Rob Evans of Thaxted Morris was elected to the office of Bagman of the Morris Ring at the Annual representatives Meeting on Saturday (1st March). Many congratulations - and commiserations to Jono Millward, the unsuccessful contender.
Peter Austin, the retiring Bagman, will handover to Rob at the Thaxted Morris Weekend on Saturday 31st of May.
Rob wrote for his official nomination:
"The Morris Ring is a wonderful organisation steeped in history and tradition - and rightly aims to promote fraternity between its members and friendships between sides.
My morris story started as a musician, joining Lassington Oak Morris to learn to dance. I later joined Thaxted and Cambridge Morris Men. As Bagman of Thaxted I’ve gained essential experience in running a side as well as organising the historic Thaxted Morris Weekend. I’ve built up extensive expertise in the power of connection - whether in social media, or through more complex work with the Ring supporting other sides and addressing historical issues.
At Thaxted we work closely and dance with other Ring sides, and Federation sides - as well as developing positive communication with Open Morris. This has been fruitful without having to compromise our side’s Ring culture or identity.
My professional background has built on my extensive skills in communication, organisation, emotional intelligence, and in working cooperatively and effectively. I’ve worked in a broad range of sectors including running my own business restoring listed properties, school teaching, floristry, and working for Thaxted parish council as Guildhall custodian.
If elected my priority would be the daily running of the Ring, alongside building positive relationships within the JMO that respect the culture, heritage and esprit de corps of the Ring. I also would aim at empowering member sides to get more involved in the Ring at grassroots level, making us more representative and more welcoming to sides old and new."
Welcome aboard.