Hi All,

Very quick one on this. If you want to look more for yourself, the websites are as follows (Includes things like constitution which will have their aims and objectives)
https://open-morris.org/
https://www.morrisfed.org.uk/
There is also the Morris Ring, but they have a history of not allowing women (they now do albeit perhaps slightly begrudgingly)
There is also the Sword Dance Union, but they do not offer Public Liability Insurance, so whilst we could join, they would be an additional rather than a replacement.

One key thing to note, is that the Open Morris are waiving membership renewal fees for 2021, as such I would propose remaining with them for next year, given the offer is there. I am happy for this to be discussed as part of AOB, but would suggest postponing any changes of membership until we are back dancing again.

If you would like to join any of the Morris Federation workshops / talks etc that Sue kindly drew our attention to, it looks like anyone can register. The couple I looked at have a chosen charity that you can make a donation to should you wish. More info here:https://www.morrisfed.org.uk/events/

So, the comparison:

Open Morris Morris Fed
£35 for team, Individual £7 £35 for team, Individual £22
Newsletter:  Dancing On Newsletter:  FedEtxra
PLI PLI
Personal Accident Insurance - optional Personal Accident Insurance - optional
Advice and guidance incl H&S Advice and guidance incl H&S
As part of JMO, standing against blackface As part of JMO, standing against blackface
Sue Dyke Award/Douglas Pickering Memorial Fund Sponsorship, grants and bursaries
Access to music/dance notation at privileged rate
Other resources
Events/Workshops etc

Effectively similar offering, but with more additional resources from the Morris Fed, they also seem to be better organised and have a much better website. Mostly depends on how much we care about the extra stuff given we mostly joined for the PLI and generally have not otherwise participated. We originally joined the Open Morris as some members of Tower Ravens at the time were already members with another side, I don't think there was any other reason than that. Most other rapper teams are part of Morris Fed.

Thanks,
Hannah