The Newsletter No.47 December 2006

Hello,

In the last Newsletter I reported that Alex Hislop has been elected as Wath-on-Dearne Morris Mens youngest ever squire (only 20!). Paul Newman, Bagman of Earlsdon Morris, tells me that their Squire: Simon Newman was elected at age 18 on 31 May 2005. Simon is currently 20, birthday 15^th August 1986 and still serving! Is he the youngest to be elected? If you know to the contrary, or have changed any of your officers, please let me have full details.

Attachments: The first of the sheets is the now regular Morris Shop pull-out flyer /Order form {here for download}. The second contains information about and application forms for, the Jigs {here for download} and Musicians {here for download} Instructionals.

Clarification: Past Squire Barry Care M.B.E. was very upset by my attempts to clarify the various roles of the Morris Ring Officers in response to the puzzled phone calls and emails I have received over the past few months with people being unsure which Morris Ring Officer to contact for what. To save you referring back to Newsletter Number 46 I described the roles as thus:

Squire. Presidential-style figurehead. The public face of the Morris Ring, the spokesman, the diplomat.

Treasurer. Money Man; membership secretary and in Steves case, the Morris Shop-keeper.

Bagman. Secretary; all non-financial administration; news-exchange via the Newsletter; publisher of Ring Directory & Handbook; broker for applications for Ring events.

Please be assured that this was a genuine attempt to make the lines of communication clear. It was done in consultation with the Squire and the Treasurer.

However, Barry was clearly upset. He commented:

Who ever wrote it needs to re-read the Ring Constitution. The Squire is not a presidential style figurehead... he actually runs The Morris Ring during his term of office, and the two other officers are answerable to the Squire in their different roles and responsibilities.

What is written in the newsletter doesn't convey the central importance and overall control of the Squire's role.

Please be reassured that I had no intention to belittle the central role of the Squire of the Morris Ring either past or present. I recognize that the Bagman and Treasurer remain the vassals of the Squire of the Morris Ring.

Squires Message regarding the ARM: In an attempt to encourage fresh faces and contributions to the Morris Ring ARM as a forum and melting pot of ideas, views and practical help in support of the development and improvement of the Morris. Paul Reece, the Squire of the Morris Ring has organised a Morris PR workshop as the first of a series of workshops on Morris PR, promotion & funding planned for 2007-8. It is hoped that through these we will encourage increased attendance at Ring meetings and allied events, and growth in the Morris in general. We need to look at and possibly include:

1. Regional instructionals and Road shows promoting particular traditions in the morris and servicing youth teams and possible recruits.
2. The form & future of Ring Meetings may also need to be considered and possibly brought into such a programme so that instructional workshops may once again be part of the weekend in a drive to keep up standards, to learn and improve dances and make use of the expertise of the growing band of older dancers.

One of the speakers the Joint Orgs PR workshop that was run by the Morris Federation was an absolutely excellent session by Steve Rowley. Paul has asked him to do a taster session at the ARM. Steve is also workingon a pan European funded festival/symposium for 2009, which is also the 75^th Anniversary of the foundation of the Morris Ring, bringing together the various European strands of the Morris from Catalonia, the Basque region, Rumania, Bulgaria, North Africa, Turkey and of course ourselves probably to be based in Britain and Spain.
The hope is that a practical 'aid' workshop might help to improve the workings, public relations, promotion, image, funding of the Morris in general and the Morris Ring in particular.

Doug Fowell leader of the Abbots Bromley Horn Dancers, long time dancer and musician, died in hospital on 19th November. His family were with him and it was all very peaceful. He was 78 and had been with the Abbots Bromley Horn Dancers since he was only 7. Although not really well, he was out playing for the Horn dancers last September during the annual perambulations at his 71st Abbots Bromley Horn Dance.

BIRMINGHAM BIANNUAL SHOWCASE EVENT 14^th April 2007 organised by the three Joint Morris Organisations.

Birmingham City Council has made available for us all their central squares and pedestrian areas for us to perform, all within traffic-free 5 minute walk of each other. The emphasis is on Youth and the Promotion and Future of the Morris, with, we hope, the best and the state-of-the-art from all traditions within the Morris being represented: from Border to Rapper; Longsword to Cotswold; North-West to Molly; and Fooling to Mumming. Birmingham, with its superb facilities, and being at the centre and cross roads of most of these traditions make it an ideal place for us to be showcasing the best of what we can do. Adderbury, Bampton, Bristol, Chipping Campden, Moulton, Red Leicester, Standon and Silurian have already expressed a strong interest to be there. Ilmington and others are bringing their boys and youth sides with school sides being encouraged to attend. Cotswold and Border being the closest traditions to Birmingham are expected to be the most strongly represented, but we are keen that the best of all traditions are represented. The main dancing on the day is being planned to take place between 10am and 3pm. Promotional displays, taster sessions, exhibitions of the local Morris traditions and sides and recruitment, music and dance workshops and sessions are being planned before and after the day. Jockey in conjunction with Green Man and others will be assisting with the hosting of the event on behalf of the Morris Ring.

For further information, register interest and/or to book a place, please contact Paul Reece. Email:

Massed Dances A reminder these are the dances selected by Paul Reece (Squire of the Morris Ring] for massed performance:

• Fieldtown: The Valentine, Country Gardens (Stick)
• Adderbury: Shepherd's Hey, Beaux of London City (shooting), Bluebells of Scotland
• Bledington: Young Collins
• Brackley: Jockey to the Fair
• Bampton: Bobbing Around
• Headington: Blue Eyed Stranger, Laudnum Bunches

Repeats/reminders:

Sidefinder Updates: http://www.redstags.org/finder/updates.html {Please note that Sidefinder is NOT part of the Ring website, so John Maher cannot help you - fill the form in at the above address.
Black Book tunes: http://www.themorrisring.org/More/Tunes/index.html
Stewarding: Stewards need to be trained & licensed. 3 days training at approx 250 each but Marshalls need no training but MUST NOT BE REMUNERATED not even a free ticket or a couple of pints.

The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library. Indexes to the collections of some of the best-known folk music collectors of the twentieth century are now available on the Library's website - http://library.efdss.org The main Library website is http://www.efdss.org/library . For further information contact Malcolm Taylor 020 7485 2206 Ext 29 or Email:

The Morris Ring Archivists like to receive copies of your programmes, photographs taken, media coverage, etc..

Correction: 'Ere, what's this about Mendip Ring Meeting introducing seating plans to avoid arguments - I can clearly remember doing that at our 1991 Ring Meeting (probably still got the paperwork somewhere! Leicester as trendsetters again.
TREASURERS RAMBLINGS.

My grateful thanks to all those that have made the effort to save their membership the sum £10.00 by settling the annual subscription demand prior to the deadline date that was 30.11.2006. The return so far is well above the average for previous years. You will all receive your consecutive 2007-08 insurance document with the first Bagmans Newsletter of 2007. If you are reading this and have not already posted your sides annual subscription, you will find that you have incurred a further cost to your Morris side of £10.00. At great risk of sounding repetitively boring, Your subscription is also your public liability insurance.

Unfortunately there was a small delay in the previous Bagmans newsletter reaching you. From time to time, these things happen. This necessitated us having to despatch an interim email with various documents attached. Numerous recipients found the electronic version of the subscription renewal form word.doc both inconvenient and cumbersome to compete as a text document. My grateful thanks to Mike Jones of The Kemps Men of Norwich for taking the time and trouble to assist in the revamping of all our subscription renewal forms in time for next year. He saw there was a problem, got in touch, it is now sorted. Its never too late to learn.

As a result of my improved weight-to-height ratio reported in Newsletter No. 46, I have received numerous congratulatory messages from friends and others. For these communications I thank you. It will disappoint some to learn that I will be walking this planet for a little longer than was originally anticipated.

Your Morris Shop continues to flourish. Please download this file for some seasonal stocking fillers and/or visit http://www.themorrisring.org/Shop.htm. The car will be filled to the roof-rack with Morris Shop goodies in time for The Mendip Morris Mens Ale, Fri 15^th December, Wrington, Somerset. However, I can assure you that I will not be Yo Ho Ho-ing out of the car window down the M5; but then again, you never know.

In time for the 3 Morris Org show case extravaganza in Birmingham (14.04.07) The Morris Ring is purchasing 40 high visibility reflective vests with our logo and the words EVENT MARSHAL on the rear panel. These will also be made available for sides hosting events throughout the year when/where their use is deemed necessary and appropriate. In these sad litigious times that we now live in, these garments are an unfortunate must.

I look forward to seeing as many as will at the Annual Reps Meeting at Leicester in March 2007.

Other Issues / Topics / News

2007 GATE TO SOUTHWELL

Looking for Morris Dancing challenge, why not try the 2007 GATE TO SOUTHWELL!

The Gate is a traditional Nottinghamshire event that dates back to the year 1109 when the Archbishop of York, wrote to the parishes in Nottinghamshire asking them to contribute to the building of a new mother church at Southwell. The offerings, the Southwell Pence, were brought to Southwell by an annual procession at Whitsuntide.

Dolphin Morris Men revived this tradition in 1981, and every year since then hundreds of dancers have processed the 23 miles from Nottingham city centre to Southwell, stopping for refreshments along the way. A collection is made on behalf of Nottingham Hospice. Last year they raised 1100 of generous donations and sponsorship.

Nowadays teams of dancers process in relays with buses to get them from pub to pub. When the sides get to Southwell they are met by the Dean of Southwell who receives the Southwell Pence. There follows a short service and dancing in the Minster, followed by a donated pint. In 2007 a Gate to Southwell Folk Festival is planned with concessions for dancers. More details nearer the time.

The 2007 event takes place on 9^th July; sides interested in taking part in this all day event should contact Dolphin MM's where they can get more details.

Hastings Traditional Jack in the Green takes place over the first May Bank Holiday and has teams coming from all over the country and overseas. If you've never been before and would like to, please get in touch with or Email: or Tel: 01424 436052. Pictures showing the Jack being released from the Fisherman's Museum this year at http://www.hastingsjack.co.uk

Good News The Britannia Coco-nut Dancers have been awarded a Lottery Grant of £9,000 This will enable to side to totally re-equip and celebrate their windfall with lashings of Lancashire Hot-Pot and red cabbage.

Miracle at Kelham Island*

The First SDU Longsword Tournament. October 22^nd 2006.
When the misleading adverts sending dancers first to Sheffield, then to Derby on a different day and eventually back to the original venue, had gone away, the first SDU Longsword Competition trundled into action appropriately in Sheffield.

Hosts of the Event, were Ron and Jenny Day and the management and staff of Kelham Island Museum. The Museum celebrates many of Britains major developments in steel making and shaping and accurately reflects Sheffields prime importance in the Industrial Revolution.

The competition, roundly denounced by many and treated with great suspicion by some, was the latest in a long line of Traditional tournaments and competitions held wherever there were sword dancers. It was an excellent if fairly brief encounter with first and third places being taken by a Morris Ring side.

Third were Redcar Sword performing their invented Eston California dance complete with four different locks and a spate of excellent tunes.

Second were Stone Monkey, hoop legged southern devils with their version of the Coxbench/Codnor dance, the only complete Derbyshire longsword.

In first place were Redcar Sword with their own adopted Tradition of Greatham in County Durham.

The judges; Chris Cartridge, Jeff Lawson and Frank Lee, were mightily impressed with all of the performances and were quick to praise the Salton and Escrick performances of Sullivan Sword from Nottingham. Especially impressive were the students from Maltby School who performed their own dance with a slick set of figures and an excellent finish with a dancer raised on the lock.

Longsword Guru, Ivor Allsop was on hand offering sotto voce advice and performing his David Puttnam role with cameras and technical paraphernalia.*

The winners, veterans of many competitions in the North East and Yorkshire received the Snark Trophy - a Sheffield Pewter Tankard donated to reflect skill, precision and entertainment.

The Sheffield competition was a direct offshoot of the Whitby, Darlington and Newcastle tournaments which no longer exist.

There are venerable awards collecting grime and dust in hidden cupboards. Trophy hunters across the North are avidly seeking the old ones out.

Engraved on the dulled and hopefully temporarily hidden trophies, are written names of some of the Finest Longsword teams: Loftus, Lingdale Primrose, North Skelton, Sullivans, Kings College, Spen Valley, Goathland, East Saxon and Grenoside to mention a few.

Sword teams have ever been keen to compete and strut their steps for a bit of kudos. Loftus and Redcar were regular competitors in the biannual Teesside Eisteddfod in the seventies and early eighties. Honours went to Loftus more often but were pushed hard by Redcar who snatched victory a couple of times.

Loftus formed a joint team with Manley Morris and were successful at the International Eisteddfod at Llangollen.

The Next SDU Longsword Tournament will be held in Derby on October 13^th 2007 and will feature some of the Old Trophies from past Whitby competitions, the Snark Trophy and a newly awarded EFDSS cup for youth teams.

* Copies of the DVD are available from Ivor Allsop

Dancing England Rapper Tournament (DERT) 2007

An invitation from Whip the Cat Rapper of Nottingham to all Rapper Sword dancers, musicians and characters.

We will soon be sending formal invitations and booking information for Dancing England Rapper Tournament (DERT) 2007, but until then here are a few outline details: Date: 9th 11th March 2007 in Nottingham.

The competition will take place during the day in the pubs of Nottingham City Centre, with the evening showcase in an exciting city centre venue with a late bar. There will be two classes (Open and Premier) with a variety of usual (and unusual!) prizes. We would like to re-introduce a separate prize (not class) for the best Traditional dance (a traditional notated dance collected from a mining village) more details to follow. Teams that wish to exhibit during the weekend, rather than compete, are very welcome.

It would be great to see some of the Rapper dancers that are part of other Morris teams take part if you need more details about the format of the competition, please get in touch with Whip the Cat.

Accommodation will be indoor camping, however, if this is not for you, Nottingham boasts a massive quantity of hotels and bed & breakfast establishments. Contact the Tourist Information Centre in the first instance, although Whip the Cat will list the hotels near to the 'base' venue on their website in the coming weeks and hope to negotiate for 'cheap-rates' at some hotels (more details on the booking-form). Website: http://www.dert2007.org.uk

Rapper Workshop. Sallyport Swords, the current DERT champions, will be holding a full day Rapper workshop in St Cuthberts Hall in Darlington on Saturday 27^th January 2007. This workshop is open to individuals and teams of all abilities from complete beginners to the most experienced. It could be a great opportunity for your team to come and get some valuable tips prior to this years DERT competition. Else come along and learn some new figures in the company of other rapper dancers. The workshop event is being hosted by Pengwyn Rapper. Further information and booking forms available from Isabelle Fremont on Tel: 0191 272 2046 or

RAPPER LEARNING AID. The Morris Shop still has available the 2006 Rapper Sword Instructional DVD/booklet produced by Stafford and Stockton Morris Men. This covers the Newbiggin, Earsdon, Northwarbottle, Stockton, High Spen and Winlaton dances. £12.50 + £1 p&p

Morris Ring Workshops

Lichfield: Greensleeves Morrismen have volunteered to host a Lichfield Workshop in Autumn 2007. Details to follow.

Jigs:See Newsletter No 46 and download an application form here.

Musicians' Instructional

The Morris Ring's famous and much appreciated Musicians' Instructional is set to run again, from 23^rd to 25^th February 2007 at Wilstone, Bucks, kindly hosted by Whitchurch Morris Men. Download information and application form here.

This weekend has long provided the foundation for many a player's understanding of Morris music and how it can best serve the needs of the dance and dancers. Jim Catterall (Thaxted) and Mike Chandler (Whitchurch) will guide those attending through various aspects of the Morris traditions, offering suggestions and encouragement to help individuals develop confidence along with their own sense of interpretation and playing style.

Those who have attended before are also welcome to come again, to engage in some more demanding workshops. This programme is still being developed and suggestions are invited from seasoned players as to what they might like to have included. Alternatively, they can choose to repeat the fundamental sessions, if they wish.

Whilst being able to play at least one Morris tune is essential to getting the most out of the experience, absolute beginners are also welcome and some elementary tuition in how to play their chosen instrument will be provided if at all possible.

Costing approximately £45 it promises to be a great weekend, packed to the brim with first-class tuition, great music, a touch of dancing, superb food and the odd drop of ale and, of course, splendid companionship and fun. Not to be missed! Application forms are available from club Bagmen or by for further information.

Please note that Squires and Foremen are also encouraged to attend so that they can gather, first hand, the same appreciation of the complexities and value of the music (and the lot of the average sides musician) and thus be better equipped to support and promote the highest standards of the whole performance.

Traditional English Morris Dancing now available on DVD to watch in the safety of your own home! A collection of traditional English dance styles - Cotswold Morris, Border and Clog . Each Morris Dancers of England DVD features entertaining dances and interesting personalities from some of the best sides performing today. £6.99 each from

International Sword Spectacular The Fifth International Sword Spectacular Festival will be held in Yorkshire on the 23^rd-26^th May, 2008. The aim of the weekend is quite simple to bring together the biggest and most varied collection of sword dancers we can manage, so that they can see each other dance and get to know each other a bit better. We expect to see 30-40 British teams, a dozen or so from Europe, and an unknown but growing number from North America.

As ever, British longsword and rapper teams are likely to turn up in the largest numbers, but one theme for 2008 is to reach out to those Morris teams who do a bit of sword but who rarely go out with other sword teams. We would love to see you. Prices have still to be announced, but will be comparable with many weekends of dance. You'll be very welcome as individuals or as a team. Further information from Andrew Kennedy: or Stuart Higson:

At Chanctonbury to, help train their influx of new dancers, they have been videoing their weekly practice sessions. Videoing the dances and the instructional and then chopping it into sensible pieces and publishing it on YouTube thus allowing the new men and those more experienced, to log on and see for themselves just how they are meant to do a certain figure.

John Harriyott, the Chanctonbury Bagman reports that "it is early days yet but already we have sorted out camera position, clipping, synchronization and so on. I have published just two Cotswold and a few more on Northwest, shortly there will be some more Cotswold".

The links: YouTube direct to our videos http://www.youtube.com/videos/jharriyottbut takes a while to load as it pulls up all the videos, so Index of our YouTubevideos text format may be easier www.quality-solutions.co.uk/dancer.htm. Their blog address is http://morris-dancer.blogspot.com and on this are direct links to YouTube and the Index

Morris Dance World Record The organisers of the Moreton-in-Marsh Show next September 2007 would like to stage an attempt at a World Record by attempting to gather a large number of Morris Dancers, dancing to one tune in one place, to be measured by counting personnel on exit from the enclosure with the aims of both encouraging traditional dance form with local connections and providing publicity.

They would also arrange for areas around the Show site to be made available to each group to either practice, give a display and possibly to encourage members of the public to take part. It is their aim that, provided they can interest sufficient numbers, advertising would be placed in various newspapers, both local and national, and also hopefully on local radio and television programmes. If you are interested or simply want more information their e-mail address is secretary@moreton-show.org.uk

English Dance & Song The Winter 2006 issue of English Dance & Song is currently being distributed. This issue covers January to March 2007, and has the theme of The Music, Song and Dance of Gypsies and Travellers It complements the new EFDSS book and CD, Travellers Joy, published in December. There is an introductory article by Mike Yates, and features on Jean Orchard and the song A Wager, A Wager (learnt from her mother Amy Birch) in the regular Singer, Song and Source feature; an article on the Gypsy fiddler John Lock and his influence on John Kirkpatrick; The Scottish Travellers Project; Gypsy Step-Dancing; May Bradley and Caroline Hughes (and their influence on Chris Coe and Jim Causley).
Other features include a two-page photo-spread from the Tribute to Nibs event; an article on Mary Neal by her relative Lucy Neal; Morris Women by Sally Wearing; and the Fiddles Festival in Aberdeen by Elaine Bradtke. There are two features on dance in schools, showing different approaches from John and Ann Bacon and Joan Crump. Plus Doc Rowes Gold Badge citation.
Reviews include Martin Carthy & Dave Swarbrick, Nic Jones, Waterson:Carthy, Swarbs Lazarus, The Dartmoor Pixie Band, Jackie Oates, John Kirkpatrick, Mawkin, MidWinter, Bodega, Matt Norman and many others.
Regular Features: include Branching Out; Festive Round-Up; Lives Remembered, Songs under the Microscope; News; Dancing into the Spring (list of dance events); EFDSS Matters; and Letters. There is also a list of Folk festivals in 2007 in The Source.

Details of the new issue (plus sound files) are on the EDS pages of the EFDSS website. There is a link from the homepage http://www.efdss.org or else go straight to http://eds.efdss.org

Further details on the website or from Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regents Park Road, London NW1 7AY.

RING PUBLICATIONS

Harry Stevenson:
Editor of the Morris Circular
Erin House,
59, Olivers Battery Road North,
Winchester
SO22 4JB
Mobile 07775 785271
Tel: 01962 855911
Email:

Editor of the Morris Dancer.

This post is still vacant. We are currently seeking a volunteer to join our publications team and take this on. Any offers?

Fools and Beasts Badge Design Competition. Sorry no results to report.

Kennet Morris Men (formed 1957) 50^th Birthday Celebrations

Kennet have been dancing in and around Reading for 49 years now. In order to celebrate our 50^th year we have hired two narrowboats. Since we are named after it, we intend to sail the boats along the Kennet Canal from Bath to Reading dancing at 50 pubs en route.

We hope to be seen off by the mayor of Bath on Saturday 12th May 2007 and be greeted by the mayor of Reading on arrival there the following Saturday, 19th May 2007. This is challenging, but not impossible.

We hope to enjoy ourselves, emphasise the historic link between Bath and Reading and gain some publicity for morris dancing. We hope the event will be covered in local papers, on local radio stations and possibly regional TV as well. The event might even get us some new members. We note that Wadworths has a brewery right on the canal at Devizes. For more information phone 01252 875510 or

Sticks: Hazel Morris sticks from £1.50 each (70cm long 3cm diameter) with discounts available for quantities over 20 in one order.

Longswords and Rappers.

THE MORRIS RING - JIGS INSTRUCTIONAL Sutton Bonnington, Nottinghamshire 19-21st January 2007

The Cotswold Morris Jig provides an opportunity for an individual performer to show his skills, whether by way of a change of emphasis, or expansion of style, without the constraints imposed by a team of dancers, but kept within the scope of the known authority, i.e. not to 're-write' a tradition. As well as frequently being used in a ceremonial role to distinguish the solo dancer, the Jig is a valuable device for the Squire or Foreman of a club to present a varied and more interesting programme. The Jigs Instructional endeavours to inspire the confidence and ability to dance Jigs by giving a good basic grounding in each tradition.
Apply by 16^th December
Further details from Geoff Jerram on 01380-860280, or

SOMPTING VILLAGE MORRIS.

Are you interested in the SOMPTING VILLAGE MORRIS Summer Weekend of Dance in sunny Worthing, Sussex.? It will be a fully catered, camping event on 6^th 8^th July 2007 with some very special "End of the Pier" entertainment. Their previous Weekends have proved very popular and they are expecting to host loads of sides including dancers from the continent (or even further a field).

White Trousers.

Mr I. Payne, 117 Woodthorpe Road, Kings Heath, Birmingham, B14 6EG.

Tel: 01214 446207. Most of these are seconds that are as good as the best. Tried and tested by Jockey Morris Men and the Morris Ring Treasurers new wardrobe dresser. Well worth getting in touch.

Reminder: National Memorial Arboretum.

In my previous Newsletter (No.46 p15) you were invited to submit your views and/or opinions regarding this project. To be kind, it is accurate to say that the response has so far been limited. See download file here.

Following discussions between the Officers and Chairman of the Advisory Council, Bob Cross, it has been agreed that the final deadline for replies is 31st January 2007.

Whilst the response so far has been limited the majority of the replies are in favour of the project and propose backing it with a donation. However we would really like the views of as many clubs as possible.

Your input is important to us. Contact Bob (Adv Council Chair) via Email:

CONCLUSION

I finish with sending you the best wishes for a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year from the Officers of the Morris Ring as well as my usual offer of this newsletter as a means of communicating with other sides in the Morris Ring and the reminder that the members of your side will not receive the news if you and / or the Bagmen do not pass it on!

Future Dates:

2007

2^nd - 4^th March ARM Hosted By Leicester Morrismen

14^th April 3 orgs. event. Birmingham

1^st - 3^rd June 309 Thaxted John Bull Morris Ring Meeting

29^th June - 1^st July 310 Ripley 25^th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting

20^th - 22^nd July 311 Stafford 50^th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting

31^st Aug - 2^nd Sept. 312 Tonbridge Geoff Metcalf Morris Ring Meeting

2008

7^th - 9^th March (?) ARM - Hosted By (Possibly Wadard MM)

30^th May - 1^st June 313 Thaxted Morris Ring Meeting

TBA.. 314 Whitchurch MM 60^th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting

11^th - 13^th July 315 Mersey MM 90^th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting

25th - 27th July 316 Long Man MM

5^th - 7^th Sept. 317 Dartington MM Morris Ring Meeting

2009THE MORRIS RINGS 75^th ANNIVERSARY

6^th - 8^th March (?) ARM Hosted By TBA

? April 3 orgs. event

29^th May - 31^st May 318 Thaxted Morris Ring Meeting

TBA June 319 Bathampton MM 75^th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting

TBA ... 320 Harthill Morris Ring Meeting

24^th - 26^th July 321 Exeter Morris Ring Meeting

2010

5^th - 7^th March (?) ARM Hosted by TBA ...

4^th June - 6^th June Thaxted Morris Ring Meeting

2011

4^th - 6^th March (?) ARM Hosted By TBA

3^rd June - 5^th June Thaxted Centenary Morris Ring Meeting

TBA... Bristol 60^th Anniv. Morris Ring Meeting

2012

3^rd - 5^th March (?) ARM Hosted by TBA

1^st June - 3^rd June Thaxted Morris Ring Meeting

TBA ... Hartley 60^th Anniv. Morris Ring Meeting

Future Morris Ring Meetings The usual plea - if your side might be interested in hosting a Morris Ring Meeting to mark an anniversary or simply for the hell of it ask me for a set of guidelines so that you have some idea of what you are letting yourself in for!

The Morris Ring Annual Representatives Meeting 2007

Saturday 3^rd March 2007 at 12.00noon [Preceded by Area Meetings at 11.00am]

Hosted by Leicester Morrismen at the Longslade Community College, Birstall.

DRAFT AGENDA

1. Apologies for Absence.

2. Minutes of the last Meeting - held on 4^th March 2006 at Wyvern Community School

3. Matters arising from the Minutes.

• Morris Ring Handbook & Contact list Status of Associate Membership
• Prop Ron Shuttleworth (Coventry Mummers) Sec. Barry Care (Past Squire)
• That the meeting accept the summary of membership benefits as an interim measure and discuss / ratify at next ARM.
• National Memorial Arboretum

4. Squires Report.

5. Bagmans Report.

6. Treasurers Report and proposed subscriptions for next year.

7. Archival Reports.

1. Chair of Archive Committee. John Frearson
2. Paper. Chris Metherell
3. Photographic. Duncan Broomhead
4. Mumming. Ron Shuttleworth
5. Sword. Ivor Allsop
6. New Dance Collator. Vacant
7. Keeper of the Ring Scrapbook. Keith Francis

8. Publication Officers Report.

• Publications Editor Morris Circular. Harry Stevenson
• Publications Editor Morris Dancer. Vacant

9. Overseas Bagmans / Webmasters Reports.

10. Election / Ratification of Area Representatives.

Those due for three yearly re-election [next election / re-election due in 2010];

• Area Rep.: East (2007) Graham Cox
• Area Rep.: North East (2007) Brian Pollard
• Area Rep.: South East (2007) Fred Hands

11. Area Representatives Reports.

1. North West
2. Northern.
3. North East.
4. West Midlands.
5. North Midlands.
6. Eastern.
7. South West and Wales.
8. South Midlands.
9. South East.

12. Election of Bagman.

If necessary.

13. Future Programme.

1. Ring Meetings 2007 and beyond.
2. Instructionals.

15. Date and Venue of Next Meeting.

16. A.O.B.

The Meeting of the Morris Ring Advisory Council will follow the ARM.

The Morris Ring - Annual Representatives Meeting 2007

DATES: Friday 2^nd to Sunday 4^th March 2007

VENUE: Longslade Community College, Wanlip Lane, Birstall LE4 4GH

Multimap View: Click Here

HOSTS: Leicester Morrismen

YOU NEED: Kit for the feast & dancing, Tankard, Indoor Camping Kit etc

BAGMAN FOR THE WEEKEND: Ian Hubbard Leicester Morrismen

Email:i.hubbard@ntlworld.com Tel: 0116 220 9133

All correspondence regarding accommodation and meals please to

Ian Hubbard, 44 Denegate Avenue, Birstall, Leicestershire, LE4 3GG

Please complete the form which you can download here, and return to Ian Hubbard with full payment, payable to Leicester Morrismen, by 1^st February 2007. Any late bookings will be subject to a LATE BOOKING FEE OF £10 PER PERSON Confirmation and directions will be sent to the contact named below unless otherwise specified.

Please indicate if you require vegetarian meals. If you are not an alcohol drinker, please see below. Beer, cider and some soft drinks will be available during the weekend.