundations of False Rumours
How Narcissists Play the Victim and Twist the Story
Despite the false rumours that were circulated, I possess an updated C.R.B certificate that proves I am clear of any criminal records.
My main focus is now on the Teazer role connected to ‘Osses and Mari Lwyds.
The Squire of: Beltane Border Morris complimented me on my teazing role at the: Dark Gathering 2016. Hearing this from an Officer of one of the best Morris sides in South West UK is indeed a compliment.
Dark Gathering Boscastle 2018 – photo by John Isaac
Cassandra is no longer Teazer for Penkevyll after an impressive twenty years, and from 2017 (after 8 years performing alongside her) she handed the role to me. The team has more Teazers as well as riders and is doing well.
Laetitia & Morvargh – Dark Gathering Boscastle 2018 – by John Isaac
I am the proud owner and occasional rider of: Morvargh the Dark Sea ‘Oss I take her to events when Penkevyll is unavailable and they also appear together.
I recently had the pleasure of teazing Penhood, one of the Penzance ‘Osses at Trevithick Day 2023 in Cambourne. Each ‘Oss has a unique energy and it takes a little while for the Teazer to work with it.
Photo – John Isaac
The fun continues….
laetitialathamjones.co.uk 