The issue was raised at the Annual Representatives' Meeting in Derby on 1 April, 2000.
It was acknowledged that a number of teams would not be viable without a woman musician. At least one has served as squire of her side.
No formal proposal was made, but it was clear that some elements of the Ring remained vigorously opposed to change, on a number of grounds.
Concern was also expressed over the difficulty of attracting young people into the morris, and the implications this had for the future.
Gerald Willey of the Shakespeare Morris Men was elected as the next squire of the Ring. At the evening feast, he paid tribute to his two rival candidates. He takes over the role from Daniel Fox at the end of July.
DONKEY NOTE: A more detailed report will appear in Shave The Donkey shortly.
LINKS
The Morris Ring
©2000 Simon Pipe, Mark Rogers, The Outside Capering Crew