IT WAS the final curtain for Witney’s only morris dance side – and the second in Oxfordshire to welcome women dancers – as they performed their last jig.

Queen Emma’s Morris, which has been performing in the town for 30 years, has called time on the group because of diminishing numbers. The remaining five took their last bow at the Minster Lovell History Festival, held at Manor Farm, off Crawley Road, on Saturday.

Des Brambley, who is a retired member and supporter, said that the group could not dance with so few numbers.

He said: “We really have got to have at least two musicians and six dancers.

“It looks like it is our final curtain and the only thing that would change it would be a big influx of those people who are committed to dancing, not just who come to one practice and don’t come back.”

The 39-year-old added: “We have been dancing as a side for 30 years and have seen a gradual decline in numbers despite our best efforts to gain new recruits.

“Although this is a sad end, we are pleased to have played our part in the cultural heritage of this area and have enjoyed our time dancing out at fêtes, festivals, shows and other events. We have danced local dances based on the local Cotswold tradition, and have donated regularly to charities throughout the region.”