THE AIMS OF SLACKMAGIRDLE BORDER MORRIS ARE: 1) To dance Border Morris and whatever other styles of Morris dancing the side decides. 2) To aim for as high a standard of dance and costume as practicable. 3) To be a non-profit making organisation. 4) To be open to dancers and musicians of all ethnicities, religions, abilities, genders and sexual orientations. 5) To work as a collective where members can take as much, or as little responsibility as they desire in the running and organizing of the side. 6) Dancers are encouraged to learn an instrument so that they can play when not dancing, 7) Musicians are encouraged to dance if they so desire.
Membership A full member shall be defined as any person who has danced/played out with the side and has attended recent practices. In the event of a contested membership the final decision on membership will be taken by a simple majority of the side. Although we have no subscriptions, it is expected that full membership will be attained by joining the Exning Road W M Club as a yearly member. We welcome dancers and musicians of all ages, but dancers or musicians under 16 must be accompanied by a responsible adult. A quorum will be a simple majority of the membership.
Dancing Out The decision on the personnel and order of dances for each danceout will be collective and the relevant member will produce and circulate a set list beforehand.
The Kit We aim for a high standard of kit and wish to promote a side 'look' rather than uniformity. The “Look” however is Steampunk and the side colours are Red, Black and Turquoise. We actively encourage members to innovate within our guidelines. The side as a whole is responsible for determining whether a member's kit is up to the required standard for dancing out. Full kit is required for danceouts but not practices. Kit paid for by the side remains the property of the side when a member leaves, but the side may vote to allow the member to keep the kit. The member will also have the option of buying their kit from the bag. Kit paid for by a member (eg. A bought hat) remains the property of the member if they leave the side. Equipment bought by the side, such as sticks and drums, Bells, Whistles, Kazoos remains the property of the side and should be returned when members leave.
Kit currently consists of: Musicians – Steam punk. Dancers Steampunk clothing in red/black/turquoise colours only. Red Laced corsets.
Face Paint – We do not paint our faces but in the case of disagreement the matter will be resolved by a simple majority vote by the side as a whole.
ACCOUNTS The Treasurer should make the accounts available to any member upon request. The treasure will produce the accounts at every AGM.
AGM The AGM will be held in January of each year at a dining out. the cost of the dining out food shall be paid for from the sides funds when possible. The Squire /Bagperson/ Treasurer shall carry out the general administration of the side, but should be a difference of opinion as to how any task should be carried out which cannot be solved amicably, then the issue should be referred to the side as a whole for further discussion and resolution. The majority decision of the side will be final.
EGM If a matter arises that requires an Emergency General Meeting (EGM), then this should be discussed with the whole side , who will determine if a meeting should be called. Two weeks notice is required for an EGM to allow time for all members to be notified and to be made aware of the issues to be discussed. If the issue is time critical and two weeks is too long, then the side will make a decision on the issue. All decisions will be by simple majority.
Dissolution of the Side: If the side disbands, the members will vote on how to dispose of assets, both financial and material, with a focus on donating items to other sides. Any remaining monies owned by the side will be given to a charity or charities nominated by a simple majority of the remaining members.
Morris Federation The side abides by the rules and regulations the Morris Federation through whom it is insured. ChangesAny of the articles, except this one, in this constitution are subject to change at any time by either an EGM or the AGM.