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For our next Wednesday evening tour we are delighted to welcome one of our neighbouring sides who will join us over to the north east of our dancing area, just south of the town of Monmouth, home of the famous Monmouth Caps worn by the side (although not if our tour is on a very hot evening - it does occasionally happen!!).
8.30 p.m. Ostrich Inn, Newland
A lovely scenic old pub set in Newland, a beautiful village on the western side of the Forest of Dean with origins traceable to the time of Edward I. Beside the village is a hill which was strongly fortified by the ancient Britons. The pub is opposite the church and nearby stands a huge ancient oak tree with its trunk measuring 46ft in girth.
The Ostrich Inn is an ideal venue in which to dance the traditional Morris and was originally constructed to house the Church builders. Apart from an excellent menu, the landlady prides herself on her range of well kept real ales and can stock up to eight on tap.
 
Close to the church can be found the old almshouses which were founded by a London haberdasher in the 1500's. All Saints church in Newland is known locally as the Cathedral of the Forest because of it's proportions, history and setting, and it is well worth a detour. The church was first established by Robert de Wakering (1215-1237). All the early builders of the church were important men in the affairs of the State, and this may help to explain the unusual size of the church. In 1305 Edward I added a small chapel (adjoining the south porch) and founded the chantry of King Edward's Service.
 
The church comprises a west tower, nave with five arches, adjoining very large north and south aisles, south porch and chapels. There are many interesting monuments within the church including an effigy of Jenkin Wyrall, Forester of Fee (d. 1457), which shows interesting details of hunting costumes of that period.
 
Within the church is an old brass engraving known as "the Miners Brass" which depicts a helmet, crest and figure of a mediaeval miner of the Forest of Dean with a hod and pick in his hand and candlestick in his mouth. This has become one of the "symbols" of the Forest of Dean and at just one foot high, has been adopted as the badge of the local Freeminer Brewery.
For a much fuller account of the history of this old village, have a look at the history page on the Coach House, Newland website
 
 
Do come and see us at some stage and if you have a liking for tradition then you will be made very welcome. For those males amongst you who enjoy a pint or two and would like to keep fit then you will be ideal as a dancer.
 
If you are a musician of either sex who enjoys folk music, then again you will be well received, so whatever instrument you play, provided that it is portable, come and join us and learn our music. Come along and we'll ensure that you enjoy yourself and hopefully come back for more as we tour our area over the summer months.
If you require any more information then please check our Contact and Feedback page for our current officers telephone numbers or email us at our address: Enquiries 'at' Isca-Morrismen.com. We are a lively bunch and travel a fair bit with our activities, both in the UK and Overseas, so come on - contact us today and join in the fun, you'll not regret it!
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This year we are delighted that our traditional dancing programme is being sponsored by local Welsh Breweries, producers of excellent real ale to whom we are grateful for their wholehearted support.
Please enjoy their real ales and visit their websites to learn more by clicking on the pictures.
We also acknowledge the support and encouragement of The Mount Pleasant in Old Cwmbran, our after-practice venue during the winter.
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