About The Widders

widders group shot

What is a widder?

To most people, a Widder is slang for the infamous black widow spider, but to those who have seen us in action, a Widder is a strange looking creature covered in coloured rags, wearing a top hat and waving a stick whilst jumping around frantically trying to dance border Morris.

The story so far…

The Widders Border Morris was created by a group of biker friends at Guildfest in 2001. Mike Lewis, Ness Everett, Andy Winser Robin Aston (Rockin Robin) and Lyn and Nipper Nasey Mick (Mickwidder) and Robin came up with the name “The Widders” after a conversation about the film “Every which way but loose” When we were younger we resembled the biker gang in the film “The Black Widows” So we Decided to form a Border Morris team and call ourselves “The Widders” (local parlance for Widows) Mick and Ness came up with the kit idea and kit colour scheme Because we would be based in Chepstow we decided to follow the Welsh Border Morris tradition. Our first practice session was at Lyn and Nippers house, we used chopped up broom handles for sticks and Nipper provided the music on his Erica melodeon. Word got about and we were soon joined by several others including Dave Cocksedge, Terry Lewis, Tina Delap, Charlotte Nasey and Lindsay Trinder. Our first dance out proper was at Tintern Carnival where we were leading the procession and dancing outside Tintern Abbey. Since that early day quite a few have come and gone, but the core members are still here Mick, Ness Andy and Terry. Rockin Tina Nipper and Lindy have all sadly passed away now, all of them far too young to be gone. Rest in Peace. We are a solid group who uphold and defend the ethos and principles of an important tradition. Weem am The Widders Join us. Its great fun!!!

…WEEM AM THE WIDDERS, FEARED THROUGHOUT THE LAND!

Click here for lyrics to The Widder song…

Unlike the above mentioned film, The Widders are not a bike gang or club, nor are we greasers, or hells angels – we are ordinary friendly loonies, who love to sing, play music and dance border Morris. An easy-going mixed side who welcome anyone who doesn’t take life too seriously!

Where are we now?

widders banjo man

At present The Widders are available to dance all over the country at various festivals and dance weekends. We are working on new dances in the Border style, based on local places and industry. We are based in the Chepstow area, which is on the estuary of the River Wye (Afon Gwy) and the River Severn, bordering both Avon and Gloucestershire. Widders have been involved in some new traditions in Chepstow, namely the Widders Weekend of Music and Dance and The Chepstow Wassail and Mari Lwyd, organised by The Wassaill Mari Group. We are interested in passing on our tradition by organizing and performing Border dance workshops in Chepstow. Contact Mick for details.