RIP – Trigg Morris

Past Members

Chris Ridley – died 2 May 2020 after a fight with cancer.

Chris began his Morris with Thames Valley in 1953 where he began playing the Melodeon, after moving to Cornwall he joined Trigg as a musician in the early 1970’s, and soon became the main musician. He continued his association with Thames Valley Morris Men and was their President .

When the Morris was over, Chris could be relied on to be in the centre of the action, entertaining with his broad repertoire of songs & music both Ancient & Modern. Beyond the Morris Chris was also active in the Folk arena as an integral member of Bodmin Folk Club and creating & running Folk News Kernow for many years.

Phil Champion died in 2020 after a long fight with the Covid-19 Virus.

Phil was a well respected dancer with Tywardreath Morris and Trigg, and our Squire 2017-18

Trigg’s first encounter with Phil was around 1990 as a minibus driver who was engaged to deliver some of us home after those evenings out when there was some reluctance among the side to be the nominated driver. He enjoyed being with the team and we were invited to dance at his 40th Birthday celebration in 1991. We asked him to join in and he proved to be a natural!

Andy Payne – died 20 June 2020 at Derriford Hospital as a result of a stroke.

Andy joined Trigg Morris in the 2008/9 practice season and he had been a regular performer with the side since then. He was a popular , thoughtful & friendly colleague who will be much missed by his friends in both Trigg and Tywardreath Morris

Maurice Dart – passed away on Tuesday 2nd April 2024. He had been around since Trigg Morris started all those years ago and we recently helped him celebrate his 92nd birthday.

Many of you will know of his interests, particularly in the wider realms of the folk movement beginning during his younger days in Plymouth.

He was a member of the Cornwall Railway Society and was one of the old guard of the railway enthusiast world. Maurice wrote many books over the years, together with arranging many walks and visits over Branch Lines around Cornwall and farther afield.

Other friends who have passed on

Ivor Reed 1999-2013

Darren Marfleet 2010-2013

Ted Kent 1998-2013

Ted joined in 1998 having previously danced North West Clog with Earlsdon Morris in Coventry. He enjoyed being part of the team, but felt that he was too old to start learning Cotswold Morris. Instead he became a much valued collector! He also played melodeon (pictured on the Trigg Postcard in 2001)

Ted received a special honour in 2021 of a place on the Banner for the Saddleworth Rushcart. Simon Newman of Earlsdon Morris was the current Squire of the Morris Ring and he gave Ted a special mention.

Robbie Robins 1923-2015

Robert Robins, who died on 23^rd February 2015, aged 91 can make the rare claim of having been an active member of six Morris Clubs.His interest in the Morris began, as a member of the Cambridge Morris Men. He became a House Surgeon at Bart’s, London and by 1948 had joined his second club, Beaux of London City; Robert moved north in the early 50s became an early member of Newcastle Kingsmen,

Robert was appointed at Radcliffe Infirmary, Oxford which put him within striking distance of Headington Quarry Morris Men, then a team of mostly young lads (Kimber’s Boys). Robert was to teach the lads the Rapper that he had learnt in Newcastle . Robert’s next move was to Exeter where he was to join his fifth team, Exeter Morris Men.

In 1961 Robert moved to the Royal Orthopaedic Hospital in Truro. – you can go no further than Cornwall. But to his good fortune his sixth and final team was awaiting him, Trigg Morris. He was to become a valued member. In 1965 he retired from Trigg but remained good friends with the team – who were proud to dance at his funeral (with Headington Quarry members in the congregation).