Editor: Colin Andrews

Published: Winter 2010

Number: 64

Download: Newsletter Winter 2010 (3Mb)

Editorial

Is there any common sense in the Commons?
Our chosen traditional activity seems to have become increasingly affected by recent legislation. We are already required to take care lest we offend by dancing to unlicensed amplified music, singing and playing in unlicensed premises, or risk suspicion of paedophilia if we encourage minors to join our teams without approved supervision.

Morris dancing was reprieved from PEL requirements but the position of Appalachian dancers and Mummers is still an issue, as is live music in pubs. Thankfully the new government have backpedalled over proposed child protection measures but CRB checks are still required in certain circumstances.

The new equalities legislation may require single sex sides with over 25 members to revise their constitution to retain their current status. The Federation itself shouldn’t be affected, unlike the Morris Ring, which is facing some difficult decisions.