Sproughton Long Blades is a mixed sword dance team that was formed in the autumn of 2006 after three of its founder members had attended a longsword workshop at Whitby Folk Week.

We take our name from the Neolithic flint industry that existed in the village of Sproughton. Long flint blades up to 27 cm in length have been found at Devil’s Wood Pit on the banks of the River Gipping to the west of Ipswich.

We practise fortnightly in the Tithe Barn at Sproughton on alternate Tuesday evenings from 7.30 to 9.30. New dancers and musicians are always welcome but please phone or email to check on which Tuesdays we are practising.

NEXT PRACTICE:   9 September 2008 (venue: tbc)

NEXT DANCE OUT: Maggie's 60th birthday party

Our kit is simple but smart: black shoes and trousers, white collarless shirt and royal blue waistcoat.

Currently we are learning and dancing figures from the Goathland Plough Stots and North Skelton longsword dances, and perform the Skelton Mummers Play.

We aim eventually to dance both longsword and rapper dances.

Contact Mike and Jenny Everett on 01473 742334 for more information or email by clicking here.


Sproughton Long Blades at the 4th Suffolk Folk Festival, Woodbridge, 1 June 2008 (© Helena Mecrow)

We are members of the Sword Dance Union and The Morris Federation.