There is a basic difference between Border and Cotswold (and probably other forms) of Morris. Cotswold was carefully rehearsed leading up to Whitsun events, village sides had repertoires of up to 25 dances, and in many cases it was a status symbol within a village side to be a member of the Morris. There was rivalry and there were competitions between Cotswold sides.

Border Morris was much more casual. I am not aware that anyone has bottomed out the research but I have the impression that it was something put together around the pub table, using dances figures, steps and tunes they were familiar with. Their performance would be interspersed with carols, broom or step dances to form a travelling road show of which their (usually) one Morris dance was one item. Of course it was influenced and possibly modelled on blackface minstrelry and a good Christmas money spinner, as others have said on this thread.

But that was then and now is now. We make of our traditions what we will but I think that you have a better idea of where you are going if you have a clear idea of where you have come from.

Changing subject - I think the point made about the problem of attracting youngsters into what is seen as an adult drinking club is a good one. We should think harder about non-alcohol venues for some of our outings.

Tradsinger