Newsletter 6

The Sixth Newsletter includes:-

ARM and Archive Meetings - Details, various papers and Application Forms are provided for the Meetings in Bedford on 5-7 March. Those interested in Archives can attend the Sunday Archive Meeting for a mere £15. Details of the speakers are given in the Newsletter.

RING MEETINGS – 1999 – all applicants have been “successful”. Long Man and Silurian have expanded their Meetings. There is still space at Leicester and Thaxted.

MILLENNIUM NEWS - Our “Dome-master” “Monty” Montague [Tel: 01276 20817] has managed to contact “The Dome”. We are offering him to Tony Blair in place of Peter Mandelson - we reckon that Monty can manage the job with a smaller mortgage!! [“He’d better” says Ring Treasurer!!]

WEB NEWS - John Maher is updating our www.TheMorrisRing.org web pages to include maps to indicate practice venues. Has your side sent him the Map Reference or Post Code?

DANCING AT THE BASS MUSEUM - Adrian Wedgewood writes “The Bass Museum is always pleased to hear from Sides that will be welcome to dance Burton's biggest attraction.”

ANNIVERSARIES - in 1999. Jockey and Northampton celebrate their 50th Anniversaries; Sallyport Sword their 30th; Etcetera their 25th; Harwich their coming of age – 21st; Lichfield the 20th Anniversary of the present Side.

IN MEMORIAM - The death is reported of Jack Sleeman, past Squire of Bathampton Morris Men, at the age of 81 on 4th January 1999.

YOUR NEWS – Mentions are made of: Ring Archivist, Chris Metherill; of Stafford’s Newsletter; of Exeter and Dolphin, and Helier from Jersey, who are always pleased to meet up with holidaying dancers and musicians. Devil’s Dyke, Exeter and Ravensbourne have been in the papers. Kennet have been carolling with alternative Morris tunes. On Boxing Day Thameside Mummers had a 3 hour singaround and Thaxted presented Daniel Fox with decanter and glasses for 14 years as Squire.

New Year Resolutions are provided by Stafford and “words of wisdom” by Rutland.

We welcome two new Associates: Lordsmere Longsword, and Coton.

OUT AND ABOUT – The Bagman has visited Feasts and Ales at Rutland, Packington, Mendip, Stafford and enjoyed Tours with the Original Welsh Border Morris, Cardiff, Jockey, Bedford and Cambridge - the latter in guise of the “Cambridgeshire Molly Dancers”.

IN CONCLUSION – Many thanks to you all for your support, assistance and good wishes in my year as your appointed Bagman. I have thoroughly enjoyed myself!!! May I wish you all a very happy and [dare I say it] prosperous, New Year.