The Club was founded by Geoffrey Metcalf on October 28th 1946 at Bromley, Kent, to provide for men in S.E. London and N.W. Kent. It was named after the Ravensbourne, which flows through its territory. The first Squire was Geoffrey Metcalf; the first practice was held at Beckenham in January 1947; and the Club was admitted into the association in the Ring in March 1947, when it received the staff of association formerly held by the Balgowan Morris (q.v.), some former members of which now dance with Ravensbourne. In 1947 activities were limited by small membership, but numbers increased in 1948, and in this year a Saturday tour was undertaken, in addition to a fairly full programme of other activities. In January 1949 a mummers' play was performed. The Club possesses a Hooden Horse, probably the only one now existing in Kent; and this always forms part of the show on suitable occasions. (G.Metcalf)
The Club was formed at the first party held by the Rugby group of the E.F.D. & S. Society on December 23rd 1946, and consisted of the following men: John Dibdin (Squire), Les Wray, David Turner, Alan Franey, Harry Metcalf, and Geoffrey Mendham. In 1947 the Squire left Rugby, and was succeeded by Alan Franey, with Geoffrey Mendham as Bagman. In March 1947 the Club became associated in the Ring. Tours were organized during July and September, and a team went to the Stratford festival. In September the first Rugby Morris feast was held. In 1948 Les Wray became Squire, and there were tours at Whitsun and in September, During the following winter half the team left Rugby, and the remaining members are working hard to keep the side going. (K.A.Franey)
The Club was founded in 1930 by Kenworthy Schofield, who has been its musician and tutor ever since. It
was associated in the Ring as an Inaugural Member at the first general meeting in October 1934. From the
beginning the Club has shown the Morris at the principal folk-dancing events in Hertfordshire, and was
commended at the All-England Festival of the E.F.D.S.in 1932.
In 1939 the Club began to make its own occasions for showing the Morris in public, and during the summer
toured the villages of Hertfordshire on many occasions. This activity was resumed in 1947, and has
become a regular feature of the Club's summer activities. Also in 1947 shows were given at two
neighbouring public schools, Haileybury and Aldenham, and at the teachers' training college at Leavesden.
On May 19th 1948 the St Albans Men appeared on television, and later that summer showed the Morris to
an aggregate audience of about 30,000 during the week of the St Albans Millenary Pageant.
Practices are held weekly throughout most of the year. There are twenty-eight full members and several
recruits. A new Squire is elected each year. (D.Cassels)