Sketch of the Proposed Monument to Kennet Morris Men 2009 Tour of the North East

The Newsletter No.62 October 2009

Morris: A life with bells on

How wrong can I be! In Newsletter No 61 I commented that the film MORRIS: A LIFE WITH BELLS ON seemed to have disappeared without trace. As you will be aware is was released nationally, albeit at selected cinemas (the Picturehouse/City Screen chain) from the 27th September 2009. [See http://www.morrismovie.com/ or http://www.picturehouses.co.uk/ for further details.] Some wonderful posters advertised the opening and many of the venues were supported by the local Morris sides good publicity for both the film and the Morris.
Also: Our web page at ../bells_on.html

 

HELP!!

ARM 2010: An appeal for a host side

Every year we hold an Annual Reps Meeting (ARM) hosted by one of our member sides. You will have noticed that there is no firm details about the 2010 ARM included in this Newsletter. There are reference to the elections and reports to be made at the ARM but no reference to a Host Side or Venue.

The tentative offers that we had received have sadly not materialised into solid arrangements.

Is your side able to step into the breach?

We need a venue that can accommodate up to 100 men at the meeting part of the ARM weekend plus floor space o sleep approximately 60 on the Friday & Saturday nights. The catering is fairly standard even the feast - and Bagman of the MR will happily provide further information about this and other aspects of the weekend. We are hoping to follow the precedent set last year with something on the Friday evening and workshops on the Saturday morning.

Ideally we would like a fairly central venue blessed with good transport links!

Please discuss this with your side can you help?

Amplified Music

Sadly the strong advice (we cannot give instructions!) about amplified music seem to have fallen on deaf ears - too much amplified music perhaps! Please remember that the exemption for Morris Dance from the licensing regulations assumes that it is with unamplified music. The advice is simple if anyone plans to organise an event that involves amplified music then they must ensure that the location is covered by a "Public Entertainments Licence" or if not a "Temporary Events Notice" must be obtained either by the 'owner' of the venue or the organiser. [See Newsletter No 61 ]

2010 Meetings of the Morris Ring

With this Newsletter you will find details about the four meetings planned for 2010 and an application form. Many more sides than usual applied to attend the 2009 meetings and it was a difficult and at times acrimonious task to allocate places. It is always unfortunate when a side cannot attend the meeting of their choice.

• 30th April 2nd May : 322 : Helmond MMs 75 Anniversary : (110 men)
• 4th June - 6th June : 323 : Thaxted : (300 men)
• 3rd - 5th September : 324 : Trigg : (100 men)
• 10th - 12th Sept : 325 : Castleford Longsword : (120 men)

Three of these meetings are quite small so again I expect allocation issues so please can I remind you that:

• Host side: Ultimately the final choice is up to the Host side
• Priorities: Sides which have hosted a recent MR meeting have priority
• First come first served: cannot be fully applied both because host sides frequently make private arrangements and are under pressure to present a variety of traditions to the public but I will record the date that applications are received as a guide.
• Second choice: It would be extremely unfair to make judgements based upon whether a side has or has not made a second choice so I don't but if you are unsuccessful with your first choice and would be prepared to attend a second or third choice meeting please put it onto the application form so that those hosts sides can approach you.
• Day Men: In the past sides have attended meetings as Day men on either the Saturday or Sunday of a meeting. If you plan to do this, or would be prepared to do so should your application to attend for the full weekend be unsuccessful please put this on the form. It will not prejudice your application to attend for the whole weekend.

It is unfortunate that in 2008 and 2009 some 'successful' sides then backed out - leaving host sides in danger of not balancing their budgets due to unfilled places and sides who wanted these places unable to change revised plans at short notice. Please only make applications if you are certain that you will be able to keep your side of the agreement.

Membership records

Thanks to those Bagmen who have informed me of changes in officers / addresses / emails etc. I repeat that that our records can only be as accurate as you, the membership, allow. Sadly, if your side has not notified me of changes in your clubs contact details you are unlikely to be reading this and so will not know. You will also not have received the membership renewal request and so will not be insured when your membership lapses through non-payment!

The Illustrious Order of Fools and Beasts

This year's Unconvention will be on 23-25th October 2009 hosted by Utrecht Morris Men. Further details and application form from Robert Chisman; MR Website & Google Group site. I remind you that Pete De Courcy is collating a list of all past and present members of The Illustrious Order of Fools and Beasts even if it was not so-called when you were a member. Please let him (e-mail pete_de_c@ntlworld.com) or Robert Chisman (triggertrotter@aol.com) have your details if you are, or wish to be, a member of the Order.

Vetting and Barring Scheme

This development has caused a great deal of consternation throughout the Morris world and beyond. Sadly there has been a lot of misreporting and rumour-mongering surrounding this topic. In an attempt to clarify the situation I quote from the ISA website (http://www.isa-gov.org.uk/)

This may all seem rather over the top especially as any volunteers are likely to be supervised by a registered person (teacher, scout leader, etc). It seems that because of administration glitches people who already have a CRB clearance will not need to register for a few years - but all new volunteers will and please note that it will be a criminal offence to employ (paid or voluntary) anyone who is not registered.

Morris Ring 75^th Anniversary Youth Fund

Since the launch of this initiative there has been a great deal of discussion and debate across the land and clearly some of this has suffered from some extremely negative and inaccurate Chinese whispers. To help clarify the aims and correct the rumours surrounding this initiative, which is intended to mark our 75th Anniversary, the Squire of the Morris Ring, Brian Tasker, has issued this statement of clarification. Please get your side to discuss this topic and by putting on the agenda of your AGM!

"Some sides have made attracting youngsters into their sides an art, often these are the sides which have been persistent and inventive in attracting recruits across the whole age range. Traditionally it has been sons of dancers or involvement with scouts, youth clubs, schools and colleges by dancers who are youth leaders or teachers that has yielded results in a nucleus of youngsters that has attracted other youngsters. There is a need in a more concerted way to make contact again with schools and youngsters and develop community, school or new club sides.

This is a plea for teachers and musicians who are prepared to make themselves available to teach the Morris. We need a data base and directory region by region of instructors and musicians who are prepared and available to teach the Morris in their area or further afield. Being a qualified teacher is an advantage but not essential. It is fervently hoped that area reps will be able to support this initiative and assist in coordinating volunteers into groups that can deliver the necessary instruction and demonstration of the Morris. With the North West and North East there is no one shared tradition so what is taught may be more fixed to the tradition of that community or local area. The launch of this initiative is specifically designed to run alongside the launch of the Youth Fund.

We have lost a generation of dancers through the break in the experience and delivery of traditional dance in schools, and its omission from the core of the National Curriculum. Continuity of exposure, involvement, and enjoyment of our traditional dances needs to be reintroduced from the earliest years onwards if we are to preserve and safeguard the expression of our national, regional and community identities through dance. The climate is now right; we need people to deliver instruction across the nation to complement the sport and fitness and creative dance initiatives already out there and now being championed.

GCSE Dance (AQA Specification) develops amongst other things:

• students' skills, knowledge and understanding of choreography through which they are able to communicate ideas, thoughts and meaning drawn from a range of dance styles;
• a critical appreciation of dance in its physical, artistic, aesthetic and cultural contexts

This does not seem to exclude any or all aspects of Morris dance. This might be a way into your local schools. Are there already teams involved with this? Please let the Officers of the MR know we want to encourage and copy good practice.

If you are interested in being involved in this initiative please forward your details to Charlie Corcoran, Bagman of the Morris Ring. We will then build up an idea of the level of support, expertise, and good will for this scheme.

Trevor Stone

died on 26th August. He had been a leading figure in the longsword world for many years and it was his original idea to stage the series of Sword Spectaculars which have been held in Scarborough, Whitby and York. He compiled an extensive collection of videos of sword dancing both here and abroad. He danced with Spen Valley, wrote the booklet about longsword dancing entitled "Rattle Up My Boys" and founded the longsword quarterly publication of the same name.He was a holder of the EFDSS gold badge, his citation having been written by Ivor Allsop.

A full appreciation of Trevors work will appear in due course in the Circular.

Jack Hamilton

Jack was an EFDSS gold badge holder who devoted his life to folk music and dance. He founded the Broadstairs Folk Festival; was a member of the Southerners Folk Dance Band and was a well known caller at barn dances. He had been an early member of the Beaux of London City Morris Men and performed with the Tunbridge Wells Mummers. For many years he organised a festival of Christmas Revels in West Peckham church in his home village in Kent. Following the famous hurricane of 1987 the Whitstable Hoodeners presented him with a Kentish Hooden Horse called "Wespec", which was made from one of the trees which had fallen in Jacks village. With Wespec Jack was a regular on the annual White Star January tour where they performed a Hooden Horse play.

At the Broadstairs Folk Festival in August 2009 in Pierremont Park, a focal point for the Folk Shows in the late sixties and early seventies, a park bench was dedicated to his memory. It was a happy occasion attended by the Mayor of Broadstairs, Jack's widow Tricia, and many friends. At the ceremony friends spoke of Jacks love of folk music and dance. Four ex-members of The Beaux of London City Morris Men, now sadly defunct, regrouped to dance in his memory and Denis Smith of Westminster Morris Men played the mummers' tune from Symondsbury in Dorset that he had played at Jack and Tricias wedding many years earlier ...

Janet Blunt

"Blue Plaque for Janet Blunt. Janet collected the songs and dances of Adderbury between 1907 and 1931. The Adderbury Village Morris Men, members of the Morris Ring, dance according to Janet Blunt's notation rather than Cecil Sharp's. In particular they do not do processional down and up."

Treasurers Notes:

As the summer draws to a close, we are fast coming up to Membership renewal time. This years forms for Full and Associate member Sides are included with this Newsletter and will be deposited as files in the Morris Ring Google Group.

As agreed at the ARM in March, the subs remain at the same level as last year.

Please read the notes with the forms carefully as they give some background to the changes on the forms for this year. Briefly, as well as an option to donate to the Archive Group, there is a further option for your side to donate to the 75th Anniversary Youth Fund. This is an initiative to help drive recruitment of the next generation of Morris dancers, please give this serious thought, no donation is too large or small.

Many sides have created Standing Orders for payment of subs, which is a great help in administering the renewal process. If you havent yet, its ]not too late! Contact me on edworrall@googlemail.com to obtain your sides unique payment reference code and make your Treasurer a happy man ...

Finally, whether you have used a Standing Order or renew by cheque, please ensure your side completes and returns the relevant membership information form. This information is vital to help us keep an up to date and accurate list, not only of our membership but also contacts and information about your side.

Antony Gormley's fourth plinth, Trafalgar Square

Etiquette

If you are dancing out as a guest of another side please check with your hosts before you sell your own club badges. In these straightened times such sales are likely to be to the detriment of the collection. If the collection is going to a designated charity it is mean-spirited. In other cases part of the hosts budgeting for the event might be based on selling a reasonable number of their own badges and once a kid has bought a badge, they won't buy another one!

Kennet Morris Men Conquer the North East

"A year or so ago John Austin of Kennet, left the Reading area and went back to his roots in Newcastle on Tyne. From 28th - 31st August 2009 he and his wife, Karen, organised an excellent tour of Newcastle and Durham for us. We were pleased that Monskeaton Sword, Kern Morris (a mixed non-Morris Ring side) and representatives of Durham Rams could join us at various times over the weekend.

The tour was so successful that a 67 ft high statue is to be erected somewhere north of the Tyne to commemorate it. A sketch out the proposed monument appears at the front of this Newsletter. (Courtesy if Chris Hutchinson)

What Morris men do when not dancing

1. Play Blow Football: On the Sunday morning of the August Bank Holiday tour of Newcastle and Durham we played blow football on The Bishops Mill, Durham.
2. Pull rubber gloves over their heads and blow them up: Pat Naylor (Ripley) on the Saturday night at the 2009 Saddleworth Rush Cart Ceremony.
3. Break ribs and dislocate shoulders: Elliot Brady is one of the rising stars of Morris dancing. He was one of the youngest Squires of Yateley and one of the youngest members of Kennet. Unfortunately his reputation was dented when, dressed as a horse at Kennet's 50th birthday celebrations in Henley in 2007, he fell off the towpath and into the River Thames, breaking a toe in the process. At Saddleworth in 2009 he entered the wrestling competition and regrettably dislocated a shoulder, broke a number of ribs and bones in the shoulder joint. We hope that he will make a full and complete recovery but it will be a number of months before he is able to dance again.

Photos: YateleyArt Information: Chris Hutchinson

Morris Ring Shop Keepers Ramblings

What a fun year this has been. Despite the interesting times that we are all currently experiencing, the Morris seasons still manage to come and go as ever. This summer has seen your Morris Shop at events that it had previously been unable to attend. One of these was the York Festival of Traditional Dance (Est. 1988) at the beginning of September and hosted by our own Ebor Morris Men.

This is a perfect example of an indigenous Morris side working in perfect harmony with its city centre management team in order to produce a Morris spectacle in the most fitting of historic settings. Your Morris Shop was up and running for the duration of the weekend event in St. Sampsons Square, slap bang in the city centre and at the hub of the festival activities. My thanks to all with Ebor Morris Men for their endless labours and heres to next year.

Due to an incredible late season rush on our recently replenished hoard of bells, the larger 1 brassed bells are now Out Of Stock. I will endeavour to replenish our shelves before Christmas. At the time of this Newsletter going to print, our present stocks are:

• 4,300x : 7/8" : Brassed Bells
• 4,250x : 1" : Brassed Bells
• 4,800x : 1 1/8" : Brassed Bells
• Out Of Stock : 1 1/4" : Brassed Bells

Photo: Steve Adamson BfB (awhile ago). by John Price

As I always say, You are all my eyes and ears for what is happening out there. If you see or hear of something that you believe we might be interested in, please do get in touch. The ever vigilant Ron Shuttleworth (Mumming Archivist) has done it again by pointing me in the direction of the Make Merry in Step and Song at £18.99. I know that this appears to be a lot of money but it is a great deal of book and a must for any mumming play devotee.

After far too long Colin and Karen Cater, of Hedingham Fair fame, have decided to publish a book and CD reference to his life on the Morris and folk song circuit. This is now going out at £17.99 for both the book and CD.

See here for details of the above and other recent additions to your Morris Shop.

Download latest copy here

EFDSS News

http://www.efdss.org / / Tel: 020 7485 2206

• You will be pleased to hear that two active Morris Men are included among the new Gold Badge Award holders announced by the EFDSS. This award, the highest that the Society can give, is to be made to Roger Nicholls of Bedford Morris and to Derek Schofield, Bagman of Manley MM and Editor of the EFDSS flagship magazine English Dance & Song. Jack Brown has also been nominated.
• The EFDSS is working on a new rapper publication project, comprising a double DVD and book. The anticipated publication date is 2011, to celebrate the centenary of the publication of Sharps first Sword Dance book. The DVD, compiledby Chris Metherell, will contain all known archival film of rapper dancers, plus new film of contemporary teams, all published notations, references and articles about rapper, manuscripts, team histories etc. The book, authored by Phil Heaton, will describe the past and present of rapper dancing, both in the UK and abroad, looking at 19th century teams, the collecting of the dances, the twentieth century developments in the north-east and the continuing development of the dances in the revival. (See the EFDSS website for further information- including an appeal for sponsorship.)
• The EFDSS are looking for archival and recent film; photographs of rapper prior to 1970; and stories, family memories, recordings or news cuttings about rapper. Teams might like to share notations so that a wide picture of this unique and developing tradition can be captured. Those who can help should contact: Tel: 07505 134070 or Tel: 01791 7027128
• Englands Heritage of Folk Songs Given back to the nation In 2007 the Heritage Lottery Fund awarded £154,000 to the EFDSS for its Take 6 project. The aims of the project were to:
  • Catalogue, conserve and digitise six of its major manuscript collections of Englands folk songs those collected by Janet Blunt, George Butterworth, Francis Collinson, George Gardiner, Anne Geddes Gilchrist, and the Hammond Brothers
  • Make the collections freely accessible to all through a dedicated website
  • Give the songs back to the areas where they were first collected in the early twentieth century through projects with primary schools in Lancashire, Hampshire and London
  • Develop an interactive website designed especially for children to explore and learn folk-songs from the EFDSS archives, with additional tips and classroom materials for teachers.

  The EFDSS is delighted to announce the launch of this dedicated website - a first in the field of folklore in the UK. Access to 22,000 images of the actual documents, notebooks and letters of six major fieldworkers at the tips of your fingers, fully indexed and searchable at http://library.efdss.org/archives

  Makepeace Collecting Box

  Mystery solved. I received this email from John Jenner (Cambridge MM):
  "I am just looking at some old photos that have come my way and there is one taken in Sept 1936 at the Coniston Grassmere (Morris) Ring Meeting showing the audience placing money in the new collecting box donated by Ernest Makepeace * ( We weren't allowed to collect). However my point is a query as to whether this tin still exists . I do remember it but I suppose that the various buckets etc arranged by clubs have superseded it. I hadn't realized that it was so old."

  The pamphlet Information for Squires and Members of the Advisory Council compiled by Ivor Allsop in October 2003 which contains details of the Regalia, Gifts and Doles together with notes on the Advisory Council, the Morris Ring Logo and the Morris Ring Archive records:
  "The Bagman Secretary keeps a heart-shaped copper collecting box, made by a Mr. Makepeace in 1935; it takes one coin at a time.
  * The copper collecting box, heart-shaped, was presented by Ernest Makepeace, of the Clifton M.M. He had it made by Miss Winsome Bartlett, of Portishead, a skilled worker in metals. It was used for the first at the Wargrave Meeting." As Bagman I have never seen this box, nor had my predecessor John Frearson. It transpires that it with the MR Archivist Chris Metherell. We are discussing my taking custody depending upon its condition so that it can be returned to at least token use.

  Dudley Binding - an apology

  Dudley Binding: Morris Fool; founder member of West Somerset MM and until March 2008 Area Rep for the Morris Ring SW and Wales and Member of Morris Ring Advisory Council

  Following a recent exchange of emails with Dudley I realised that as he had been unable to attend the last ARM his retirement from the post of SW Area Rep due to ill health had gone unmarked. He had been Area Rep for twenty-one years and was a very paragon, a role-model for any aspiring Area Rep. He know all the sides in his extensive patch, visited when he could and phone and more recently emailed when he couldnt. I have known Dudley since the late 1960s, when we were both members of Mendip MM, and know that he would not want a fuss but I would like to publically record my thanks for many years of enthusiasm, dedication, hard work and friendship. As a young lad I was amazed at how frequently he had to go to check on his bike.

  He is still nagging me to search my loft for photos of the 1960s St.Albans Ring Meeting for the Mendip Archive! This is scary can you spot Dudley?

  Alternatively see: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LtTd84kTaZI

  Charlie

  Bramble Bank

  Morris Men Dance On The Solent (Photos & Video) from Ventnor Blog Sunday, 23rd August, 2009 at 1:22 pm, Isle of Wight
  After a busy morning down in Ventnor, yesterday afternoon found us making our way towards the Hover Travel terminal in Ryde to join some 80+ Morris Men for a very exciting trip to the middle of the Solent to visit Bramble Bank. If youre a sailor, youll know Bramble Bank, or the Brambles, as a place to avoid. Its a sandbar in the Solent that is so high that its exposed by low water spring tides. The Men of Wight Morris dancing side, collectively being slightly mad, thought it would be a great idea to visit the Bramble Bank with visiting Morris sides from around the UK for a dance or three. Happily Hover Travel thought it sounded fun too, so donated the use of one of their hovercraft and the crew gave their time. The anticipation was high, not just from the Morris Men as they waited for the craft to arrive, but from us and the other passengers too. I mean, how often do you get to walk about in the middle of Solent?
  It really was an amazing experience with all involved grinning from ear to ear. Standing on the bank watching the assembled throngs dancing made you feel that the world had gone mad in a good way. It had the added benefit of all that the money raised went to charity.
  

  Morris 1820: Pontefract and Wakefield

  

  So ... what's it all about then? Morris 18-30 provides a network for young Morris Men. Its primary activity is to organise an annual weekend, hosted by a Morris Ring side, to which all young Morris Men are invited. The aim is to encourage a group of energetic young men who, whilst representing their own local teams, can dance together to push the Morris Ring into the future.
  This year, 2009 Pontefract and Wakefield Contact Pete Stephens for further information: 07791 182 122 or or http://www.morris1830.org.uk Dan Corcoran 18-30 Morris

  John Gasson Jig Competition Results

  http://www.johngassonjig.org.uk/winners.html
  

  Results are dancer(s) followed by musician.

  • Solo : Ben Moss : Nikki Heweitt : (Great Western)
  • Audience Appeal : Dave & Matt Brassington : Dave Hubbard : (Great Western)
  • Double : Ben Moss & Dom Moss : Bob Dunlop
  • Over 40 [Veteran] : Mick Croucher : Frank Lee : (Hexham)
  • Best New Entrant : David Roodman : Mark Rogers

  David Roodman was the first entrant from North America - and he came over especially to take part! And come to Sidmouth. Please note that we are always looking for good 'photos of the competition dancers - contact John Maher

  (Thanks to the contributor on the MDDL)

  "This was the first youth Morris / traditional English danceevent put on under the auspices of the JMO and it showed that we do have enough young dancers to put on a really good show. There were representatives from Ashley's Rise, Babylon, Green Shoots, Bishopstone Primary School, Steps in Time,Silver Flame and Great Western. All the sides worked well together. Ashley's Rise taught Babylon some dances and Babylon taught Ashley's Rise a dance. Great Western did an excellent job at leading audience / team participation dancing and I know that Ashley's Rise are looking at Cotswold with renewed interest and probably aren't the only ones. Some of the young dancers had not seen Cotswold or Rapper before. Excellent team work all round and huge amounts of learning must have happened.

  We will be there again next year, so if you know of any young dancers or musicians in the area who would like to be involved then do ask them to get in touch.

  Kim Woodward Leader Ashley's Rise Junior Morris (Open Morris)

  Further liaison with the EFDSS Education Director and interested parties are to be planned to identify where, when and who should be involved to achieve the best results and where to showcase these results. Autumn

  Funding ConsiderationsPossible cost of tuition, travel costs for instructors, and eventual possible travel costs for youth and school sides performing outside catchment area. Liaise with schools, local and county education authorities re-charges and subsidy for children. Heritage Lottery Grants etc.

  SOUTH EAST REGION In response to the South West initiative several sides within the South East region expressed an interest in contributing to the annual Open Weekend which took place in all regions except the South West on the last weekend in July.

  EASTERN REGION The Spectacular Dancing Tent has completed its stay in Christchurch Park Ipswich where it was successfully used as part of the Childrens Festival within the Ip-Art Festival to deliver Morris dancing to 432 Suffolk primary school pupils over three days by East Suffolk Morris Men. This was made possible by the Constant Billy Trust set up to deliver traditional dance in the region and will be applying for the Cultural Olympiad Inspire Mark. Sponsored by DanceEast in Suffolk and Essex the Spectacular Dancing Tent or Spiegeltent is through our lobbying being used by various sides to promote and teach Morris-in-the-tent. It is hoped to spread the idea further into engaging pupils of interested Essex and Norfolk schools. This is the first real bridge that has been made between a regional dance promotion agency funded by the Arts Council, where its focus has previously been exclusively on ballet and contemporary dance, and the acceptance of the performance and promotion of traditional dances of this country. It is hoped to spread the concept further into

  LONDON EFDSS have recently run a weeks choreography course exploring the Morris as a resource for contemporary dance. Simon Care was one of the instructors. London will be divided into four regional quadrants.

  EAST MIDLANDS Lobbying for Morris involvement took place in Leicester but the organisers seem only to be interested in professionally organised original projects. Simon Care is looking into the possibility of developing an idea in Northamptonshire.

  WEST MIDLANDSVarious representatives of Morris Ring sides attended meetings for the three year People Dancing project with a view to Morris involvement.

  Paul Reece, Chair of Morris Ring Advisory Council

  Spectacular Dancing Tent and the Ip-art Festival

  The Constant Billy Trust set up to advance Traditional Folk Arts and Culture in conjunction with DanceEast, the eastern region dance agency, were successful in using the DanceEast "Spectacular Dancing Tent" to demonstrate and teach Morris dancing to youngsters. Based on East Suffolk Morris Men's 'Childrens Festival' for Suffolk Schools which as part of their golden jubilee last year was such a success, this year it was incorporated into the Ip-art Festival in Ipswich at the Corn Exchange and the "Spectacular Dancing Tent" set up in Christchurch Park.

  432 children attended the morris-in-the-tent sessions led by Mike Garland and a similar number the Ip-art "Dance Fest" in all about 550 children took part in Ipswich with other Morris Ring sides such as Devil's Dyke, Hageneth and Harwich being involved in the tent at other venues in Suffolk and Essex. A similar event is being planned for next year. Any sides in the Eastern Region interested in being involved should contact myself or Dick Thornborrow of East Suffolk Morris Men.

  The event is already leading to schools requesting that follow up coaching sessions are taken on in the schools. It is hoped that this programme can be extended to other schools in other areas, volunteers and interested parties are encouraged to get in touch.

  Paul Reece October 4^th 2009

  Morris Ring Archive: Andy Padmore our new Sound Archivist

  Andy Padmore has recently volunteered his services to the Morris Ring Archive Group and in consultation with Chris Metherall and Dick Shilton has adopted the Sound Archive. He explains that his role requires him to deal with:

  1. The existing material which is contained on audio cassette and I currently have approx 200 cassettes, reel-to-reel tapes which I am as yet not in possession of but I understand may be in the order of 60 or more tapes, and possibly other mediums yet to come my way. These need to be listened to, probably converted to digital files,catalogued, and recorded onto the Morris Ring database. This I see as an on-going project and will be looked at as time permits, and may take years to complete.
  2. The acquisition of new archive material to add to the existing collection.

  Currently within the audio cassette collection I appear to have:

  • Interviews with respected members of the Morris Community (e.g. Lionel Bacon and Nibs Matthews)
  • Recordings of Morris Ring ARM's
  • A few Morris Ring Meeting Feasts (speeches and songs etc)
  • Recordings of instructionals etc
  • Many unmarked tapes of which I have no clue as to the content

  So ... Please let Andy Padmore have your ideas:

  1. Suggested other 'respected members of the Morris community' who perhaps should have their thoughts recorded for posterity
  2. Any other sound files you think might be of value in the futurethat should be kept or obtained at this time
  3. Details of sound recordings you possess that you feel ought to be kept in the Morris Ring Sound Archive
  4. Any other advice you would want to impart as I begin my new role

  Man Friday Archive Appeal

  MR Associate Side Man Friday are seeking to fill a few gaps in their side Archive. If at any time over the past thirty off years you have danced with them and have photographic evidence or anecdotes please contact their Squire Pip Thomas (0116 2695532) - he will be delighted to hear from you.

  St Georges Day / May Day Publicity Opportunities?

  St Georges Day, RAC Club Woodcote Park, Surrey We have received a request from their Events manager for a Morris Dancing troupe (her word, not mine) to perform on St Georges Day 2010. This prompts me to ask you to let me have details of any performances sides have planned on 23rd April, whether one-offs or annul events. If we receive enough to make a splash we should be able to use it for general publicity.
  If you are in the Epsom area and can help Anna Taylor at the RAC club her.

  May Day Photos: Alan Cocker, the Squire of Wyvern Jubilee Morris Men has suggested that we make more of May Day as a time for Morris dancing by compiling a portfolio of photos taken on May Day 2010. Initially these could be published on the Morris Ring web site. As a starting point for wider publicity might I suggest that if you let me have the information I will compile a similar list to the one I have suggested for St Georges Day.

  Applications are now open for the 2010 Winston Churchill Memorial Trust 'Travelling Fellowships'. Each year around one hundred fellowships are awarded to UK residents for overseas travel to undertake study or research projects. Grants average £5000 and are designed to support travel and living expenses for a visit of four to six weeks.
  Deadline for applications: Tuesday 6 October 2009. , or see www.wcmt.org.uk
  Too late for this year, but why not get your acts together for 2010, it will take quite a time to prepare any application - John Maher - Overseas Bagman

  The Morris Ring is affiliated to The Association of Festival Organisers.

  Bledington Workshop - Bedcote Morris

  Bledington Workshop: Bedcote Morris will be hosting a Bledington Workshop on behalf of Open Morris on Saturday 10th October 2009 at Gigmill Methodist Church Hall, Glebe Lane, Stourbridge DY8 3YH. 10.30 am until 5.00 pm
  Taught by Mike Nesbit (Lady Bay Revellers) the cost will be £, includes tea, coffee, biscuits. There is a pub very near by for liquid lunch and cobs, a chip shop within 400 yds and a food pub about the same distance, otherwise bring your own lunch.
  Afterwards at Royal Exchange, Stourbridge there will be a social evening, at which their sponsors, Bathams Brewery, will supply the first two pints per head. (Sorry only beer is given away; buy your own soft drinks, cider, lager etc). Bedcote Morris will supply a light Buffet. If you wish to attend, please contact .

  Forest of Dean MM and the Wildlife Heritage Foundation

  To raise funds for this charity, Kevin Passey Squire of FOD MM went to Peru at his own expense on 16th September to take part in a trek over the Andes to the ancient city of Machu Picchu. Part of seven days of high altitude trekking will take Kevin via the Salkantay pass, nearly 5000mts above sea level, to Machu Picchu, where he plans to dance a Morris jig at the city entrance. He hopes to raise £1,000 through sponsorship and donations for the Wildlife Heritage Foundation which is a charity set up in England, to promote the protection of several species of large cats which are in danger of extinction. Further information from or http://www.justgiving.com/kevinpassey

  Morris Ring 2010 Jigs Instructional

  • Jigs Instructional 22nd - 24th January 2010
  • Important News about the Jigs Instructional
  • The price for first-time attendees at the Jigs Instructional will be discounted by £10
  • What is more the price has been reduced for everybody to £42 previously £45!
  • This event is the only dance instructional organised on a regular basis by The Morris Ring and offers tuition on the major Cotswold traditions and a few more besides. We provide a thorough grounding in the steps, arm-movements, and evolutions of each tradition. For many that's enough reason to attend but we then teach most if not all the solo Jigs of the traditions covered.
  • We run parallel sessions, one to cover the basics of each tradition for the relative novice, and one to give detailed instruction in the Jigs for advanced dancers.
  • This year, for the first time, we shall also offer a separate session for beginners where the instruction will be geared more towards a general dancing ability rather than perfecting any particular style or dance. This session is designed to complement rather than undermine individual club styles that the new dancer has been exposed to.
  • The number of men who can attend the weekend is necessarily limited by the size of the venue and in order to maintain small groups for each session. The event is frequently oversubscribed so I shall accept applications strictly in the order received whether from a first-time attendee claiming the discount or from a person who has been before (and there are usually quite a few, such is the popularity).
  • To take advantage of the discount pay in full with your application and indicate that this is your first time at 'The Jigs'. I shall advise the Morris Ring Treasurer of those who are eligible and he will send the £10 discount to your club. Oh, and by the way, yes I do have a record of who's been before.
  • I look forward to seeing you in January.
  Geoff Jerram

  Saddleworth Jockey: Jockey John on a high

  

  Reporter: KEN BENNETT Date online: 24/08/2009

  SOFTLY-spoken civil servant John Brooks really went up in the world at the weekend. He was the "jockey" elected to sit 15ft up on top of a swaying rushcart as it was towed through the streets of Saddleworth. John (55), from Delph, admitted: "I did not really have a head for heights but I do now!"
  John, a member of Saddleworth Morris Men for the last 14 years, spent most of Saturday and part of Sunday in his aerial pinnacle as the men were applauded by thousands who turned out to support the colourful Rushcart festival.
  "It's been a great experience, he declared. "My only concern was getting down from the top of the rushcart safely. It really is high up."

  Saddleworth Rushcart sets off through Uppermill, Jockey: John Brooks

  The festival, celebrating its 35th anniversary, opened in bright sunshine outside The Commercial in Uppermills Square with the Morris Men performing an opening dance before pulling the three-ton cart to Greenfield along crowd-thronged roads. The men and their cart then moved to Delph and Dobcross before returning to Uppermill.

  Yesterday, despite worries of road works in the centre of Uppermill, the Morris Men bowled the cart up Church Road for a service at Saddleworth Parish Church.

  Squire Richard Hankinson said: The road works did not hamper us. Everything has gone very smoothly. There has been some great dancing and everyone enjoyed themselves. The weather has been very kind and that really encouraged the crowds to come out and enjoy the festivities."

  Families settled down with picnics and refreshments for an afternoon of dancing by more than 20 teams of Morris Men who had travelled from across the UK to take part in the event.

  Dave Holland retained his wrestling crown for the 10th year and Mark Robinson, from Stockport, claimed top prize in the gurning contest. In the worst singer contest, prizes went to Kathy Brooks, Pat Whittall, Trish Leigh and Sarah Pearson.

  PRESS RELEASE for new book: "London Pride: Morris Men & Country Dancers 1922 - Present"

  by John Hawkins.
  The history of London Pride is, in miniature, a history of the interest in English folk dancing and the Morris tradition. The London Pride Country Dance Club was founded in 1922 by a small group of women, highly influential in the development of the English Folk Dance Society, including Maud Karpeles and Helen Kennedy. Men's morris flourished - London Priders adopted the City gent's bowler hat rather than the conventional straw hat - and their logbooks provide a fascinating insight into the development of the Morris Ring in the 1930s.
  Order from: 'London Pride,' 85 Amblecote Road, Grove Park, London SE12 9TR, UK.
  Cost is £7 - make cheques payable to 'London Pride' P&P is £1 for U.K.

  Conclusion

  The missing Castagnari Mori, believed stolen in Plymouth a couple of weekends ago has now been reunited with its owner following a appeal through all three of the Morris organisations for people to keep their eyes open. A big Thank You from the relieved owner. Please remember that if you are offered any instrument at a silly price that there is likely to be someone somewhere looking for it.

  As I explained at the beginning of this Newsletter and every other one I have edited I need to have your news. I aim to provide information and snippets of news. The in-depth stuff appears in The Circular and to help you to remember this special 75th Anniversary Summer of the Morris Ring might I suggest that you order a copy of the Morris Ring Circular 'The Special Edition'. There is an order form for this celebratory colour edition included with this Newsletter - Harry Stevenson, the editor of The Circular, needs these advanced orders to ensure that he has enough printed to meet the demand. Harry is also keen to secure the very best content from the very best of contributors for this 'Special Edition'. To ensure your best bits are included his final copy date is 31st October 2009 but have a chat with him asap so that he can plan ahead.

  Photo of Charlie taken on Exeter Meeting 2009 by Richard Veal: http://www.redbubble.com/people/kcphotography
  
  The Newsletter is available in paper form on the Morris Ring Google Group. This was set up to simplify mass communications between the Officers of the Morris Ring and the member sides - rather than sending large documents as attachments via email. Whilst it is essential that every side has a named individual (usually the Bagman) who is a 'member' of the Google Group other officers and members of individual sides are not excluded from signing up. If you would like to join the group please talk to your Bagman.

  I would be interested to hear whether anybody from the Morris Ring Membership have put themselves forward for the BBC TV "So you think you can dance" - attracted by the offer of the chance to win £100,000 and the opportunity to appear in Hollywood. They are looking for talent and raw potential amongst the 18-35 age bracket either professional or amateur.

  Finally a reminder: please remember that we are looking for nominations for the elections at the 2010 ARM. Officers:

  • Squire a biographical sketch, a digital photograph and a supporting statement from the nomination club must be received by the Morris Ring Bagman by closing date of 6th December 2009.
  • Treasurer [Ed is willing to remain but an election is required to formalise the situation as insufficient notice was given last year.]
  • Area Reps whose term of office expires but are eligible for re-election:
    • East [Graham Cox];
    • North East [Brian Pollard]
    • South East Regions [Fred Hands].
  • We also have a vacancy for the West Midlands.

  Also included with the printed Newsletter are the application forms to attend the Musicians Weekend; the Jigs Instructional and the 2010 meetings of the Morris Ring along with details about each of the meetings. The latest flyer of the MR Shop is as usual in the centre of the Newsletter so that you can detach the order form for use and leave the Newsletter otherwise intact. These documents are also available on the here and on the Google Group.
  

  Bagman of The Morris Ring

  Future Dates

  Stunning Poster As part of my GCSE art coursework, I've produced a poster depicting the 6 main forms of Morris, in the style of a 1930s transport poster. After showing it to friends, there seems to be sufficient interest to buy a print ... I've not looked into printing them yet, so I'm not sure how much I'll charge, but the intention is for 25% of the money to go to the charity.
  Headway Cambridgeshire. Oliver King (Cambridge and Devil's Dyke)
  

  2010: Details Here
  22nd - 24th Jan : Jigs Instructional 2010 : Sutton Bonington
  5th - 7th March (?) : ARM : Venue still to be confirmed
  30th April - 2nd May : 322 : Helmond MMs 75 Anniversary
  4th June - 6th June : 323 : Thaxted
  3rd -5th - September : 324 : Trigg
  10th-12th - Sept : 325 : Castleford Longsword
  

  2011
  4th - 6th March (?) : ARM Hosted By TBA
  3rd June - 5th June : Thaxted Centenary Morris Ring Meeting
  TBA - Bristol 60th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting
  

  2012
  3rd - 5th March (?) : ARM Hosted by TBA
  25th - 27th May : Chipping Campden Cotswold Olympic Morris Ring Meeting
  1st June - 3rd June : Thaxted Morris Ring Meeting
  27th - 29th July : Hartley 60th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting
  

  2013
  ? March : ARM Hosted by TBA
  31st May - 2nd June : Thaxted Morris Ring Meeting
  ? : Dolphin Morris Men

  Morris Ring Circular 'The Special Edition' Order Form

  The next issue is a Special Edition, celebrating The Morris Ring Meetings of 2009 - the 75th Anniversary of the Founding of the Morris Ring.

  Up to 24 pages with 8 pages full colour

  We expect this to become a collectors item. Extra copies can be bought at £3 each, postage free; we are selling copies to assist in defraying the extra cost of printing in colour; copy date: 31st October 2009

  Please complete the above linked order form, Cheques made payable to The Morris Ring and send to The Treasurer: Eddie Worrall, 8, Bankside Avenue, Uppermill, Saddleworth, OL3 6JU.
  Expect dispatch before Christmas.