One thing that did cross my mind is how many people are becoming involved with the traditional celebrations and forming their own sides. I have seen some very respectable performances by newcomers, but I cringe when I see how little preparation they've taken with their equipment to ensure the safety of themselves and the watching crowds.
One of the biggest causes of accidents is in the choice of sticks some new sides make. The obvious choice is simply a few brush shanks cut in half and used for the dances. Even if you are just making up a side for the sake of trying the dances for yourself, I would suggest getting hold of good sturdy sticks that won't break as easily and will not 'ring' in your hand when they are hit together. A lump of wood from a broken stick can really spoil someone's day if it hits them
I've listed a few more safety hints HERE that I hope may be of use; especially to anyone wanting to start up their own side.
Unfortunately again this year, I am not going to be able to attend but I hope everyone who is lucky enough to be there has a great time and a lot of fun.
Remember - the higher the Morris dancers caper and jump the higher the corn grows that year. Bring that sun up with a vengeance.
Are folks putting their names down for Morris teams or is it turn up on the day and wing-it? Looks like saturday day-trip only for me ( unless I can sort out a ton of crushed slate, some paving slabs and fence panels 
)
If I DO manage to tunnel out is team selection going to be like picking foot-the-ball teams ( U.A book version)? Perhaps hankies are safer than sticks -second thought, perhaps not safer at all 
