City of Auckland Morris Dancers (CAMD)
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City of Auckland Morris Dancers www.aucklandmorris.org.nz YEARBOOK 2017-2018 Edition Compiled by Ken Lee June 2017 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 2017-2018 This is a replacement for the 2016-2017 Handbook. Some of its contents have been corrected or updated and appear here 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: (2017-2018 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: (2017-2018 Maureen Aston) 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: (2017-2018 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: (2017-2018 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: (2017-2018 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: (2017-2018 Trish Price) Holds First Aid kit for use at Practice Nights and Dance-Outs. KITMISTRESS:(2017-2018 Maureen Aston) Arranges baldricks as required at $30 each. Holds stock of tricorne hats at $25 each. WEBMASTER: (2017-2018 Andy Smith) Keeps website (www.aucklandmorris.org.nz) up to date. AUCKLAND FOLK FESTIVAL REPS: (2016-2017 Andy Smith, Bob Lawton & Steve Dancer 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 2017-2018) 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 2017-2018) 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. At the AGM on 15 June 2017 it was agreed that – Anyone who is a CAMD member as of today (15 June 2017) is entitled to claim up to $100 before the next AGM for attending Morris events. Claims should be made personally or by email and will be considered and paid at Bagging sessions. 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.