Squire: Bob Cross
22, Clevedon Road, Weston-Super-Mare, Somerset, BS23 1DG
Tel: 01934 632 850     Email:

Bagman: Charlie Corcoran
70, Greengate lane, Birstall, Leicester, leics., LE4 3DL
Tel: 01162 675 654     Email:

Treasurer: Steve Adamson
12, Flockton Road, East Bowling, Bradford, West Yorkshire, BD4 7RH
Tel: 01274 773 830     Email:

The Newsletter No. 42 January 2006

Web version by John Maher 5/2/06 with apologies to Charlie for any deviations or errors - consult the paper version when in doubt!

Hello,

The administrative stuff to start with:

E-mailed vs Snail-mail Newsletters. This edition of the Newsletter is being both emailed and snail-mailed as it has to be accompanied by ballot papers for the election of our next Squire.

Ring Directory Up-dates. Due to the continued large number of amendments / alterations I have NOT included the usual list of changes. I propose to email up-to-date information to the Bagmen of Member and Associate sides as an Excel Spreadsheet only upon request. This would seem to be a logical innovation as currently we have a publication that is out of date before it is even posted out. In addition the proposed increase in postal charges based on both size and weight are prohibitive. [If you let me have your side website address I will include that information.]

Have you checked your Sidefinder entry at http://www.morrisdancing.org/finder/sfcgi.html ?

ARM 3^rd- 5^th March 2006. Hosted by Chalice Morris Men. You received formal notification months ago please return booking forms to the name & address on the form and NOT to Steve or myself. [Replacement Booking forms available simply email me and ask. Sides are still welcome to attend but note the late booking fee.]

For your information [extracts from the voting guidelines]:

One Voting slip will be sent to each member club for use either as a postal vote if the club is not sending a delegate to the ARM, or as a voting paper at the ARM. In accordance with procedures at Local and Parliamentary Elections, these will be uniquely marked to allow checking and/or reissue as/if required.

Each full member club is entitled to one vote in each election. The voting slips should not bear the name of the submitting club.

The ARM should allow agenda time for open discussion about the candidates. By convention, the candidates do not speak on their own behalf and are not present during the discussion, which is not minuted. It is recognised that some delegates have a mandate from their clubs, while others are left to make up their mind on the day. Therefore, voting papers are not collected until the end of this agenda item.

The single transferable voting system is used whenever there are more than two candidates for an office. The candidates are voted for in order of preference; 1 for 1^st choice, 2 for 2^nd, etc. A club does not have to mark the additional choices if it does not so wish.

[As there are only two candidates this year, a simple indication [X] will suffice on this occasion - Bagman]

Postal votes Postal votes may be submitted to the Bagman of the Morris Ring by those clubs not personally represented at the ARM. The voting slip supplied with the formal notice of the ARM should be used for this purpose and be enclosed in a sealed envelope bearing the name of the member club on whose behalf the vote is submitted.

Postal votes that are submitted in a form other than described above will be treated as a spoilt vote.

PLEASE MARK THE ENVELOPE VOTING PAPER SO IT WILL NOT BE OPENED PREMATURELY. DO NOT INCLUDE OTHER ITEMS IN THE ENVELOPE MARKED VOTING PAPER - THEY WILL NOT BE DEALT WITH UNTIL AFTER THE ARM.

In the past, thanks to an unwritten gentlemens agreement, candidates and their supporters have not blatantly canvassed or lobbied for support. Over the past weeks there have been whispers that modern technology (email) might have replaced the quiet word that no doubt has always been exchanged.

Whilst non-Ring people might have opinions our traditional electoral processes have always been a private Morris Ring matter. Outside agencies/individuals appearing to canvas or lobby in favour of one candidate over another might be seen as a threat to our time honoured level playing field.

If you want to know more about either of the candidates please feel free to contact them directly - this will ensure both an informed and fair election.

Election / Ratification of Area Representatives.

Those due for three yearly re-election [next election / re-election due in 2009];

Area Rep.: North	Stuart Bater
Area Rep.: North Midlands	David Thompson
Area Rep.: South Midlands	Roger Comley

John Davies will be standing down as Area Rep for the West Midlands [next election due in 2008]; Kevin Downham of Ilmington Morris Men is a candidate to replace him.

TREASURERS (pre-ARM) RAMBLINGS.

The annual onslaught looms ever nearer. It is usual for this January edition of the Bagmans newsletter to include the Treasurers Report for the previous year. Alas, this is not possible due to Richard Sinclairs (Past Treasurer and resident auditor) pressures of work. I am aware that it is not ideal for representatives to find The Treasurers report on their seats at the ARM, but sometimes it is the only way. We will be looking at the options of pre ARM emailing this to as many as possible.

I thank all of those who attended the last ARM (Hosted: Harthill MM) and subsequently authorised me to carry out Treasurers reforms phase one. This has largely involved the way we manage our banking. Where we used to have only one principal Morris Ring account at the bank, we now have three individual dedicated accounts:

a) The Morris Ring Gen Account, b) The Morris Shop, c) The Archive Group.

This now enables us now to see exactly what is happening, where and why. The specific functions of each account will be gone into during the Treasurers report at the ARM (Ill bet you are now struggling to contain your excitement and anticipation).

I will then elucidate my intentions regarding the introduction of Phase Two. Some of these have already been initiated during the last twelve months. Now that the Banking is more or less sorted, we are now restructuring our mailing practices prior to the August Royal Mail price increases. We are also looking at many other aspects of what we do, how we do it and in some cases.why! In general, we need to modernise. As I have already stated, much of this is already underway.

Some of our past practices are causing our expenditure to greatly exceed our income from annual subscriptions. For obvious reasons, this cannot be allowed to continue. I am of the opinion that numerous economies can be easily achieved with no real pain or lessoning of the standard of service to you, the membership. Any thought of increasing the subscriptions in order to meet with our current excessive spending will only serve to encourage the annual spiralling deficit. I believe that this situation is comfortably retrievable providing we act now.

I have already received a considerable level of assistance and cooperation from my fellow elected and appointed officers regarding all of the above. For this, I thank you. I look forward to seeing as many as will at the Annual Representatives Meeting in Weston super Mare. Bucket, spade and knotted hanky.optional.

Steve Adamson BFB, Treasurer.

Personnel news

Jim Reynolds Memorial Ceilidh (raising money for School net for Kandjimmi as a memorial)

Saturday 11 March 2006, Belper School, John OGaunts Way, Belper 7.00pm 12.00 midnight

Everyone is welcome and e mail tickets can be obtained from Bob Pick (bob.pick@ic24.net).

There is no set price, you choose what you want to donate. All proceeds are going to School net to set up an internet link and computer facilities for the school in Africa where Jim was working.

There will be nibbles available on the night and take your own drinks. Indoor camping in the school or local village hall. Bob Pick Ripley Morris Men

Other Issues / Topics / News

The Licensing Act 2003

There are lots of people asking questions and a great deal of confusion. I hope that this contribution helps to clear the apparent fog:

I'm not surprised at the confusion - I doubt there is anyone who really knows all of this legislation and its implications; there are very few with even a working knowledge of the main provisions. This is no criticism of any Council officers - their advice, in general terms, is sound, but some of the Act's provisions about entertainment are somewhat random and obscure.

The Licensing Act 2003 at paragraph 11 of schedule 1, http://www.opsi.gov.uk/acts/acts2003/30017--l.htm#sch1pt2 also paragraph 10 [Fêtes] says:

Morris dancing etc.
 11     The provision of any entertainment or entertainment facilities is not to be regarded as the provision of regulated entertainment for the purposes of this Act to the extent that it consists of the provision of-
   (a) a performance of morris dancing or any dancing of a similar nature or a performance of unamplified, live music as an integral part of such a performance , or
  (b) facilities for enabling persons to take part in entertainment of a description falling within paragraph (a).

The effect of this is that any morris dancing (or dancing of a similar nature, e.g. the Nutters) is outside the scope of the licensing requirements for regulated entertainment in the Act, in ALL circumstances; its accompanying live music will similarly be outside the scope of the Act, provided it is unamplified.

Incidentally, "the provision of any entertainment or entertainment facilities
(a) for the purposes of, or for purposes incidental to, a religious meeting or service, or 
(b) at a place of public religious worship," (paragraph 9 of schedule 1) is exempt.

Similarly "the provision of any entertainment or entertainment facilities at a garden fête, or at a function or event of a similar character" is exempt, (paragraph 10 of schedule 1) provided the fête (etc) is not for private gain.

Therefore amplified music accompanying the morris will be OK without a licence in a church, at a religious meeting or service or at a fête. Confused yet? You should be.

The licensing provisions will apply to any sale by retail of alcohol (whether that sale is direct, e.g. a cash bar or indirect, e.g. by its inclusion in another payment). Regrettably, the licensing provisions (paragraphs 1 and 2 of schedule 1) apply to all performances of plays.

The best way of dealing with anything not exempt from the Act is with a temporary event notice (TEN) - but there are limits and minimum notice of ten working days is required. Further information should be available from your own local authority's web sites, but I know that the information on http://www.southampton.gov.uk/licensing is fairly accurate . . .

Licensing Authorities have little or no discretion over the Act's requirements - don't embarrass them by asking them to exercise their non-existent discretion; they might, of course, be far too busy to pursue mummers'/soulers'/guisers'/pace-eggers' plays occurring on their patch.

In short - morris dancing+/-accompanying unamplified music=no licence required. This isn't advice, it is the law.

Manchester MM at ASDA.

Manchester Morrismen were filmed at the ASDA supermarket, close to where we practice, by Granada TV for the "Tonight with Trevor McDonald" programme.  They filmed us dancing, singing carols and then interviewed us.  Judging by the questions asked in the interview session, the overall theme of the programme would appear to be the secularisation of Christmas.

A sub-theme, and why we were involved, seemed to be that recent legislation meant that some traditional / regular Christmas events were not now possible.  The example given by the film crew was that a local school band had been unable to perform carols at a local supermarket (due to the new licensing laws) whereas a morris team could dance and then sing carols (as we had gained exemption).  [It was broadcast on ITV at 8:00pm on Friday 16th December.]

Keith Ashman Manchester Morris Men

What is Morris Dancing? Guy Browning wrote in The Guardian on Saturday December 24, 2005
Morris dancing is the English equivalent of the New Zealand haka and it, too, puts fear into those who witness it, though possibly for slightly different reasons. The traditional costume for morris dancing is a cross between cricket whites, a peasant smock and winter underpants. There are also bells on the legs to warn the general public that acts of morris are about to be committed and to clear the area.

Often, morris men dance with big, white handkerchiefs. This is the English equivalent of the short Zulu stabbing spear, or assegai. The handkerchiefs are held tightly and then whipped around in an aggressive fashion. In much the same way that the Scottish inspire fear and confusion by fighting in skirts, the English promote shock and awe by aggressive use of the handkerchief. It is also useful for clearing the nose.

While country dancing involves dancing around a maypole, morris dancing generally involves dancing round a pub. In fact, movement with handkerchiefs is a very small part of morris dancing compared with movement of elbow at bar. It is not permissible to drink any old beer when you're morris dancing. Drinking lager is a very quick way of getting yourself drummed out of the group (or avoiding getting drummed in).

Morris men are basically drunk, cross-dressing ramblers, and as such are the quintessence of Englishness. Morris dancing is usually done by men, although women are welcome as long as they can manage the full grey beard and knitted eyebrows. You also have to have one man playing the accordion, which produces a note somewhere between a bagpipe and a gully-emptying lorry.

The morris dances themselves are complex, interweaving patterns that resemble animated crop circles. You'll notice that as the display goes on and more real ale is consumed, the patterns become less complex, and bumping and tripping movements tend to find their way in.

Hardcore morris men dispense with the handkerchiefs and dance with large wooden staves. These are phallic symbols and the clash of sticks determines the pecking order within the group. Look out for the man with the short stick and bleeding knuckles. He generally has to buy the real ale.

Misdemeanours an exercise of cooperation.

In 1655 two groups of Morris Dancers met at Lapley in Staffordshire for their May celebrations. They clearly thought that tradition was more important than the Puritan ban on the practice. For their pains, this bunch of rural lads and lasses finished up in court at Stafford, charged with the misdemeanour of Morris Dancing!

Some 350 years later, Stafford Morris Men issued an open invitation to other Morris groups to commemorate the event. Eight Morris sides, representing Ring, Federation and Open Morris, duly honoured the memory of 1655, as well as having a great weekend of dancing.

The sides Black Dog Molly, Sillhill, Briggate, Buttercross Belles, Uttoxeter Heart of Oak, Ironmen, Severn Gilders and Stafford MM covered most types of Morris. A superb group of skilled dancers, who performed professionally and entertainingly to the delight of many audiences, large and small.

Two bus tours took place: one starting at Stafford where they had a great reception in Market Square, near where their forebears were taken for trial. The visit to Church Eaton was to honour John Low, the musician of 1655, who was arrested for practising his art in a Puritan regime. Both tours danced in Lapley, where the alleged misdemeanours took place. Many residents of this small village turned out to support the dancers, as their forebears probably did long ago. Indeed, several joined in the dances, a poignant reminder of new attitudes to the dance after The Restoration.

Cotswold, Border, North West, Garland, Molly and Rapper were shown, which was an education for the audience, who had mostly seen only Men's Cotswold. Knotty managed to stand still for the show, while his rider John Edwards explained the dances and related the events of 1655, which led to the arrests and to this commemoration.

There was a lot of support from the good people of Penkridge, including Bevan, the Town Crier, who introduced the display, St John's Ambulance and the Police, who felt that celebrating an arrest in 1655 warranted a repeat performance. However, with the crowd so clearly supporting the dancers and no Puritan vicar to appease, they selected a more worthy candidate. Keith Lowson, (of the Uttoxeter team that beat Stafford on TV's "Bargain Hunt") was arrested. He convinced the officers that stuffed owl trading was not illegal and was later released.

Overall, this event was a suitable celebration of 350 years of "Morris versus Authority". We felt affinity with the dancers under Cromwell, recalling the recent struggle to defeat the strictures of the Licensing Act. Representatives of all UK Morris Organisations worked together on that and, at Misdemeanours, together they toasted King Charles II, who restored our Merry England. John Edwards (Co-ordinator of Misdemeanours 2005)             Report issued 4 November 2005

Boxing Day 1

On Boxing Day, Manchester MM were joined by the Britannia Coco-nut Dancers at the Fox, Brookbottom.  This is a regular MMM venue, and both sides were out in strength to mark the 90th birthday of Allan Clarke, who plays concertina for both Manchester and the 'Nutters. Despite being the oldest man there, Allan was probably the busiest, as he played for every dance. After the dancing, we moved indoors for songs, recitations, carols, presentations and of course, birthday cake.

Keith Ashman Bagman Manchester Morris Men

Boxing Day 2

Bedford Morris were out on Boxing Day - dancing Border on the Embankment and singing the Boars Head Carol to welcome the Deputy Mayor and the Boars Head at the annual Boars Head ceremony at the Swan Hotel.  In the audience on Bedford Embankment was Andrew Brown of Ferrette Morris Men in France, who was visiting friends in Bedford for Christmas - and was alerted by the sound of familiar music.  John Frearson Bedford Morrismen

Sweyn's Ey Morris did their usual Christmas mumming tours and amazed themselves by collecting 750 for the Air Ambulance Wales - a record collection for them!

Keith Lascelles

Harthill Morris During the run up to Christmas, the men of Harthill participate in the playing and singing of the South Yorkshire carols in the Beehive pub at Harthill. A very popular event culminating in the pub concert on the last Thursday before Christmas. It was a case of come early or you stand up all night. Jim & Hilary Swan who run the pub very kindly provided refreshments for all those who took part.

The team also performed the traditional carols at the old folks centre in the village. As always we were supplied with tea and mince pies.

On Boxing Day, for the last 15 years, we have been joined by the Three Shires Ladies North West Clog Team from Harthill. Several of their ladies are married to Harthill men. However, as they were currently without a musician, Norman Anderson, our bagman, volunteered to play so that the tradition could continue. Despite having played for the Morris for 30 years, he reports that the experience of playing for the clog team was very different! As usual the Boxing Day collections will be donated to the two churches in the village.

Several Harthill men joined forces with men from the village Carnival Society to ensure that a traditional mumming play The Derby Tup did not disappear from the village. In the past the Carnival Society have performed this play with all collections going to charities. The play was taken round local pubs and eating houses and 984 raised during the 4 evenings. The proceeds are to be donated to two charities the Samaritans and for research into Friedrichs Ataxia, part of Ataxia UK.

A few repeats / reminders:

A guide to Morris dance resources on the Web. All known Morris-related web sites http://www.sapphireswan.com/dance/links/morris.htm - Rank 37

Call for Papers for the Talks, Lectures and Discussions programme at the Arts Centre at this year's Sidmouth Folk Week 4th-11th August 2006. Further information from and ideas to

The Black Book Tunes. The Black Book tunes are ALL on our web site in abc format, plus many more. John Maher has put a lot of work into this, aided greatly by Vaughan Hully's transcriptions. http://www.themorrisring.org/More/Tunes/index.html

Rattle up my boys Thanks to editor, Andrew Kennedy for the latest edition of this Sword magazine. If you want a copy or to provide copy please contact directly.

The Third Edition (2006) of Mike Heaney's " An Introductory Bibliography on Morris Dancing"

is now available on the EFDSS website at http://www.efdss.org/morris3.pdf ,

Notice from Assistant Librarian Vaughan Williams Memorial Library

"Next Foot Up" Long Distance Morris Dance

Bens training is all going to plan, and arrangements are in place as regards the logistics required. What we need now is for all our friends and colleagues in the Morris to take a sponsorship form (one is attached to this e-mail) to their families, friends, work colleagues etc to help us to raise our target of 100,000. If the Bagman of your side could act as co-ordinator for this, it would be absolutely wonderful.

We are still looking for an independent witness acceptable to Guinness World Records to accompany Ben to verify the distance travelled. Dont worry, he/she wont have to walk the two hundred miles with a measuring wheel Ive worked out how to fix it to the towball of my car. All he/she will have to do is to verify the readings and help keep the log. In return, we hope to offer a weeks good company and enjoyment.

Those sides who are close enough to be able to come and join in should keep an eye on our website www.nextfootup.com where we hope to have a proper schedule posted in plenty of time before we go, so you will know where to find us.

In the meantime, I am going missing until 23^rd February, so if you have any urgent queries please address them to Bens Dad, Roger Dauncey on 01883-343773 or e-mail to
Malc Ward (Ravensbourne)

Simon Matthews In August 2004 Simon Matthews - an excellent young Cotswold Morris dancer, suffered an epileptic seizure for the first time. Nine months later following further seizures and after it became apparent that drugs could not control the seizures sufficiently, he underwent brain surgery. Since this time he has been free of all seizures. Now, approaching his 18th birthday, he is fighting fit and in an attempt to prove this he is going to dance at as many venues as possible throughout 2006, either solo jigs or with other teams.

The name is Simon Matthews, I live in Lytham St Annes, Lancashire but I dance for Leeds Morris Men. Throughout the year Im going to try and dance at as many places I can. My reason for doing this is to raise money for Katherine House Hospice which is the place that looked after grandpa when he got cancer and the Neurological Department of Preston Royal Hospital where I had some surgery recently. I would like more places planned for me to dance so if anyone out there would like a young and very talented dancer to come to their weekend or festival then just let me know: . Also I have a website briefly explaining what I am doing and you find that on http://www.justgiving.com/monkeymcdougal. You can sponsor me via my website or you can sponsor me in person, you'll just have to invite me to your area to come and dance.

Fools and Animals wanted The annual gathering of mock-animals at Banbury Hobby Horse Festival is being extended this summer to include morris fools. It takes place on the weekend of June 30^th to July 2^nd . For the first time, the Illustrious Guild of Fools and Animals is expected to attend as a group but the event is open to all morris fools and animals, and within reason, any supporters they may care to bring (musicians especially welcome).

This year's festival is expected to feature several Ring and Federation teams, the tup plays of Harthill Morris, a Mari Lwyd skull horse, various hooden horses from Kent and the festival's own animals - including four donated by Eton College!  Folklorist Doc Rowe is also booked.

The organisers are trying to compile a keen to update their list of animals, with descriptions and contact details, so that invitations can be sent out in future. Again, details for fools and other characters would be welcome. 

Anyone who would like to be added to the directory, or who wants to take animal, fool kit or instrument to this year's festival should contact Simon Pipe on 01295 812368 or email: . The website's at www.hobbyhorsefestival.co.uk

ARCHIVE NEWS

Photos

Duncan Broomhead has taken over the Morris Ring Photo Archive from Barry Care. Make Duncan feel loved - please inundate him with photographs to add to the archive.

Past Ring Meetings reminder.

John Maher, John Frearson & Chris Metherell are trying to compile a definitive list of all the 305 (or so) Ring Meetings to date

Visit http://www.themorrisring.org/Archive/previous_rings.html and inform John Maher of any errors.

RING PUBLICATIONS

We all need copy we always appreciate articles, photo's etc.

Harry Stevenson: Editor of the Morris Circular

Contact him at:-           Erin House,

                                    59, Olivers Battery Road North,

                                    Winchester Mobile 07775 785271

                                    SO22 4JB. Tel: 01962 855911

email:

 

Sean Goddard : Editor of the Morris Dancer.

Contact him at:-           142, Hollingbury Road,

                                    Brighton

                                    BN1 7JD                     Tel: 01273 559107

email:

Future Ring Meetings

We are still looking for sides to organise future Ring Meetings provisionally booked sides and dates are listed below. If your side might be interested in hosting a Ring Meeting to mark an anniversary or simply for the hell of it I can let you have a set of guidelines so that you have some idea of what you are letting yourself in for.

2007

2^nd - 4^th March                  ARM Hosted By TBA

TBA                            THAXTED RING MEETING

29^th June 1^st July          RIPLEY 25^th ANNIV. RING MEETING

21^st 23^rd July          STAFFORD 50^th ANNIV. RING MEETING

The meeting will be centred on Brewood, a village just south of Stafford, of the A5 from M6 Jctn 12.  Easy access, lots of parking, indoor & outdoor camping, 5 pubs walkable,

TBA                 ?

2008

7^th 9^th March               ARM - Hosted By TBA

TBA ...               THAXTED RING MEETING

TBA ...               MERSEY LIVERPOOL - CITY Of CULTURE RING MEETING

TBA ..               WHITCHURCH 60^th ANNIV. RING MEETING

2009 THE MORRIS RINGS 75^th ANNIVERSARY

6^th 8^th March               ARM Hosted by TBA

TBA...                   THAXTED RING MEETING

TBA ...               HARTHILL RING MEETING

Jigs Instructional 20^th-22^nd Jan. 2006

This ran smoothly under the 'new management' - Geoff Jerram coordinating the teaching and Albert running the kitchen. There was the usual mix of new faces and 'old lags'. The evening pub sessions seemed less crowded than usual with more playing than singing. The new session on presentation, led by Mike Wilkinson (Dolphin) provided an opportunity to stand back from the Jig and ask Why?

Other highlights: Geoff provided a number of bottles of port for the feast in celebration of his 60th birthday and 40 years of dancing and Tony Foard (Mersey MM) came up with another gem - a version of 'Salvation Army. Alan Chetwood Greensleeves MM

Instructionals?

I have received a half offer / half request to organize and / or attend

     a Longsword Instructional in the South West.

     A forman (& other officers?) ideas / method swap event (perhaps the word instructional is misleading here).

Any offers or further suggestions? Please let me know so that I can act as a broker between interested parties.

Again I repeat my comment / request from Newsletter No. 40

We Ring Officers are frequently asked Why dont you organise thisor that instructional? The simple fact is that we cant! We will do everything in our power to help and encourage you but we are only the figurehead(s) representing you the member sides. If you have an idea for an instructional we can provide notes of guidance (available from the Ring Bagman) and might be able to put you in touch with appropriate tutors but we are unable to undertake the actual organization of the event. We need individual or groups of sides to do that on behalf of the wider membership.

 

There are lots of very experienced dancers / teachers in the various Ring sides who would be more than willing to come along to your side or group of sides to teach their take on any tradition. Instructionals are about sowing the seeds, laying the foundations upon which your own club can build. They are not about one way being right or better than another.

 

DERT

Black Swan Rapper are organising the Dancing England Rapper Tournament in York on the weekend of 17^th- 19^th March 2006. Its going to be an international event with Candy Rapper, Beside the Point and Scrambled Six returning for more.  Also, good news that last year's winning Maltby Phoenix team are returning to defend their title under their new name of Sandbeck Sword. Further information from DERT06 email: - Kevern Stafford for Black Swan Rapper

'Why is Morris still performed in the 21st Century?'

Trish Bater is currently studying for the MA in Folklore and Cultural Tradition at NATCECT (Sheffield University) for one of her pieces of work she is writing 5000 words on 'Why is Morris still performed in the 21st Century?' - not from a negative point of view to reflect current perceptions from the point of view of dancers.

It would be very helpful if she could have personal responses from individuals on why they dance. These could be anonymous if requested, but a little information on age, dance style and how long they had been dancing would be helpful. Contact email:

Litchfield Ale Saturday 11th March 2006, 7.30 p.m. Lichfield Guildhall

More details and downloadable booking form on our website at www.lichfieldmorris.org.uk

Longsword Workshop, Kelham Island, Sheffield is still going ahead on April 2^nd.

Arranged and run by a combination of the Sword Dance Union, The Federation and some Ring members...

The Plan is to learn a few Traditional figures, take them away to a quiet spot in the Museum and with lots of expert advice, change them to your own ideas. Causing Innovation!

We will use some ideas of new music and pump up the speed to be more nearer the tempo that old Cecil Sharp collected them at. There will be lots of technology in evidence and some good video footage of adapted dances showing new dances and old but different reconstructions of the collected texts. Further information from

Pipe and Tabor Festival

The International Pipe and Tabor Festival 14th -16th July in York City Centre. They are planning a Morris programme for the Saturday with workshops on Morris taboring, and possibly Moresk music and dance. The real excitement of the festival will be the Taborers providing music for the York Mystery Plays. email:

'Gate to Southwell' Saturday 10^th June 2006

This is now an annual event from hundreds of years ago, revived by Dolphin in 1981 and every year since! The 'Gate' consists of approx 200 dancers retracing the route of the annual pilgrimage from Nottingham to Southwell.  More details are on the Dolphin Web site www.dolphin-morris.co.uk, those interested in taking part can email Chris on for more details. Chris Gigg Dolphin MM

ICONS: There is a Government sponsored survey to identify icons of what we consider to be typically English. I have nominated a Morris Dancer and would urge others to do similar in the hope that our tradition may receive the recognition it deserves as part of unique English ritual and custom. Go on vote for it! http://www.icons.org.uk/nom/nominations/morris-dancing - Terry Heaslip (Hartley MM)

On English Ground Following a sell out performance at Londons South Bank Centre, (part of Folk In The Fall), Morris Offspring and The English Acoustic Collective present: On English Ground

Including outstanding young dancers from teams across the country (including Morris Ring Sides), plus the talents of Chris Wood and co, On English Ground is a window into the world of enigmatic sounds and shapes of haunting elegance that is Englands often little known Morris Dance heritage. This rollercoaster ride through a kaleidoscope of colour and song promises to be an exhilarating show for Morris addicts and the completely unconverted alike. In a feast for the eyes, ears and imagination, the rich music of The English Acoustic Collective sets the scene for the startling new choreography and traditional steps of Morris Offspring. Dates from Thursday 30th March - The Sage, Gateshead to Sunday 9th April Farnham Maltings. Full information from www.englishacousticcollective.org.uk - Laurel Swift

LINKS WITH THE MORRIS ORGANISATIONS plus the EFDSS

Have another Joint Meeting in March. Agenda items include:

 

CONCLUSION

Thanks to those sides who have taken up my offer to use this newsletter as a means of communicating with other sides in the Morris Ring. I hope to see many of you at the ARM.

 

Bagman of The Morris Ring

Remember: Unless you pass on the content of this Newsletter to the Men in your Side, the information stops with you. E-mailed versions of these Newsletters are available on request.