YEARBOOK 2018-2019 Edition - City of Auckland Morris Dancers - City of Auckland Morris Dancers ...

City of Auckland Morris Dancers
                www.aucklandmorris.org.nz

                  YEARBOOK
                2018-2019 Edition
                  Compiled by Ken Lee July 2018
                  Original by Errol Dawson 1989
                  Updated by Andy Smith 2002
CONTENTS

     Introduction
     CAMD History
     Office holders & duties
     Aims
     Rules of the Side
     AGMs & EGMs
     Subscriptions
     Practice nights
     Bagging
     Colours
     Kit
     Conduct
     Sources of notation
     Archives
     Birthday
     Danceouts
     Gaffer
     The Tour
     Feast
     Ale
     Magazine
     Morris meets
     More information

INTRODUCTION

Welcome to the CAMD Yearbook for 2018-2019
This is a replacement for the 2017-2018 Handbook. Some of its contents have been
corrected or updated and appear thus.
The idea is to update and distribute annually soon after each AGM, i.e. June/July.
  The purpose of this booklet is to inform members as to some of the customs and
traditions of The Morris in general, of CAMD in particular, and of the Morris dancing
fraternity within New Zealand.

CAMD HISTORY

  The members of the Auckland English Traditional Dance Club (AETDC) were responsible
for starting CAMD. In February 1978 the first practice session was held by a gentleman
known to all as 'Willum', who was in Auckland for a very short time as a crew member
of the ocean liner QEII. For a time The Morris was danced, along with country dances,
at AETDC practice nights. Later, and made up, in part, by members culled from AETDC, a
separate Morris side was formed. They called themselves Auckland City Royal Morris
Dancers (ACRMD) in the beginning. Their kit consisted of red tabards instead of
baldricks. The sides' first practice session took place on April 23, 1978. Their first
dance-out was to help preserve an historic building in Parliament Street, Auckland;
the Courtville Flats. Also joining them on that occasion was AETDC.
  Early patron, Sir Dove-Myer Robinson (then Mayor of Auckland), was instrumental in
the gaining of approval for ACRMD to use the City of Auckland Coat of Arms in their
colours. ACRMD was the first Organization to be thus privileged. In December 1978 the
name was changed to City of Auckland Morris Dancers. In July 1991 Les Mills (then
Mayor of Auckland City) accepted an invitation to act as Patron.
  On May 1st each year CAMD dance atop Mt. Eden, as part of the spring equinox
celebrations (northern hemisphere). This was a tradition that was begun by AETDC. Each
year since both groups have joined in the country dancing, which alternates with the
Morris dancing on these occasions. CAMD celebrated their 10th birthday in 1988 in
similar fashion, by dancing on the top of 10 volcanoes, with other sides from around
the country taking part.

OFFICE HOLDERS & DUTIES
SQUIRE:    (2018-2019 Bob Lawton)
           The Squire is responsible for the smooth operation of the side, he/she
           arranges dance-outs, negotiates fees, arranges practice nights, etc. It is
           up to the Squire to ensure everyone is wearing correct kit at dance-outs,
           and that the conduct of the side or individuals in it is beyond reproach.
           Also at dance-outs, he/she should decide what dances each member performs,
           according to their ability, so that the standard of the side is maintained.
           He/she also decides who is ready to apply for their colours.
           Holds stock of bells & button badges.

FOREMAN:   (2018-2019 Errol Dawson)
           Ideally, it is the side as a whole, or at least the experienced dancers
           within it, who decide which traditions are to be taught and the source of
           instruction material. Using the skills at his/her disposal the foreman
           instructs members in stepping, common figures, distinctive figures, hand
           movements etc. They share the Squire's responsibility for the overall
           standard of dance of the side. They have to ensure a balance is met between
           bringing new members up to dance out standard, and fanning the fires of
           enthusiasm in the more experienced dancers.

SCRIBE:    (2018-2019 Stephen Hood)
           Co-ordinates, and ensures there are enough dancers and musicians to perform
           at dance-outs. This is a secretary's position, which entails letter writing,
           obtaining permission to dance, and keeping members informed.

BAGMAN:    (2018-2019 Ken Lee)
           Put simply, this is a treasurer's post. He/she is responsible for the
           banking of all monies, for the tabulation of all income and expenditure, and
           is one of the three signatories, two of which are required for each cheque,
           recognized by the bank. The financial year runs from 1st June to 31st May

COMMITTEE: From time to time a committee may be set up for a particular purpose, i.e.

the organisation of a barn dance. All voting members are welcome at any such
           committee meeting.

VOLUNTARY POSITIONS:

ARCHIVIST: (2018-2019 Ken Lee)
           Keeps Scrapbook and archive of scanned records up to date on CAMD 1TB hard
           drive. Holds photo albums and library items.

FIRST AID: (2018-2019 Kit stored under stage at St Lukes Hall)
           First Aid kit for use at Practice Nights and Dance-Outs.

KITMISTRESS:(2018-2019 - None. Kit stored under stage at St Lukes Hall )
           Arranges baldricks as required at $30 each.
           Holds stock of tricorne hats at $25 each.

WEBMASTER: (2018-2019 Andy Smith)
           Keeps website (www.aucklandmorris.org.nz) up to date.

AUCKLAND FOLK FESTIVAL REPS: (2018-2019 Andy Smith, Bob Lawton & Errol Dawson)
           Represent CAMD at Auckland Folk Festival meetings.

AIMS
To promote the knowledge, practice, performance and enjoyment of The Morris and
associated activities is a fundamental aim of the side. Another collective aim must be
to participate at Morris meets arranged by other sides, and when possible to
reciprocate by hosting meets ourselves. To raise funds enabling the furtherance of the
above aims, to improve/maintain the standard of dance of the side, and to acquire and
preserve instructional and archival material are also objectives of CAMD.

RULES OF THE SIDE

The complete list of rules is available on the Incorporated Societies website, which
is easy to locate, and so is also on CAMD website www.aucklandmorris.org.nz

AGMS & EGMS

The Annual General Meeting is held within 14 days of the winter solstice. Three weeks
notice of an AGM must be sent in writing to all voting members of the side. For an
Extraordinary General Meeting two weeks notice must be given. The agenda of an AGM
includes a report on the year’s activities by the squire, bagman’s report, election of
officers …
At AGMs and EGMs a Quorum of 6 members is required.
An EGM may be called by the squire, the majority of the committee, or at the request
of at least 25% of the side.

SUBSCRIPTIONS

Membership of CAMD is through subscription. The fee ($40 for 2018-2019) for each year
is set during the AGM. The financial year runs from 1st June to 31st May.
 We now have Social Membership for people who are no longer up for regular practice
and dancing in public, but would still like to remain involved with CAMD. Annual
subscription for Social Membership is set at half standard fee. ($20 for 2018-2019)
 Subs go towards hall hire and copies of the NZ Morris newsletter 'Sphere', which is
free to all members. The payment of subscriptions is a pre-requisite for the
eligibility to vote at any meeting.

Payment may be made: in cash or cheque directly to the Bagman, or by bank deposit or
Internet banking to BNZ account 020160-0388956-00 City Of Auckland Morris Dancers
Please give your name as the reference, and inform the Bagman of your deposit.

PRACTICE NIGHTS

CAMD practice every Thursday night (except Easter and January) at St Lukes Church
hall, 704 New North Road, St Lukes, Auckland.
Starting time is 7:30pm. Please be prompt.
The first hour is allocated to tuition by the Foreman, involving basic stepping,
common figures and hand movements. After Bagging session the remainder of the evening
is devoted to the more experienced dancers. This may vary according to the level of
ability of those present.

BAGGING

  Bagging sessions are run by the Scribe and take place every practice night. The
bagman reports on the financial condition of the side, and the scribe notifies all of
upcoming events and takes names of those available. If a vote is taken on any issue at
these meetings rules 1 & 2 of the 'Rules of the Side' apply, i.e. that those eligible
to vote have:
   i) paid the annual subscription as determined at an AGM,
   ii) attended at least four practice nights, one of which has been within four weeks
of the meeting at which he/she may wish to vote.
  Traditionally, it is the side as a whole who select which dances are to be learned
and performed, and the notation source to be used. This being the case, such sessions
as these would be the ideal vehicle for such discussion. In other words, pre-meditated
decisions rather than those made in haste on the dance floor.

COLOURS

                                      A roundel depicting the CAMD unicorn and our
                                    name is worn on the back of the baldricks.

                                      A roundel, which is awarded free of charge, is
                                    worn at the point where the two baldricks cross,
                                    in front of the chest area.
                                      This is earned in one of two ways.
                                      A dancer may elect to:
                                    i) call two dances during a public display, or
                                    ii) perform a solo Morris jig

                                      A musician plays solo for two dances during
                                    a public display to earn his/her colours.

                                      If the standard achieved meets with approval,
                                    then the roundel, or 'colours' will be awarded.
                                      It is the Squire and Foreman who decide which
                                    person has achieved high enough standard to
                                    attempt this test. The Squire should not be
                                    approached by the dancer or musician.

KIT

HAT
A tricorne felt hat (available from the Kitmistress) may be festooned with badges,
flowers and such like. The tricorne is used during the winter and a straw hat during
the summer. The change takes place with change of Daylight Saving.
In general, it should be observed, political badges should not be worn. Provision
exists for any badge to be removed if it causes offence to any other member(s).

NECKERCHIEF
An all-red neckerchief is worn, tied in a knot at the front. This should be folded
into a band so that it does not unravel whilst dancing.
The wearing of neck scarves as part of CAMD kit is voluntary year round. – AGM 2015

SHIRT
An all white, collared, plain shirt, with long tail to ensure it remains tucked. It
should also be long sleeved. Sleeves may be rolled up at the discretion of the Squire.
Pure cotton is the most comfortable.

BALDRICKS
- which cross at centre of the torso in front and back, and end at the sides just
below the belt, are coloured as follows; a single strip of white in the centre,
bordered on either side by strips of red, and two more strips of black on the outside.
Rosettes with strips of ribbon attached to their centre are affixed to the ends of the
baldricks.
  These are made and sold by the Kitmistress.

TROUSERS
Black belted, plain black knee breeches, which end just below the knee, are also worn.
Again, cotton is preferable comfort-wise and also because it is the more traditional
material.
It was decided at an EGM in November 2013, and confirmed at the 2014 AGM, that “people
may wear long black trousers in the summer unless formal kit is specified by the
squire.”

SOCKS
White walk-socks follow, the tops of which disappear beneath the breeches so that no
bare leg is seen. (Available from Farmers Ladies Department)

BELLS
Morris Bells are distinctive, and no others may be substituted. The side has them for
sale, in the possession of Andy Smith. They come in three sizes, each size giving a
different tone. The number of each size, and the total number of bells worn, is
entirely up to the dancer.

HANDKERCHIEFS
-should be square, all white, and should touch the shoe when held by one corner. They
should not be knotted, but wrapped around the middle finger (or held by two or four
corners, depending on the dictates of the tradition performed).

BADGES

                            Metal button badge
                            55mm diameter

                            As from 23 October 2008:
                                1 free per member.
                                Extras $2.50 each

                            Available from Squire

Leather button badge
                            50mm diameter

                            As from January 2013:
                                1 free per member
                                Extras $3 each

                            Available from Squire

CONDUCT
A general respect for The Morris should be observed at all times. It is a privilege to
perform the dances, which have been handed down over many generations. Also, as part
of a side you will be expected to maintain your kit in a clean and presentable
fashion.   Untidy dress and swearing or offensive behavior is out.

SOURCES OF DANCE NOTATION

The side has in its possession, from which most of the dances are learned;
Lionel Bacon’s “Handbook of Morris Dances”
Also 'The Morris Book' (parts I-V), by Cecil Sharp.
Hard copies are held by the Archivist, scanned copies of which are available, on
request, as PDF files on CD or by email. Some are available at the Auckland Public
Library. The books are a valuable and comprehensive guide for such figures as galleys,
capers, heys, half gypsies etc., but before learning from them it would pay to consult
either the Foreman or the Squire.
Morris is a living tradition and many dances are learned from other sides, so their
notation may be rudimentary or unrecorded, particularly if a dance has been invented
for a special occasion.
Also, from time to time, an overseas guest or experienced dancer from the side may
teach a dance in oral fashion. The side has basic notes for many of the main dances
and traditions available upon request. See the Squire for copies of these.
A vast amount of information is now available on the Internet and accessed by googling
‘Morris Dance’ or searching on YouTube.

ARCHIVES
CAMD newspaper clippings, photographs, details of when and where the side has
performed, as well as dance notation, videos and books are all kept by the voluntary
Archivist.
New Zealand Morris has compiled a large amount of archival material, which is kept in
the Hocken Library in Dunedin. Material covers early Morris dancing in New Zealand,
and includes publications, photographs, videos and newspaper clippings circa 1940
through to the present day.

BIRTHDAY

CAMD celebrates its birthday on the 23rd day of April, better known as ‘Saint Georges
Day’. This is done in true Morris fashion by holding a feast and an ale.

DANCEOUTS

Most of CAMD's revenue comes from dance outs. Historically, Morris has always been
mendicant. A hat is passed around spectators, which brings them good luck. The Morris
may be performed anywhere; usually in parks, streets, pubs, concerts, private
functions, etc. The side also has a 'Hobby Horse', which is a unicorn named ‘Austin’.
He (or she) is also present at danceouts and serves to amuse children of all ages, as
well as adding variety to the side's performance.

GAFFER

The gaffer is a person who announces to the public which dances will be performed,
engages them in a bit of jocular rhetoric, and encourages them to give generously,
he/she should be able to hold the audience’s attention until the dancers are ready for
the next dance. It is important that once a dance has been announced it should be
performed immediately. A time gap between the end of the gaffer's spiel and the
beginning of the dance is not only unprofessional, but also defeats one of the main
purposes of the gaffer.

THE TOUR

Once a year New Zealand Morris gathers together for a national meet. A part of the
country is selected, usually between two cities, and alternating between the North and
South Islands each year. Sides from all over the country then dance in and around
these centres for the local residents and visitors alike. The person(s) responsible
for organizing the tour are chosen at the AGM of the previous tour. This is up to a
seven daylong event which includes; dancing in malls, shopping centres, pubs, parks,
and local places of interest; workshops, ceilidhs, folk song sing-arounds etc. The AGM
of New Zealand Morris is also held during the Tour. Communal accommodation is usually
at a boarding school, camp, or marae. A Feast and an Ale is held on the last day or so
of every tour.

FEAST

When two or more sides meet, whether for birthday, equinox, or other celebrations, the
host side holds a feast. It is a time when maybe birthday presents are given to the
celebrating side (these are usually of the type that one wants to throw away, but
daren't), when all manner of toasts are drunk in favourite or special tankards, and
when dancers pile their plates high in preparation for the ale which usually follows.
There is one all-important toast, which should always be the first on such occasions.
The Master of Ceremonies will ask that all be upstanding and drink to 'Our Founder',
to which the correct reply is 'Cecil Sharp'.

ALE

An 'Ale' is when Morris dancers perform for their own and each other’s enjoyment. The
first dance is always Saturday Night On (Bucknell). From then on mass dances are
interspersed with solo jigs, and either 'spoof' or the usual Morris dances by
individual sides. It is expected that each side will come up with an item; spoof or
not, it should be something unseen at previous Morris meets. The evening usually ends
with a folk song sing-around. Just as the feast has an MC, the ale has a gaffer who is
responsible for announcing and coordinating the dances etc.

MAGAZINE

The NZ Morris magazine 'Sphere' is published quarterly and is free to CAMD members.
Articles are invited from all members. Details of upcoming events, reports from sides
on dance-outs and AGMS, as well as anecdotes and items of interest from newspaper
articles etc., are featured.

MORRIS MEETS

Some other important dates in the New Zealand Morris dancing calendar are to be found
on the NZ Morris website - https://sites.google.com/site/nzmorrisdancing/

MORE INFORMATION

Some websites which you may find useful and informative:-

The Vaughan Williams Memorial Library in Cecil Sharp House, London is online and free
to browse.                http://www.vwml.org

Australian Morris Ring   www.morris.org.au

NZ Morris Dancing        https://sites.google.com/site/nzmorrisdancing/
A vast amount of information is now available on the Internet and accessed by googling
‘Morris Dance’ or searching on YouTube

                                 --ooOoo--