Jackie Wilson who has danced with a number of Open Morris sides and helped organise a number of very successful workshops when she was with Brazenose Morris, has written the following guide for sides planning an Open Morris workshop.

Workshop Checklist

3 months / 2 months before

  • Discuss possibility of Workshop and tradition/subject matter involved with Open Morris
  • Review possible dates with home side - check that they do not clash with other major Open Morris or Morris bookings
  • Price up halls with suitable floor, size and parking
  • Select suitable Hall
  • Review possible dates with Workshop Tutor and agree. Book Workshop tutor and musician
  • Book hall
  • Check possible costs of lunch and refreshments (coffee on arrival and perhaps in the afternoon)
  • Assess cost of Workshop and determine price for attendees
  • Determine whether or not activities will follow in the evening
  • Notify Open Morris of date, tutor, tradition, timings, location and price per attendee

2 months/ 1 month before

  • Send out local mailing with return slip about Workshop (Open Morris do rest of publicity)
  • Check hall booking
  • Finalise catering arrangements
  • Check that home side has enough sticks if a 'sticky' tradition
  • Check which members of home side will be in attendance

1 week before

  • Ring round any sides which have expressed an interest but not responded
  • Finalise numbers of attendees (as near as possible)
  • Relay possible lower and upper limit of numbers of attendees to those responsible for catering
  • Check arrangements for picking up key to hall etc.
  • Check with Workshop tutor on any extra needs/teaching aids