The text of the letter from Joseph Needham of Cambridge Morris Men to Greensleeves Morris Men
Caius College
Cambridge
16.4.34
Dear William Ganiford
The following letter was sent out to the secretaries of the Oxford Morris Men, the Letchworth Morris Men and the Thaxted Morris men a little while ago, and since then to the East Surrey Morris Men, by me in my capacity as Squire of the Cambridge Morris Men (1933-34). By an unfortunate oversight, it was forgotten that “Greensleeves” should have received a copy at the same time, and I sincerely trust that you and the members of your club will forgive this error.
“At a recent meeting of the members of the CMM now resident in Cambridge, we discussed the possibility of keeping in closer touch with other clubs or groups of morris men. It was suggested that there should be formed a “Morris Ring” which would be a sort of informal federation of morris men’s clubs. The value of the Morris Ring would, we hope, be to give greater solidarity to the Clubs which belong to it, thereby helping the cause of Morris dancing generally, and also enabling one club to help another in the way of exchanging dancers for morris evenings, displays, tours, weekends etc. etc. There would, of course, be no entrance fee or subscription, and there will be no need for a formal constitution. What we suggest is that each club should send to the others from time to time (perhaps once a year) a note of its officers together with their addresses, and if possible that members of one club should from time to time visit the others. I should be glad if you would communicate this suggestion to the other dancers in your club, and let me know whether you approve of the general outline of the scheme. We should then be able to discuss it further at our annual general meeting here in April and we hope that it can be properly established.”
Would you please be so good as to bring this to the notice of the members of Greensleeves?
Today I am circulating to Oxford, Letchworth, Thaxted and East Surrey, the following points which seemed to me to be of considerable importance, on which I should again be glad if you would submit your club. You will see that some progress has been made in the clarification of our ideas on the Morris Ring.
- The four Morris clubs so far consulted (L, O, T and ES) all replied warmly welcoming the proposal of a federation and expressing their desire to be included in it.
- Accordingly, at their annual meeting, held in Cambridge last Saturday the Cambridge Morris men took the step of making an act of institution in order to bring the Ring into existence
- The Morris Ring may now therefore be said to be in being and to include the five clubs in question. By an oversight the London club “Greensleeves” had not been written to, but this has now been done, and it is hoped that acceptance of the invitation to join the ring will shortly follow.
- It is suggested that these six clubs should be as it were foundation units of the Ring. In the course of time, however, it is obviously to be hoped the Ring will include all the Morris Men’s groups or clubs in the country.
- This wide scope and far-reaching possibilities may entail a little more organisation than was at first sight contemplated. After a great deal of discussion and thought, and consultation with men best acquainted with conditions throughout the country, the conclusion has been reached that it be very desirable to have two central persons responsible for the ring (a) a leader and (b) a secretary.
- I am, therefore, authorised to suggest as nominations for these two offices Alec Hunter (LMM) The Woodman, Howe Street, near Chelmsford, tel Little Waltham 46; and Walter Abson (CMM), 8 Taviton Street, London WC1, tel Museum 6234; respectively.
- It should be clearly understood that the intention of this is purely to avoid delay in the organisation of the Ring. The nominations, if agreed to and ratified, would be entirely provisional, pending the preparation of a simple constitution which would decide the nature and number of the central officers, their functions, mode of election etc.
- It has been suggested that the leader should be called ”Squire of England” and the secretary “Secretary of the Morris Ring” but this relatively unimportant matter can be discussed later. Without in any way prejudging what may be decided, it may possibly be found a good thing to choose the squire each year from the clubs in rotation, while the secretary could be more permanent.
- Will you please be so good as to consult your members as soon as possible on these matters? If your members are willing to ratify these nominations, and if I receive similar favourable replies from the other foundation clubs I will hand over the papers relating to the Morris Ring to Walter Abson, and both he and Alec Hunter will be able to regard themselves as having authority to act in the name of the Ring until the Inaugural Meeting (see below).
- I have next to ask that you get your members to choose one of their number to represent your club on a drafting committee to prepare a draught constitution during the coming two months. This committee might meet for instance on the day preceding the forthcoming Morris weekend at Thaxted.
- In your reply please let me know the name and address of the morris man to it so chosen.
- It is suggested that this draft constitution should be put before the Morris men at Thaxted (June 1, 2, 3) in an open meeting for general discussion sometime during the weekend. In this case it would be very desirable that as many of your members as possible attend the weekend.
- It is also suggested that an Inaugural Meeting of the Morris Ring be held in London on a Saturday early in October. The six foundation clubs to be hosts and all the morris men of England to be invited. The constitution would then be adopted. On this occasion it would probably be possible to welcome to membership of the Ring the clubs at Edinburgh and Liverpool, and groups such as the Nene Valley Morris Men.
- With regard to expenses such as postage, nothing is asked for at present, but Walter Abson will keep a record which, by the time of the inaugural meeting, will give us some idea of the minimal cost of running the Morris Ring.
In conclusion, I would be very grateful if you would let me have as early a reply to this letter as possible, letting me know whether you approve of the amplification of the original scheme to include two central responsible morris men, whether you ratify the nominations of Alec Hunter and Walter Abson, and who you want to be your representative on the drafting committee.
Thus far is the letter sent to Oxford, Letchworth, Thaxted and East Surrey today. Please continue your consultation of your fellow members in Greensleeves and let me know the result.
There are two obviously very important points which are not discussed in the above letter, but which should, I think, be mentioned. Firstly, with regard to the relations between the Morris Ring and the EFDS, none of those have so far been concerned with the subject (eg Kenworthy Schofield, Alec Hunter, Tommy Adkins, Arthur Peck etc etc and the secretaries of the clubs) envisaged that the Ring would trespass on any of the obvious functions of the EFTS such as that of being a learned society, or repository of information relating to folk dancing, or that of being a central arbiter of technique or that of conducting technical or pedagogical examinations. As regards teaching, however, the experience of Thaxted probably shows that the Morris Ring would hardly be able to bind itself to do absolutely no teaching, since teaching includes, after all, team practice indefinitely, after the principles of the dances are learned. On the other hand, the courses of classes run by the Branches of the EFDS would obviously be looked on as the normal approach, and the Morris Ring should probably give no elementary instruction.
The second point is the position of the traditional and semi-traditional teams. Kenworthy Schofield sees no reason why they should not come in, in the course of time, if they want to and Chipping Campden were probably like to do so quite soon, since they were given two joint shows with the Travelling Morrice.
Recurring to the previous point, it should be remembered that the Cambridge Branch now contains a rule permitting the “association” of “clubs” to the Branch in addition to the “affiliation” of “centres”. Clubs, thus defined, have no voting power and their rules are not subject to any control by the Branch. If every Branch adopted a similar rule, the position of Morris clubs would be eased everywhere. And if things go as they should, there need be no official connection between the Morris Ring, itself, and the EFDS since all constituents would be “associated clubs”.
In conclusion I would say that the whole position arises owing to a certain failure of the EFDS to understand the optimum conditions for the flourishing of the Morris. These conditions are the close association together of men, and men only, in a club, with activities which include spontaneously organised meetings and tours. The time is more than ripe for the formation of the Morris Ring.
Yours very sincerely
(Sgd) Joseph Needham
Subsequent internal discussions by the Club
Friday 20th April 1934
Present: Mrs Matthews, Clifford-Smith, Bardwell, Ganiford, Heaven, Masters, Neil, Webster
Those of the Club who were present attended a meeting held in the men’s dressing room at 8.40 and discussed the proposal made by the Cambridge Morris Men and communicated by Joseph Needham to Ganifiord to form a “Ring” of the men’s Morris clubs and groups, Greensleeves being invited to be one of the six “Foundation” clubs. Bardwell, Clifford-Smith and Masters were able to speak from their knowledge of East Surrey, Cambridge and Letchworth respectively, a useful contribution to our discussion. As several members were absent, decision was deferred until next Friday; Heaven being instructed to write to them with copies of the letter and also to write to Joseph Needham for fuller information, if obtainable, about the proposals.
Friday 27th April 1934
Present: Mrs Matthews, Clifford-Smith, Ganiford, Heaven, Masters, Neil
The question of the “Ring” was further discussed, and those present were in favour of notifying to the Cambridge Morris Men the club’s approval of the suggestion and willingness to be represented on the committee to draw up the constitution; though it was felt that care would be required to see that the club’s position was not made difficult either financially or in the matter of independence. Letters from absent members were read; but insofar as they objected to the proposal on the ground that it would lead to a breach with the E.F.D.S. or was in any way disloyal to the Director of the Society, Ganiford was able to assure the meeting that the director himself knew of and was in favour of the proposal.
Friday 19th October 1934
Present: Mrs Matthews, Bardwell. Clifford-Smith, Ganiford, Guy, Heaven, Masters, Neil, Ranger
We practised Haste to the Wedding and Queen’s Delight for presentation, if required, at the inaugural meeting of The Ring tomorrow.
Saturday 20th of October 1934, Cecil Sharp House
The Ring
Inaugural Meeting
The following past and present members of the Club attended the inaugural meeting of the Morris Ring at Cecil Sharp House today: Abbott, Bardwell, Clifford-Smith, Ganiford, Guy, Heaven, Neil, Ranger, Webster. Bardwell, however, attended on behalf of East Surrey, and danced with them.
Heaven was Club representative during the business meeting and also danced No. 1 (with Bardwell as No 6) in Laudnum Bunches (Headington) danced as a display by the Club Representatives: Abbott being No 2 in the side, as representative of Lads of Southwark.
The Club was asked to dance a display dance, and did Queen’s Delight; the side including Ganiford, Neil, Heaven, Bardwell, Ranger and Abbott and the accompanist being Clifford-Smith.
The programme of general dances included Rigs, Getting Upstairs and Blue Eyed Stranger (Head), Flowers of Edinboro’ (Bamp), ????? (Sherborne), Dearest Dickie and Shepherd’s Hey (F.T.), Lads, and Buffoon (Adderbury), William & Nancy, Trunkles and Leapfrog (Bled) and Swaggering Boney (Long), interspersed with display dances by the various sides: it began with the Winster Processional, and ended with Green Garters. The accompanists included Mason (piano), Clifford-Smith and Ganiford (violin), Schofield (pipe & tabor) and Kimber (concertina). The latter took Getting Upstairs at a tremendous pace.
Supper followed the dancing, at which we drank (among other toasts) to the memory of Cecil Sharp, and to the English Folk Dance and Song Society: and a discussion followed the supper. When the Squire (Alec Hunter) had declared the discussions open, Heaven raised the first point by asking what was the experience of other clubs in taking in men who had never done any Morris dancing, a thing that Greensleeves had never set themselves out to do. It transpired that the other clubs had admitted and trained such men or, in some cases, boys; and Kimber very strongly emphasised the need for introducing and training new, and young, blood. Bardwell also spoke on the subject. The other point discussed was the future meetings of the Ring: and the decision appeared to be to leave Thaxted as it was and to hold another meeting in September. No member of the Club joined in discussing this question, but on an informal vote being taken supported September as against a Whitsun meeting which, it was felt, would clash with Thaxted. The meeting ended with a talk from Kimber and songs from Kimber, Kennedy and Major Fryer, after the consumption of a good supply of beer generously provided by the E.F.D.S.
The business meeting confirmed the provisional appointments of Squire – Alec Hunter, Bagman – Walter Abson and fixed an annual subscription of 2/6 from each club which was thereupon paid by Spencer Ranger.
From the Logbook of the Morris Ring – Inaugural Meeting
The ring was fortunate enough to be offered the use of Cecil Sharp House free of charge for the Inaugural Meeting on October 20th 1934. The proceedings began at 3:30 pm when to the tune of the Morris call the men assembled in the Main Hall, one representative each club occupying a seat in an inner ring of chairs, the dancers sitting in large rings outside. The following clubs were represented; Cambridge, Chelmsford, Clifton, Lads of Southwark, Letchworth, Liverpool, Greensleeves, Bovingdon, Oxford, St. Albans, East Surrey, Thaxted and Wargrave, and Mr William Kimber of Headington was present as a guest of the Ring.
Kenworthy Schofield proposed, and Alec hunter seconded, that Douglas Kennedy should occupy the Chair, this was carried unanimously. After welcoming the dancers the chairman then called upon each representative to rise and announce the club he represented, after which the Bagman was called upon to read the constitution drawn up at Thaxted. Cambridge proposed and Letchworth seconded the adoption of the constitution. This was carried unanimously.
No other nominations having been received, the chairman announced Alec Hunter to be elected Squire of the Morris Ring, and Walter Abson to be elected Bagman of the Morris Ring, for the ensuing 2 years. The chairman then presented the Squire’s symbol of office, a silver mounted staff (the gift of the EFDS) pointing out that it was not merely a rod with which to beat the unrighteous and chastise the Philistine, but a symbol of connection between the Society and the Ring, and between the Ring and its constituent clubs. The Squire then took the chair and presented the Bagman with his symbols of office, the minute book and money box.
The Squire then welcomed Mr William Kimber as guest, to which he replied cheerfully, and after notices from the Bagman closed the meeting.
At 4:15 pm, after light refreshments, the dancers returned to the Main Hall to dance the following programme. (It had been hoped that some street dancing would be possible, but in view of police objections this had to be abandoned.)
Wheatley
How d’ye do, Sir?
Dearest Dickie
William and Nancy
Display Dances
Flowers of Edinburgh
Rigs o’ Marlow
Swaggering Boney
Getting Upstairs
Display Dances
Lad’s a Bunchun (Adderbury)
The Buffoon
Shepherd’s Hey (Field Town)
Banks of the Dee
Constant Billy (Sherborne)
Display Dances
Leapfrog (Bledington)
Trunkles
Blue eyed Stranger
Green Garters
During the display dances William Kimber performed the Headington jig in a very spirited manner, to the great delight of all the men present.
At 7:00 pm, the men gathered in “Trefusis” for supper, notable for the large quantity of beer and cider provided by the Society. With all the men standing in their places, the Squire addressed them in the following words:
“Before we sit down I’m going to ask you to drink to the memory of the one man above all others to whom we owe our knowledge of the English Morris. Cecil Sharp through a chance meeting with the Headington dancers perceived the full beauty of the English folk tradition, at a time when it was either unknown or despised in the wider world. By his delight in all that is strong and vigorous in art; his love and respect for humanity, and his boundless enthusiasm he was able, in spite of physical illness, to collect and preserve the great tradition of the English Morris and to hand it on to us who are here today. Many of us knew and loved him, all of us have delighted in his work. Let us drink to his immortal memory.”
The Toast being drunk, the men sat down to a very welcome meal, towards the end of which Joseph Needham rose to give the toast of “The Morris Ring” in a memorable oration, followed by the Squire who gave us the toast of the Society, to whom the Ring owed a great deal for the success of its Inaugural Meeting. Douglas Kennedy replied, after which the tables were cleared and the company gathered round the Squire to drink beer and discuss many matters.
The Squire opened the discussion by emphasising the all-importance of the club spirit in Morris dancing, and exhorted the men to aim as a high standard of technique in their club and individual dancing. The question of admitting newcomers to a club was raised, Cambridge explained their recent method of admitting novices to a ½ hour practice, and Kimber described how new dancers were allowed to watch the Headington side and given tuition for about ½ hour afterwards. He emphasised the importance of turning no one away, and explained how the older men in his club coached the younger ones. Several men gave accounts of teaching Morris to boys, and the majority seemed in favour of this method of bringing your new dancers. The Squire said that newcomers should be allowed to dance with the club, even if not very good, as it was in the club and not in the class that Morris was learnt. The question of the symbol was raised, the Squire suggesting a stick for each club, and expressing his willingness to attend any beer-drinkings for the purpose of presenting the symbol. The idea seemed to meet with approval and the stick was decided upon as the symbol of association in the Ring.
The Squire spoke of the importance of dancing in the streets; Thaxted proposed the next Thaxted Morris weekend should be arranged by the Ring. Kenworthy Schofield suggested a meeting in the Cotswolds, Chipping Camden was a possible town for it; this met with opposition from Arthur Peck on account of the Chipping Camden Traditional Team; Douglas Kennedy suggested several tours arranged by clubs to culminate in a weekend gathering in September. Winchcombe was also put forward as a place for a gathering of the Ring. The Squire suggested September 7th as a suitable date; this appeared to be suitable for the men present.
William Kimber then described the way in which the Headington side toured the country near Oxford during the fortnight after Whitsuntide, dancing in Oxford, Headington, Melton, Haxley, Long Crendon, Kirtlington where they danced with the Bampton Men, Adderbury and Deddington. He also impressed on the men the necessity of teaching the young blood, and encouraging newcomers to the Morris, and of the importance of keeping and the Squire and Bagman in their place. He also spoke of the duties of the Squire in acting as leader of the Morris Men, and in keeping the bagman up to scratch.
The discussion lasted until about 9:30 pm, when William Kimber sang “Up with the lark in the morning”, Douglas Kennedy “On Ilkla’Moor baht ‘at”, and Francis Fryer “Here comes the Cannibal Man”. A very elated company of men then dispersed from Cecil Sharp House, convinced of the great success of the Inaugural Meeting, and that the Ring was now rolling on its way.
[signed] Alec B Hunter 1st June 1935