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The Newsletter No. 55 February 2008

Morris Ring ARM Special

With the paper version of this Newsletter you should find:

You can read the ARM Agenda on-line here

I understand that applications to attend the 2008 ARM hosted by Wadard on the weekend of 29th Feb, 1st & 2nd March 2008 are coming in rather slowly but now increasing. This is gratifying for Wadard Morris Men who are putting in vast amounts of work on our behalf making all the arrangements but also for the Morris Ring itself. The Morris Ring is simply a collection of individual sides and it can only have any purpose or value if those constituent sides take an active part in its affairs. We are in the middle of a time of great challenge. With some sides struggling to survive due to ageing membership whilst others remain vibrant and growing we need to work together, not only the member sides of the Morris Ring but the Morris Ring with our fellow Morris Organisations, to raise the profile of the tradition that we all hold so dear. We need as many sides as possible to be represented at our ARM not simply to take and active part in the elections and administration required by any democratic organisation but to bring ideas and enthusiasm to the discussions about our future in the different areas as well as nationally.

Paul has been consulting with many of you on the issues of image and recruitment our minds being focused by the potential publicity surrounding the London 2012 Olympics. It matters not whether we do or do not live in London or like sport but the eyes of the world will be on those games and historically the traditions of the host country get a media airing. The interest in many forms of dance inspired by the various TV celebrity talent shows must provide an opportunity for recruitment if only we can find the right method or moment. The proposal to modify the role of our Area Reps is just part of this process and the opinion of every side in the Morris Ring matters in this debate. It is still not too late to attend. The venue is Hopehill Scout Camp site: http://www.hopehill.org.uk/ . All application forms (another copy included with this Newsletter), correspondence regarding accommodation, meals etc. to Tony please at 5 Westfield, New Ash Green, Longfield, Kent DA3 8QN

Elections

Subject to the agreement of the meeting John Berk will act as Returning Officer with the assistance of Geoff Jerram.

Each full member club is entitled to one vote in each election. Associate member clubs are not entitled to vote.

Our procedures state that:

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.

Discussion: 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.

The name of each club submitting a voting slip will be marked on a voting register. The voting slips should not bear the name of the submitting club.

The Single Transferable Vote. 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 1st choice, 2 for 2nd, etc. The papers are then sorted and counted according to the first choice shown on each paper. A club does not have to mark the additional choices if it does not so wish.

If no one candidate has emerged with a clear majority (i.e. more than 50% of the total votes) the following process is applied and repeated as necessary until there is a clear majority.

The candidate with the lowest number of votes drops out.

The papers of that candidate are then re-allocated among the other remaining candidates according to the next preferred choice shown who is still in the race.

The votes cast for each remaining candidate are then re-counted.

Equality of Votes: a Draw. In the event of equality or, at the discretion of the Returning Officer, a near equality of votes, the result should first be verified by a recount, to eliminate any doubts or concerns about the count.

In later rounds, in case of equality, the higher number of votes in the earliest round, gives precedence. In the case of continued equality, the Morris Ring adopts the relevant instructions for Returning Officers in Local and Parliamentary Elections: -

The Returning Officer marks a blank ballot paper for each of the two tied candidates, folds them, places them in a suitable receptacle and then draws one ballot blind. The candidate for whom it is marked is awarded one more vote [in that round only].

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.

The envelope will be checked by the Returning Officer to ensure the submitting club has voting rights. The clubs name will be marked on the register of clubs as having voted. The voting slip will be added to those ready for sorting/counting and the envelope discarded.

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

Announcement of winner. The name of the winner is announced to the meeting as soon as the result is known. The convention, that there has been no announcement of the number of votes cast for each candidate, was overturned at the 1998 ARM. In keeping with the principle of open democracy, the number of votes will be made known.

The Returning Officer will also announce the number of spoilt papers and summarise the reasons for their exclusion.

Squire of the Morris Ring

I have received three nominations:

Treasurer of the Morris Ring

No nominations have been received. The incumbent, Stephen Adamson BfB, is willing to continue.

Area Reps

After many years Dudley Binding and Duncan Broomhead are retiring.

Application to Join the Morris Ring

We have received an application from Great Yorkshire Morris to convert their Associated Membership into Full Membership.

From the Squire

The common perception is that this is a relatively quiet and dead time of the year. As much, however, has been happening behind the scenes as on it during this intense season of Border, Molly, Mumming, Sword, Rapper and Plough Play activity.

Subscriptions & Insurance. As a result of the considerable amount of time being expended by Steve BfB chasing up late payments of subscriptions, and the question of whether sides in these instances are covered by our insurance, we will be exploring the instigation of a direct debit system.

Jigs Instructional at Sutton Bonington. The opening up of the Jigs weekend to novices and experienced dancers by using dual sessions for most of the traditions covered has proved a great success. I would encourage more sides to take advantage of this opportunity to extend their repertoire of dances and hone the skills of individual dancers and musicians who wish to learn, improve and reassess their skills. It is a good way to polish up performances or even go back to basics by having a Morris MOT. So whether you are a foreman, beginner, an individual wishing to express yourself in something other than the set dances while re-establishing and refining the steps within the traditions then this workshop is a must.

Hosted by Dolphin for the past 10 years we are looking for more volunteers, individuals or clubs, to assist with or take over the hosting, either at the proven central Sutton Bonington site or elsewhere with suitable facilities and cost. If you are interested in attending, helping or hosting please contact Geoff Jerram (Winchester MM), Charlie Corcoran (Morris Ring Bgm) or myself.

Recruitment At last years ARM we introduced a recruitment workshop taster session attended by area reps and delegates which formed the keynote and focus to the area discussion groups. These workshops, sharing methods and techniques that have been shown to work, are still available on either a central or regional basis.

It is suggested that regional cluster groups of sides in need of ideas or refining their recruitment and PR strategies are set up to explore the possibilities of these workshops which can be tailored to your specific needs and target age groups. We are here to assist you and can only do so if you communicate your needs. Contact me and your area rep if you need further information or help.

Those clubs with websites should consider establishing links with their local schools, colleges, adult education centres, branches of the WEA, libraries, tourist boards, regional arts and health and fitness centres and media sites with an encouragement for them to reciprocate with yours. There are answers to problems. When the subscription stops and we discover that the club has folded it is too late.

Jockey Morris Men, who were interviewed this January for a BBC Radio 4 programme have successfully explored running evening classes for instruction in the Morris, Trigg set up their stall at the cross roads of dry villages with the help of a local brewery as part of their summer programme. East Surrey has run a recruitment campaign that was so successful they will be repeating it this summer.

Regional Development Officers and the Advisory Council. The plan to change the role and function of the Area Reps and to realign the areas on the regions used for Arts and Culture administration has much to commend it. As with the Squire on a two year term of office, with the complex and many sided roles that he has to perform, so too with the area rep, neither can single handed be expected to make the kind of impact in assessing needs, facilitating change and assisting clubs as well as promoting the Morris and its image politically, culturally and within the media. It has to be a team effort regionally, as it does nationally.

The role of the RDO is an attempt to empower the Morris regionally by setting up and coordinating a team of representatives from local sides who will come to together and assist when needed in forming a regional development strategy for training, recruitment, support and promotion of the Morris, organising cluster groups for instruction and a directory of traditions and the repertoire of dances that the musicians within the region can perform. This plan should reinforce the role of the rep and the Advisory Council and the work undertaken, it is not an attempt to do away with Area Reps and the Advisory Council as a few have suggested, but to enhance and develop their roles and to make them more proactive. At the very least it will provide a more informed pool of expertise to be drawn upon.

Re-print of the formal notice of proposed changes to the Constitution of the Morris Ring:

One of the advantages of our existing Constitution is that it is clear enough to serve the purpose of providing the fabric that holds us together without binding us so tightly that we are suffocated either by rules and regulations or those who might seek to circumvent such rules.

The proposed changes are simply intended to provide a slightly sharper focus upon the role of our Area Reps as we grapple with the issues such as the rising average age of our membership and falling recruitment.

The Morris Ring Officers have considered thefunction of area reps as currently perceived and would like to add to this a regional development perspective.

We are hoping that these people will use their drive, professionalism and communication skills and time to continue to liaise with sides in their area but expand their remit to work with other agencies in the promotion, recruitment, training, performanceand development of Morris dancing in their regional context. This will allow us, the Morris Ring, to grasp the opportunities such as the regional events to be staged as part of the Cultural Olympiad for which regional Creative Programmers have just been appointed. They could also have a role in liaising with counterpartsin other areas where appropriate for the promotion and performance of joint events where it was to everyones advantage.

To mirror this change in focus we are proposing that their title be changed from that of Area Representative to Regional Development Officers (RDOs).

Second. Currently the membership of the Morris Ring is divided into NINE sections based upon geographical area. There has been an immense amount of discussion in past times concerning where these boundaries should or should not be drawn. The last revision tried to take into account local government boundaries to facilitate the application of funds (from Arts Council / Sports Council/ etc) that were at the time allocated by and though these areas, as well as issues such as the number of clubs in and area, ease of transport and the like.

Each of these nine areas elects an individual to represent them on the Morris Ring Advisory Council. Beyond the general remit of the Advisory Council which is to consider how best to further the objects of the Morris Ring and to take action in an emergency the precise role of these nine area representatives has never been defined but they have become to be seen as the eyes and ears of the serving Squire across the country and have responded to various calls for assistance, advice etc. as requested.

To optimise the effectiveness of the re-designated RDOs their areas should as close as possibly match those of the regional Creative Programmers that is Arts and Culture regions: East, East Midlands, North East, North West, South East, South West, Yorkshire, West Midlands and London Area. The following table shows how these might morph:

Current Area Proposed Area
East No change but some transfers to London
North East No change
North West North West & North Wales
South West & Wales South West & Wales
South East South East
North Yorkshire
? London
West Midlands West Midlands & Mid Wales
North Midlands East Midlands
South Midlands Re-allocate to appropriate areas

Note: Electoral Pattern:

Current Area Current Office Holder Next Election Area change?
North West Duncan Broomhead 2008 No
West Midlands John Davies 2008 No
South West & Wales Dudley Binding 2008 No
North Stuart Bater 2009 Yes
North Midlands David Thompson 2009 Yes
South Midlands Roger Comley 2009 Yes
East Graham Cox 2010 No
North East Brian Pollard 2010 No
South East Fred Hands 2010 No

Proposed amendments to the Constitution of the Morris Ring:

These will be Proposed by Paul Reece (Squire) & Seconded by Charlie Corcoran (Bagman)

That all references to Area Reps be changed to read Regional Development Officers.

Should proposed amendment number one be accepted that the areas covered by the RDOs be realigned to match the Arts and Culture regions. Where a member sides dancing patch takes in more than one such area they elect one area in consultation with the Officers of the Morris Ring for the ease of administration.

Incumbent Area Reps shall be encouraged to remain in post until due for re-election when those are naturally eligible for re-election. It is hoped that they would, in the meantime, actively embrace their enhanced role within the structure of the Morris Ring.

Area Meetings 10.00am

In the Area meetings that will be held before the main ARM Paul Reece, the Squire of the Morris Ring would like these proposed changes to be discussed.

To help start these discussions here are the views of John Jenner and the Cambridge MM

We are much against the proposed changes in the names of Reps and especially as this highlights unnecessarily one aspect only of their "job".

The proposed changes in creating further officers of the Ring could lead to a major change in the organisation of the Ring and should not be put into effect without serious thought and discussion. Hence I am asking the Bagman to circulate this, so that clubs who wish can consider the matter before the ARM and advise their representatives accordingly.

The main strength of the Ring is its small elected executive of three men, backed up by an Advisory Council, and helped in specialist interests by appointed officers (i.e. the Archivists).

A previous attempt to write job specifications for the Council Area Reps. met with little support. Has one been attempted for the three Ring Officers? Is that not the first priority if we are going down a formal route at all? Surely like all club or society jobs it is well established that it is the responsibly of all officers and committee members to further the aims of the organisation to best of their endeavours allowing for the time available from salaried work and other hobbies.

Recruitment maybe one aspect of the job of all Ring officers and Council members but is surely not the most important one, so why change the name and constitution for changes sake. This doesnt at all distract from the possible need for the Ring officers and the Advisory Council to enquire of the best practice and advice on recruitment.

Aside but related to the changes, I personally wonder if we do not worry too much about the apparent decline in the Morris, it is now thirty years since the bulge and naturally many men are older and there has been substantial changes in everyones lifestyle. However, there are an increasing number of young men who are becoming interested in the Morris, have these young men been asked for their views. The traditional event sides and also annual events organised by many revival sides are doing well. Should we be worried that we are not able to flood the towns and villages with Morris, as in the recent past?

Changing the areas to fit in with other organisations or for other reasons may well be worth considering.

John Jenner Cambridge MM

TREASURERS RAMBLINGS

I apologise for the fact that the 2007 Treasurers report cannot be included with this Bagmans Newsletter. The auditor, my predecessor Richard Sinclair, and myself always strive to have the printed version ready in time for the Morris Ring Bagmans Newsletter copy date; alas Richards full time employment managed to get in the way again.

The Morris Ring/Shop accounts will be audited during the week of 18th 22nd February and the results will be circulated as far as possible via email and the Morris Ring GoogleGroup. Other than this, the written report will be available for ARM delegates upon their arrival at Hopehill Camp.

Apology number two is for the benefit of all those who attended the 2007 ARM in Leicester. I am fully aware that the treasurers report went on for far tooooooo long. There will be not repeat performance of this year.. phew!! It is my intention to go for a new Treasurers Report world record and we are not talking longevity here.

I am delighted to inform every one that THE BELLS will be arriving during the week 18th 22nd February. Due to a production hiatus with our suppliers, this will be the first restock for more than 18 months. My shelves are currently very bare but this will very soon change and the wall brackets will again creak due to the stacked boxes.

The manufacturers decision to resume the supply of said produce comes at a price. We have done our very best to keep the subsequent price increase as manageable as possible but:

Price Size Qty Description
£33.00 7/8" 100 Brassed Bells
£37.00 1" 100 Brassed Bells
£42.00 1 1/8" 100 Brassed Bells
£58.00 1 1/4" 100 Brassed Bells

All of the above prices are excluding P&P, as will all orders. Please contact the Morris Ring Treasurer for further information.

Subscriptions: An amazingly inordinate amount of my time during December-February is taken up with chasing those sides Bagmen/Treasures who are not as administratively efficient as their own sides perceive them to be. I always include the subscription form with the appropriate Bagmans Newsletter during the end of October or the beginning of November. This is also heralded by an early warning notice included in the July/August Bagmans Newsletter.

As a result of these problems I am researching with our bank into the possibility of converting to a Direct Debit or Standing Order system. The logistics of setting any automated system, if adopted, will require 100% cooperation from all Members and Associates. I will report on my conclusions during my Treasurers Report.

Insurance: At the time of this going to print (8th Feb. 2008) four sides (3 Member sides and 1 Associate side) are without the benefits afforded to our compliant members/associates. This is an improvement on previous years, but still not yet perfect. I do hope to have this at 100% in time for the ARM.

Steve AdamsonBfB, Morris Ring Tresaurer

Meetings of the Morris Ring

2008

Newsletter No e-54 informed everyone whose applications had and had not been successful. It proved impossible to please everyone with Liverpool and Dartington being heavily over subscribed and Long Mantd Morris Ring Meetingt having to be cancelled. I remind you that further information about these meetings is available from the Bagman appointed by the Host side for the event. This may not be the usual Bagman of the side:

Thaxted Ian Anderson
Whitchurch Chris Strong
Dartington Ken Hudson
Liverpool (Mersey) Andrew Siddons

If your side is attending one of these meetings you should have been contacted by now with further information and all host sides will require a potentially non-refundable deposit of 25 per man to be paid by the end of February. Please note that this is essential as over the past couple of years sides and individuals have dropped out at short notice and this has put the viability of individual meetings of the Morris Ring in jeopardy.

Future Morris Ring Meetings Some thoughts

In an earlier Newsletter I pondered both why comparatively few sides apply to attend these meetings and how we might encourage them so to do. I received this useful response which I share in the hope that it will encourage further thought and discussion. Please let your Area Rep have your opinions, ideas and suggestions if you are unable to get to the ARM.

Following on from the newsletter and the encouragement to attend Morris Ring Meetings, I asked the men why no one was interested in going to a Morris Ring meeting this year. So this is feedback for you:

These are the main points there were suggestions about cost reduction, like outdoor camping and motor homes should not cost the same as indoor camping and the breakfasts could be simpler and therefore cheaper. I do not necessarily agree with all the points the cost one surprised me, but then I am not a young married man with 2 kids! I hope that this response will be taken as positive feedback to help rather than be considered as moaning. I personally would like us to attend more ring meetings and we have hosted them in the past.

Dave Hislop Squire Faithful City Morris Men

THE DOUGLAS KENNEDY MEMORIAL FUND: REGISTERED CHARITY 1001303

Is your club going to an International Festival next year to present English folk dance, music or song? Or are you going yourself to study folk dance, music or song overseas?

If so, you can apply for a grant towards your travelling expenses to the DOUGLAS KENNEDY MEMORIAL FUND. The fund was established in memory of Douglas Kennedy, Director of the EFDSS from 1924 to 1961, and Squire of the Morris Ring from 1938 to 1947, after his death at the age of 94.

As Douglas would have wished the Trustees will give priority to young applicants or teams of predominantly young people.

If you or your club would like to be considered you should write now to the Clerk to the Trustees:
Robert Parker, 40 Nightingale Rd., Hampton, Middlesex, TW12 3HZ
or , Chairman to the Trustees.
All completed applications will need to be returned to the Clerk to the Trustees not later than the 28 February 2008. The successful applicants will be notified as soon as possible.

Ronald Smedley Chairman of the Trustees

Morris 18-30 Weekend [A bit of light relief]

12-14th October 2007 saw the 6th gathering of young Morris dancers from various sides in the country known as The Morris 18-30 Weekend. The event was hosted by Ebor Morris in the City of York. Having made a few friends among Ebor Morris when my lad was at Uni, I thought I might take the opportunity to re-acquaint myself with old pals and at the same time see the young lads in action.

The Saturday morning was a bit grey but dry and not too cold when my good lady wife and I set off wandering round the city in search of the jolly crew. There had been no published itinerary so we had seen quite a lot of the lovely old streets and buildings of York by the time we caught up with the lads. They were in The Bell Inn taking refreshment after their journey down from Poppleton where they were based for the weekend.

After enjoying a pint and stories of how Elliott (Squire of Yateley MM) had fallen into the Thames during the Kennet Morris Mens anniversary weekend we all set off to Kings Square where I had my first opportunity to see what the lads could do. After the usual announcements explaining who they were and what they were up to, the dancing began enthusiastically, the different colours of at least 10 teams being represented providing quite a spectacle. An inquisitive crowd of onlookers soon gathered and the digital cameras began clicking and flashing.

It is surprising how the vigour of youth can enhance even the simplest of dances and Balance the Straw was no exception. Towards the end of the performance came the inevitable hoist and Glorisher Bledington was used for this purpose. The varying size of the performers brought much amusement to the crowd during the leapfrogs and the final lift of the delectable young lass to shoulder height received rapturous applause from the spectators and a look of surprise on the poor unsuspecting girls face. She then consented to pose for a group photo.

After this performance we went our separate ways for lunch which was provided for the lads by Ebor Morris.

After lunch we set off again not knowing where to find the dancers. Various venues in the city and a boat trip had been mentioned so we wandered around aimlessly as before and eventually made our way down to the river only to find that they had already set off.

Not wanting to be done out of our river cruise, we took the next boat. About ten minutes into our trip, over the northern tones of the tour commentator we could hear the tinkling of bells and round the corner came a boat full of Morris dancers. Our boats passed in opposite directions just in time to see the all in at the end of a dance. With the combined effects of boat movement, poor light and leaping dancers my photograph turned out like an impressionist painting.

After the river cruise the dancers were found to be in the Museum Gardens. They had already performed a few dances and had attracted an enthusiastic audience of mostly young people who were enjoying a selection of dances including The Upton upon Severn Stick, Queens Delight Bucknell, a Bampton double Jig and the now signature dance of Morris 18-30, The Webly Leap.

Liquid refreshment was the next priority after all the energetic leaping about so the troop set off in search of a suitable hostelry accompanied by various melodeon tunes. A couple of pints of real ale soon coaxed the lads into jovial banter and it wasnt long before the pub was swinging to various folk tunes and amusing refrains. As we were the only old couple in the room we decided to leave the lads in good heart and head back to our B&B. Apparently the lads pulled in a couple of dances on the railway station on the way back to their base at Poppleton.

On the Sunday morning local sides are invited to join the 18-30s group and dancers from Ripon, Wakefield, Rainbow Morris and a couple of men from Leeds Morris Men joined Ebor in Kings Square. The dancing had already started by the time the young lads arrived. (They had obviously had a good evening back at base.) Some of those who dance for more than one side had changed kit and Ebor managed to field two sets for several dances. The sound of clogs and drums rattled around the buildings as Steve (the not so BFB) Adamson set up his stall to sell badges and the new, What would Cecil Say T/shirts.

The 18-30s group performed their Webley Leap before moving on to St.Sampsons Square for the final session. The new venue was a large open square surrounded by shops and restaurants, an ideal arena for a dancing display.

The scene was set by Ripon Morris Men and an extravaganza of Morris dancing followed. There was an excellent performance of Trunkles Bledington from Leeds Morris Men with two 18-30s lads from Great Yorkshire Morris and Mendip Morris Men to make up the set. There were also performances by Wakefield and Rainbow Morris before the 18-30s lads performed Glorisher Bledington this time wearing the What would Cecil Say T/shirts. Ebor had re-joined the display by now and had performed a selection of dances including their stick throwing spectacular version of Balance the Straw and a couple of dances from the Horsham tradition.

We managed to find a Morris Ring table for an alfresco lunch whilst enjoying the atmosphere and spectacle of the Morris. Steve (the BFB) Adamson accompanied Little Willy around with his little collecting bucket to the delight of some of the younger spectators.

There were further performances of Queens Delight and the Webley Leap, this time for 2 sets, and by now I had been recognised by quite a few of the dancers and was, inevitably press ganged into joining the massed ensemble in the final Bonnie Green

Ian Hubbard Man Friday MM & Leicester MM

MORRIS RING PUBLICATIONS

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

David Thompson: Editor of The Morris Dancer
13 Lark Close,
Littleover,
DERBY,
DE23 2TE
Tel: 01332 770578
or

CONCLUSION

Lots of reading here informative and thought provoking I hope. Please share it with your side and let us have some feedback. I keep reminding you that this is your Newsletter and I need your contributions and I am now reminding you that it is your Morris Ring. You only have the opportunity to shape its future if you share your thoughts with your fellow members. To that end I hope to see many of you at the ARM.

sig Bagman of the Morris Ring

Future Dates

2008

29th - Feb 2nd March ARM - Hosted By Wadard MM
30th May - 1st June 313 75th Anniv. Thaxted Morris Ring Meeting
4th - 6th July 314 Whitchurch MM 60th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting
11th - 13th July 315 Mersey MM 80th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting
5th - 7th Sept. 317 Dartington MM 40th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting

2009 THE MORRIS RINGS 75th ANNIVERSARY

6th - 8th March (?) ARM Hosted By TBA
TBA April 3 orgs. Event. Hosted by Open Morris in Nottingham
29th May - 31st May 318 Thaxted Morris Ring Meeting
24th - 26th July 319 Exeter Morris Ring Meeting
21st 23rd - Aug 320 Men of Wight Ring Meeting
4th - 9th - September 321 Bathampton MM 75th Anniversary Morris Ring Meeting

2010

5th - 7th March (?) ARM Hosted by TBA
4th June ~ 6th June Thaxted Morris Ring Meeting

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 60thAnniversary Morris Ring Meeting

Revised Area allocations of Member & Associate Member Sides

[Draft 1: December 2007]
This is the existing allocation of member & Associate Sides. It would be helpful if you could advise the Morris Ring Bagman of potential moves should the revision be accepted at the ARM (and of any errors or omissions).

  1. North West: Possibly modify to North West & North Wales

    Adlington Morris Men, Britannia Coconut Dancers, Chester City Morris Men, Colne Royal Morris Men, Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men, John O'Gaunt Morris Men, Kinnerton Morris Men, Leyland Morris Men, Manchester Morris Men, Manley Morris Men, Mersey Morris Men, Mossley Morris Men, Royal Preston Morris Dancers, Saddleworth Morris Men, Saint Bees Mummers, Southport Sword Dancers, Stockport Morris Men, Thelwall Morris Men.

  2. North: Becomes Yorkshire

    Barnsley Longsword Dancers, Castleford Sword Dancers, Chapel-en-le-Frith Morris Men, Ebor Morris Men, Great Yorkshire Morris, Green Ginger Morris Men, Green Oak Morris Men, Grenoside Traditional Sword Dancers, Grimsby Morris Men, Handsworth Traditional Sword Dancers, Harthill Morris Men, Leeds Morris Men, Lincoln and Micklebarrow Morris Men, Lord Conyers Morris Men, Oakworth Village Morris Men, Spen Valley Longsword Dancers, Wath upon Dearne Morris Men, White Rose.

  3. North East: No Change

    Banchory-Ternan Morris Men, Benfieldside Morris Men, Claro Sword & Morris Men, Cumberland Morris Men, Darlington Mummers, Durham Rams Sword & Morris Men, Furness Morris Men, Goathland Ploughstots, Hexham Morris Men, High Spen Blue Diamonds, Monkseaton Morris Men, Redcar Sword Dancers, Richmond-on-Swale Morris Men, Sallyport Sword Dancers, Stockton Morris Men.

  4. West Midlands: Possibly modify to West Midlands & Central Wales

    Chipping Campden Morris Men, Coventry Morris Men, Coventry Mummers, Earlsdon Morris Men, Faithful City Morris Men, First Sedgeley Morris Men, Forest of Dean Morris Men, Green Mans Morris and Sword Club, Ilmington Morris Men, Jockey Morris Men, Lassington Oak Morris Men, Leominster Morris Men, Malvern Swordsmen, Shakespeare Morris Men, Silurian Border Morris Men, South Shropshire Morris Men, Welsh Border Morris Men, White Hart Morris Men.

  5. North Midlands: Becomes East Midlands

    Aldbury Morris Men, Anker Morris Men, Anstey Morrismen [Everards Old Original], Bedford Morris Men, Brackley Morris Men, Dolphin Morris Men, Foresters Morris Men, Hinckley Bullockers, Leicester Morris Men, Lichfield Morris Men, Lutterworth Morris Men, Man Friday Morris Men, Moulton Morris Men, Northampton Morris Men, Packington Morris Men, Ripley Morris Men, Rose & Castle Morris Men, Rutland Morris Men, Stafford Morris Men, Towersey Morris Men, Uttoxeter Heart of Oak Morris Men, Whitchurch Morris Men, Winster Morris Men. Yelvertoft Morris Men.

    X South Midlands: Disband area and redistribute to surrounding areas as appropriate

    Abingdon Traditional Morris Dancers, Adderbury Village Morris Men, Bampton (Traditional) Morris Dancers, Charlbury Morris, Crendon Morris Men, Datchet Morris Men, Etcetera Morris Men, Grand Union Morris, Greensleeves Morris Men, Headington Quarry Morris Dancers, Icknield Way Morris Men, Kennet Morris Men, King Stone Rapper, Letchworth Morris Men, Offley Morris Men, Oxford City Morris Men, Oxford University Morris Men, St Albans Morris Men, Westminster Morris Men, Woodside Morris Men, Yateley Morris Men.

  6. East: No Change but some possible transfers to London

    Albion Morris Men, Beaux of London City, Belchamp St Paul Morris Men, Blackmore Morris Men, Cambridge Morris Men, Chameleonic Morris Men, Colchester Morris Men, Coton Village Morris Men, Devils Dyke Morris Men, East Suffolk Morris Men, Greenwich Morris Men, Haganeth Morris Men, Harwich Morris Men, Hoddesdon Crownsmen, Kemps Men of Norwich, Kings Morris, London Pride Morris Men, Mayflower Morris Men, Milton Morris Men, Mid Winter Mummers, Peterborough Morris Men, Royal Liberty Morris Men, Rumford Morris, Standon Morris Men, Stevenage Sword Dancers, Thameside Mummers, Thaxted Morris Men.

  7. South West and Wales: Modify to South West and South Wales

    Bathampton Morris Men, Blue Anchor Morris, Bourne River Morris Men, Bovey Tracey Mummers, Bristol Morris Men, Cam Valley Morris Men, Cardiff Morris Men, Chalice Morris Men, City of Gloucester Mummers, Dartington Morris Men, Exeter Morris Men, Frome Valley Morris Men, Gloucestershire Morris Men, Isca Morris Men, Mendip Morris Men, North Curry Mummers, Plymouth Morris Men, Sweyn's Eye Morris & Sword Dancers, Tarka Morris Men, Taunton Deane Morris Men, Trigg Morris Men, Wessex Morris Men, West Somerset Morris Men, White Horse Morris Men, Wyvern Jubilee Morris Men.

  8. map of proposed area allocations South East: No Change but some possible transfers to London

    Ashdown Forest Morris Men, Ashdown Mummers, Blackheath Morris Men, Boyden Gate [Mummers of], Broadwood Sword & Morris Men, Buckland Shag Morris Men, Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men, Cup Hill Morris Men, East Surrey Morris Men, Ewell St Mary's Morris Men, Hartley Morris Men, King John's Morris Men, Long Man Morris Men, Martlet Sword & Morris Men, Men of Wight Morris Men, Merrie England Mummers, North Wood Morris Men, Pilgrim Morris Men, Ravensbourne Morris Men, St Nicholas-at-Wade with Sarre Hoodeners, Spring Grove Morris Men, Thames Valley Morris Men, Victory Morris Men, Wadard Morris Men, Wantsum Morris Men, Weald of Kent Morris Men, Winchester Morris Men, Woodchurch Morris Men.

  9. New Area: London

No Fixed Location: North British Sword Dancers; Plymouth Reunion Morris Men

Overseas Clubs: Represented by the Overseas Bagman

Sydney Morris Men; Vancouver Morris Men; Helier Morris Men; Silkeborg Morris Men; Helmond Morris Men; Utrecht Morris Men & Pinewoods Morris Men