The Morris Ring was founded on the fundamental principle of fellowship. It exists to bring sides together, reflecting a shared enjoyment in Morris dancing and a shared concern for the standards of its performance; the Morris Ring was established to preserve and develop the traditions and to promote the formation of new sides to carry those traditions on into the future, hopefully in perpetuity.
Whilst originally an association of men’s clubs, at our 2018 Annual Representatives Meeting there was overwhelming support for a proposal to enable any morris team, whatever its gender make up, to become a member of The Morris Ring if they support the founding principles of the organisation:
The object of the Morris Ring shall be to encourage the performance of the Morris, to maintain its traditions and to preserve its history; to bring into contact all the Morris Clubs or Teams. The purpose of the Morris Ring is not to replace or supersede the existing organisations, but to sub-serve them. The Clubs shall in all respects retain their independence.
Any established Club or Team which meets regularly for Morris or Sword Dancing or Mumming, and endeavours to uphold the standards and dignity of the Morris, shall be eligible for Membership of the Morris Ring. The normal route to full membership, which is subject to approval at the annual representatives meeting, is by first seeking Associate Membership. This will give newcomers the opportunity to enjoy the benefits of membership whilst we get to know each other. Any Elected Officer or Area Representative will be pleased to discuss membership opportunities.
The membership year runs from 1st December. Fees may be charged on a quarterly pro-rata basis for sides joining part way through the year.
Note: A discount in all membership types of £10 is in future applicable if paid by bank transfer. This reflects the now ease of electronic transfer and the additional inconvenience of cheque payments.
Bank details are as follows;
Bank: NatWest
Sort code: 60-06-14
Account number: 35382066
Details of the process and the benefits are listed below:
FULL MEMBER
Admission of a Club into full Membership of the Morris Ring shall, after recommendation by the Officers, be effected by a majority of votes cast at the Annual Representatives Meeting. Each Club so admitted shall be provided with a symbol of its membership of the Morris Ring. Membership is renewed annually on November 30th. Associate members attaining full membership will only have
to renew at that point. Formal application forms are available from the Morris Ring Treasurer(link sends e-mail).
£60 annual standard subscription level is inclusive of:
1. Public liability insurance with an indemnity of £10,000,000.
2. Personal Accident Cover ( up to £10,000 for those aged 16-76, reduced benefits for those outside this range).
3. Performing Rights Society (P.R.S.) cover.
4. 2 x copies of each periodical Morris Circular publication.
5. Electronic copy of the periodical Morris Ring Bagman’s newsletter.
6. Electronic copy of the annual Morris Dancer journal (under review).
7. The right to attend the Annual Representatives Meeting, submit motions and propositions, discuss and vote on all appropriate matters.
8. Attend and participate in various Morris Ring meetings and instructionals throughout the year.
9. Listing in the Morris Ring Directory (e) and on the website Find a Side page.
10. The camaraderie of your fellow Morris Ring members.
ASSOCIATE
Admission to Associate Membership is by application to the Morris Ring Treasurer (link sends e-mail) and is subject to the approval of the elected officers.
This is the normal route to applying for full membership. Membership can be renewed annually, subject to the approval of the elected officers.
£50 annual standard subscription level is inclusive of:
1. Public liability insurance with an indemnity of £10,000,000.
2. Personal Accident Cover ( up to £10,000 for those aged 16-76, reduced benefits for those outside this range).
3. Performing Rights Society (P.R.S.) cover.
4. 1 x copy of each periodical Morris Circular publication.
5. Electronic copy of the periodical Morris Ring Bagman’s newsletter.
6. Electronic copy of the annual Morris Dancer journal (under review).
7. The right to attend the Annual Representatives Meeting and participate in debates but not to submit motions or vote.
8. Attend and participate in various Morris Ring meetings and instructionals throughout the year.
9. Listing in the Morris Ring Directory (e) and on the website Find a Side page.
10. The camaraderie of your fellow Morris Ring members.
Clubs who already hold their insurance with another of the Joint Morris Organisations are invited to apply for Associate Membership, and an appropriate amount for the insurance will be deducted from their subscription (currently 2025/6 £12.19).
21 January 2025