The morning's lesson began with a revision of Brimfield Stick. Several of the Earls joined the sets "in case the kids forget what comes next". Of course the kids got it right, the Earls got it wrong; thereafter the Earls were banished to a corner in a set on their own, so that the kids wouldn't notice too many of the mistakes.

Chapter 5: Tuesday September 27th, 1977
AUFSTEHEN !!

Then it was time for a demonstration of an important aspect of Morris - swearing. The first example was when Mick went the wrong way in a hey (surprise, surprise'). Clenching his fists and looking heaven-wards he muttered under his breath, "Oh ****". The immediate response from the kids was (of course), "Ach so" accompanied by uncontrolled laughter - they obviously thought he had said the German for the same word.

Then it was their turn (to dance) and after the usual funny scenes Shepherd's Hey was added to their repertoire. Dancing over, the poor little dears, and the kids, sat down for a breather.

Now it was time for Toddy to take over and show the kids some N. W. Clog, dressing himself in his clogs and sticks he stood in the middle of the room: "Right-oh, kids, this is North West Clog Dancing and this is the stepping." And am ay he went: but instead of clump - clump - clump - clump, he went clump - clump - clatter - clatter - slipper; - slide - crash - "Oh ****". "Ach SO!"'s and uncontrolled laughter once again; so they do speak English after all!

Toddy eventually got it right, but the effort so exhausted him that he needed a rest. When he was ready to continue the kids were all busy chattering and ignored him - there he was in the middle of the floor not knowing what to do. Seeing his plight Mick ran through the (very) few words of German that he knew. Aha! "Aufstehen!" BANG - The kids jumped to their feet as one; what a fine example of respect for authority!