Ross was asked to do a talk on the history of Morris dancing for the fine men of West Stafford who are thinking about starting their own side. Not knowing anything about this didn’t stop him standing up and showing off for 20 minutes, armed only with Wikipedia, YouTube and ChatGPT, the traditional research materials. What follows is Ross’s own understanding of the subject, which may or may not be accurate. Hopefully this makes sense without the visual accompaniment, but if you would like to watch along, there is a copy of the presentation deck that you can view at your own leisure.

https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/11aI_MQ-uxknR1lucg4e3oumz7k3cxAkqFf0jtK-lwH4/edit?usp=sharing

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After a sunny kayaking trip to the chalk stacks off Studland Bay, Ross and David brave the choppy waters to bring us tales of Old Harry Rocks – Dorset’s own gateway to hell. Once back on dry land (and mostly clothed), they’re joined online by Henry to explore the legends behind this striking landmark.

From the Poole pirate Harry Paye to smugglers’ caves, spectral bells and wartime wrecks, the trio pick through centuries of myth and mischief along the Purbeck coast. Expect talk of devils sleeping on cliffs, parsons blessing sea caves, and ships dashed to pieces in the dark.

Back at the virtual Dark Darzet Studios, the discussion drifts between folklore, local history, and questionable nautical knowledge – with a generous helping of chaos. Two out of three hosts weren’t wearing trousers, and quite a lot of farting had to be cut out in the edit.

All that, plus the usual meandering chat and unverified facts, in an episode recorded entirely online – because kayaking home with recording gear seemed like a terrible idea.

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This time, Henry, David, and Ross gather at Hardy's Monument, the sun sinking behind Black Down as they set off towards one of Dorset’s most mysterious ancient sites: the Hellstone on Portesham Hill.

Once a Neolithic long barrow, the Hellstone was reassembled in 1866 after its mighty capstone collapsed. But history isn’t the only thing lurking among the stones.

On the way back, as the shadows deepened and the air turned cold, they crossed paths with a man tormented by the presence of a large black dog. He spoke of other strange creatures seen roaming the darkness.

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