Most Morris Sides produce a printed program of events that is handed out to spectators who come to watch them. Jackstraws are no different, and our program this year contains a list of event (that hopefully ties up with the Diary on this Website), and also a few paragraphs about "The Morris" and about Jackstraws. This was written by our Announcer, and should not be taken too seriously - or maybe it should! The text from the program is shown below

(A Short History)
Incorporating
Jackstraws
(A Shorter History)
Being an extract from the Cecil Sharp Toffee Manuscripts (18??-1???)

This page best viewed with both eyes

The origins of Morris Dancing are the subject of much dispute, not to say conjecture, argument, disagreement and, quite frankly, nonsense. What is agreed is that it is an ancient tradition, having been performed in its present form since at least the time on Henry VIII. Henry of course married six wives in order to get a side together.

Morris Dancing was "rediscovered" in the late 19th century by Cecil Sharp (1859-1924), a folk music researcher and confectioner. He observed a number of quarrymen in Headington, Oxfordshire, performing a dance, which they told him was traditional. He, of course, believed them, and the whole thing started from there. (The Quarrymen , as we all know, went on to greater things as the Beatles).

In the 1970s another revival took place and many women's sides were formed (it being observed that the men seemed to be enjoying themselves, and why should they have all the fun!) and the Women's Morris Federation (now The Morris Federation) was founded.

Jackstraws was started in 1977 by former members of Updown Hill Morris from Windlesham. Our dances are from the Cotswolds (that series of low hills that prevent you going all the way from London to the Severn Bridge in 5th gear) and are very old. Some dances have been devised by members of the side and many date back more than a fortnight. Daisy the cow, who may be seen from time to time, is nothing to do with us.

During the winter we practise (honest!) at Hale Institute, Upper Hale, Farnham, Surrey GU9 0HN. Our first practice this year will be on September 11th 2006  and we welcome new members whether experienced or not. It's not daft, it's not difficult, but it is fun.

In days of yore it was traditional for Morris dancers to "pass the hat" around the audience. In those days this was an opportunity for the villagers to thank the dancers for driving out evil from the village, ensuring the success of the harvest, bringing a blessing on the populace and getting the planning permission for the bypass approved/dismissed. Nowadays it helps with the side's expenses, including Morris Federation membership, kit and an enormous hanky laundering bill. We also make regular donations to charity. We thank you for any contribution you have made and we hope you have enjoyed our dancing.