Ann,

If by professionals well-practised sides who perform for the benefit of the public then say so.

If by amateur you mean sides that haven't bothered to practise together performing for the benefit of the public then say so.

GeoffTD, can you address the specific complaints since here is one side of the story taken from the first posting.......

"In past years their stunts at Whitby have included 'gatecrashing' the 1999 dance finale photo (which was meant to be used as the millennium programme front cover), and offending many by starting to carry a mock coffin in the parade. This year, they invaded the parade, barracked and attempted to trip dancers from another team, and 'gatecrashed' the finale at the bandstand after being explicitly told by the dance coordinator not to perform there".

So did Scratch Morris with its long history gatecrash the finale photo; did they carry a coffin and if so why; and did they in 2003 invade the parade, barrack etc....and were they asked not to perform somewhere and then do so? And was it funny, serious or what?

I am happy to read both sides of the story.

Dave
www.collectorsfolk.co.uk