The Joint Morris Organisations are determined to demonstrate what the concerted power of the Morris can achieve by pooling our talents for the national good.  Following the success of the first combined effort in 2012 when our three great Organisations pulled together to raise £10,000 for Children in Need, the JMO are keen to continue our support.

We are aware that many Morris sides individually raise money for local and national charities and we are keen that this initiative does not detract from that activity.  Nevertheless there should be ample opportunity to pass round the hat, rattle the tins or shake a bucket for a few extra pounds so readily donated by the public for this worthy cause.

If you are able to arrange a special day of dance for this project, you could legitimately claim that “every penny will go to Children in Need,” a sure fire way of boosting the collection.  How about a fund raising garden fête on the back lawn or a tea & scones afternoon on the village green (all with Morris dancing of course)?  The Children in Need websites have an abundance of other ideas for events and the ability to print off posters and images associated with the charity such as the Pudsey Bear logo.

Let’s aim high - but no matter your contribution, large or small, this will be such a worthwhile and self-satisfying project for a recognisable good cause and will give many opportunities for great media coverage too.

Be aware that you will need a street collector’s permit (free from your local authority) if you are announcing that the collection is for charity.  Further guidance on the Orgs websites.
A dedicated bank account has now been set up to receive your collections:

Bank - HSBC

Name – Charity Account

Sort code - 40-41-44

A/C number - 01729780

Deposits may be made by BACs or internet banking.  Deposits should be referenced by the contributor's (side's) name.  We will be kept informed of the aggregate balance on account from time to time as deposits come in and will keep you posted.

GOOD LUCK AND HAPPY COLLECTING

Peter J Halfpenny, Squire of the Morris Ring
Barry Goodman, President of the Morris Federation
Bethan Holdridge, Chair of JMOs & Open Morris

Public area dancing permission / Street collection permits / Busking
For a full description of the rules view: Public Collections and Morris Dancing

For more information about this year's appeal view: BBC Children in Need