The Morris Ring

In 1934, Greensleeves were invited to join in the formation of a federation of Morris clubs to be known as the Morris Ring. The other founder-clubs were Cambridge, East Surrey, Letchworth, Oxford and Thaxted Morris Men. The increasing popularity of the Morris can be seen in the growth of the Ring's membership - from six clubs in 1934  to some 250 today, in Great Britain and abroad. Each year the Ring organises a number of meetings of its constituent clubs, and welcomes in new clubs which reach a sufficient standard. These meetings, each involving a dozen or so clubs, are highly impressive displays of dancing. Greensleeves have, themselves hosted four Ring Meetings. One in 1976 to celebrate the club's own Diamond Jubilee, one in 1984 to celebrate the Ring's Diamond Jubilee, one in 2001 to celebrate our 75th birthday and finally in 2006 to celebrate our 80th birthday. These all took place at Chipperfield in Hertfordshire and were extensions to our annual weekend of dance.

Another important aspect of the Ring is archival work - it is building a major collection of documents, photographs and files about the Morris and associated traditions. The Ring, like its member clubs, is led by its Squire, who is elected for two years of hard labour.  On three occasions the Squire has been supplied by Greensleeves. (Leslie Nichols, Bert Cleaver and Father Kenneth Loveless).