FAQ
Which one's Morris?
Hello, Joe (or Jo). That is your name isn't it? Joe (or Jo) Public!
Just in case you didn't know, this comes from the Fosters lager advert by Paul Hogan back in 1984. It's on YouTube (//www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNbq8NbJobM), of course
Why's the secretary called a Bagman?
It's not, as Dictionary.com (http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/bagman) might lead you to believe, because he's dishonest. In fact, because Morris dancing is older than America, it's just possible that "the mob" adopted the name for their money carriers because that's what the Bagman used to do for Morris sides.
Our other officers are the Squire and Treasurer. The Squire is our elected leader who rules by means of a democratic dictatorship - if we like his decisions, then we'll do it! The Treasurer is the money carrier these days, so that the Bagman can concentrate on the task of sorting out our diary. It also means that the committee has three members to ensure that there is always a decision when put to the vote.
It's not for women, is it?
Actually it is. It's just that from choice we are composed of only male dancers. We have female musicians, and back in 1978 the wives and girlfriends of the side formed Mayflower Morris (www.mayflowermorris.org.uk). Other local sides that are mixed or all female are listed with our links.
Why are you called a Morris "side"?
Um, sorry, but we're not sure. We don't mind if you refer to us as a team. After all, the amount of effort we put in is similar to some sports.
It keeps you fit, doesn't it?
Pretty much, yes. Although the benefit is somewhat offset by the beer that we've been known to consume to slake our thirsts.
It's aerobic exercise, but not high impact. Alright, the sticks are, but we dance on the balls of our feet and build up calf muscles like traffic wardens, according to the sports therapist Adrian Jenkinson (http://adrianjenkinson.co.uk/) who's designed warm-up and cool-down sequences for us.
Why do you do it?
It's fun; gets you fit; helps keep an age-old tradition alive; has a great social life; and is a damn good excuse to beat people senseless with big sticks.
Perhaps you think that you can't dance. Well, do you think we can? Seriously though, any remotely able-bodied male can learn to Morris dance with us. All you have to do is try, and turn up to our weekly practices over the winter. What can go wrong?
We're quite harmless really, and will tell you all you need to know. Maybe more, if you're lucky…
Morris dancing — you know it makes sense
