23 August 2012
New Edition, The Morris Dancer Publication
The latest issue (5:2) of the Morris Dancer is now out and online under publications.
Andy Bullen (Chicago) and Mac McCoig (Uttoxeter Heart of Oak) were appointed as co-editors of The Morris Dancer last year. Their first offering has just been posted
The Morris Dancer is the most academic of Morris Ring publications, setting out to explore Morris history and the customs, practices and exploits of its exponents. It is a focal point for retrieving, recording and making public the glory of our pageant, researching and publishing material that might otherwise languish in the dusty corners of inaccessible archives.
I should like to heap praise upon the editors for a stunning first effort. Indeed what better theme to start with than 'Origins'? The articles give a fine insight into historical public perception of Morris and explore the reasoning surrounding male hegemony, so much debated in recent years. Digestion of these records leads to a clearer understanding of the reasons for past mistrust and division based on gender and reinforces the importance of mutual respect in the three Morris organisations of the modern age.
Andy and Mac are already working towards their next edition late this year and are keen to receive appropriate material for its construction. They will welcome contributions from across the Morris spectrum regardless of gender, style or affiliation. This is a publication for posterity and for all to enjoy so please help if you can.
Peter J Halfpenney
Squire of The Morris Ring