LAST week one of Britain’s largest associations of Morris dancers sent out a dire warning about the future of the ancient tradition, which they claim could die out completely within 20 years.

While that may be the case in other towns and villages, here in the Five Valleys Stroud Morris Dancers are bucking the trend as they approach their 31st anniversary this year.

With more than 30 members ranging in the age from 11 - 59, the team, which is now comprised mainly of women, said they are recruiting more now than any time in the last 15 years.

Mark Rogers, Bagman of Stroud Morris with his wife Lynn, said: “The comments made me quite annoyed to be honest because we are doing better now than ever before.

“Since then I have found myself desperately assuring people we are not dying out, in fact it is the opposite.”

A warning about the past time, which was first recorded in England in the 15th Century, was leaked by the Bagman of the Morris Ring, which represents more than 200 clubs across the UK.

He said youngsters see it as old-fashioned, and are too embarrassed to take part, but Mark, whose team is a member of the rival Morris Federation, dismisses this.

“We certainly do not see it as embarrassing and old-fashioned - it is something that is evolving and it is just good fun, not to mention good exercise,” he said.

“We recruit a real mix of people - cleaners, postal workers, doctors - there is no occupation that is typical of a morris dancer.”

Mark’s 11-year-old daughter Zoe is the team’s youngest performer, alongside an 18-year-old and a women in her 20s from all over the Stroud district, and as far afield as Cheltenham and Bampton in Oxfordshire.

Kitted out in white tops and skirts with red and green tights and bells strapped to their ankles, the dancers are led by a musician playing a host of instruments including melodeons, and a pipe and tabor.

During the winter months the club practise at the Stroud Valleys Scout Centre in Chapel Street before the season kicks off with an annual dance-out at Painswick Beacon on May 1.

Soon after they entertain hundreds at the Hastings Jack-in-the-Green festival which runs until May 4, before they take to the stage during Sidmouth FolkWeek in August.

Anyone interesting in joining Stroud Morris Dancers can call Mark or Lynn Rogers on 01453 762752 or email bagman@stroudmorris.org.uk.

For information about the club visit www.stroudmorris.org.uk.