With sadness, another death to report. Our long standing President, Peter Hogben passed away peacefully on 26th November 2011. Peter was instrumental to the formation of ESMMM, when he asked for a Morris Team to grace the Ewell Village Church Fete, back in 1979. He was vicar of Ewell from 1971 - 1982 & was then appointed as Archdeacon of Dorking. The side kept in touch with him - our last President's Evening was at Peter's 'local' The Cherry Tree in Rowledge, Farnham on 15th April 2010.

Huge thanks to Bob Hayward & the Epsom Cine & Video Society for Hot Chestnuts - the music video, published on 'You Tube' just before Christmas 2011. Plenty of positive feedback but what a professional & polished production! Thanks too, to Bryan Elphick for the snow & snow machine. Also Lee & Lisa at 'The Wheatsheaf' for their forbearance and support. Finally, what a perfect Hot Chestnuts man ... who on earth was it?!!

**STOP PRESS** 'Hot Chestnuts Porter' in course of being brewed by Ray Welton! Watch this space .... Feb '12 launch envisaged!

Post Christmastide it will soon be time to get down to training! Plenty to practice, of course - but those dances to look out for in 2012 include: 'Stairlift at Epsom' - 'Thursday Night (on the Mead)' - 'Nonsuch' & 'Golden Square!'

With sincere regret, Tony announced his move from Epsom to Chichester in December - his valued services & camaraderie will be sorely missed by the Team. Despite what many might say - some believe his trombone was just starting to blossom and indeed is captured forever on '(It's all a) State of Mind!' All good wishes to him - we do look forward to some hearty renunions!

Wow - the stars of Boxing Day 2011 were definitely the Ewell Villagers - who came out in their droves - terrific day! A barrel of Ray Welton's 'Horsham Old' accompanied us, together with the Brewer - & Richard Becksmith's heroic Boxing Day dawn carpentry efforts to construct a special 'Barrel Day trolley' must be suitably acknowledged!

To top it all £1,085 for the Mayor of Epsom & Ewell's charities! Good performances by the Morris Minors, too. At the Running Horse, Leatherhead Wassail Night, courtesy Andy Read, we collected £50 for Sian Tolfree's Help an Angel Charity too!

Before the above, a fine day was had at The Leatherhead Christmas Festival on Saturday 3rd December (see the Gallery)!

All in all, an exhaustive but successful festive season again!

Grateful thanks to Bryan Elphick for organising another successful Flanders trip!

Off & away at the crack of dawn with the redoubtable Danny Nairne at the wheel - to sample the delights of 'Tur Djes' at Beauvoorde in Belgium - with a superb continental breakfast & trip around the corner to the Castle. Our hosts Willy & Marieke were most welcoming! Then off to 'De Struisse (The Ostrich!) Brewery' located in an Old School House in Oostvleteren where Carlo Grootaert gave us an insight into their Brewing operation & some fine Belgian Imperial Stout was sampled.

Then down to the Hop Festival in Poperinge, where Tommy Porte had numerous venues lined up for us including the Hop Museum and a square where we warmed out the crowds for the plethora of marching bands!

Into French Flanders for our feast at 'La Taverne du Westhoek' at Quaedypre - before the trip home via Epsom Downs Golf Club!

It is indeed sad to record the death of Chris, on 5th August 2011.

A tribute to him is recorded under the 'information tab' - but what an influence to the side he was over the years. Although dogged - he was unswerving & passionate about both the Team & Ewell Village, throughout. He was absolutely instrumental to ESMMM's formation & was our first Bagman. He will be sadly missed.

May we record here our special thanks to Dave, Owen & Les from 1st Sedgley Morris Men; likewise Steve, Ian, Jim & David from Spring Grove Morris Men who kindly attended his funeral.

Our Annual Day of Dance took place on Saturday the 16^th of July, starting at 'the Famous' Green Man in Ewell Village and processing to 'The lock-up' for some dancing. We were joined there by The Pottinger family & Chris - and were absolutely delighted to dance a special 'Gustav's Dance' for him there! After 'Refreshing the village wastrel' we were off to the village fete at Ewell Castle School, where the heavens opened. We still managed 'Grinning through the horse's collar' in the Beer Tent - whilst a monsoon raged outside!

After refreshing ourselves at 'The Wheatsheaf' we were away aboard Geoff Heel's vintage GS on our 'Traditional charabanc tour of favourite Surrey pubs.' The first was 'The Jolly Coopers' Epsom Common - where they had moved the pool table so we could dance indoors in view of the inclement weather! Then after 'The Running Horse' at Leatherhead & their traditional hospitality we were away to the Surrey Hills - The Volunteer, Sutton Abinger; Royal Oak, Holmbury St Mary; The Parrot, Forest Green where Gill & Becky Pottinger joined us for their wonderful home made cakes - the traditional wayside picnic!. Onwards to The Seven Stars & The Plough at Leigh.

An exhausing wet day ... but someone has to do it!