Thanks Howard, do you accept that the most significant effect on Border was Minstrelsy? I repeat the question - will Border Morris acknowledge the historical link to Minstrelsy? If not why not?

"A possible explanation is that minstrelsy was most easily tacked onto those customs, such as Border morris, which already had a tradition of blacking up, rather than minstrelsy being the cause of it."

Intrestin point, do you have the source of the evidence for blacking up in Border before the days of Minstrelsy?

"and especially one where people are quick to form opinions without bothering to understand the reasons"

I suggest the Morris community are just a little guilty of this don't you?

The EFDSS are staging a conference to explore the history of Morris Dancing and in the rigorous practice of academia the have issued a " Call for papers". This may through some light on something or other although if morris websites are anything to go by historical evidence is the last thing they will find.

Sorry you missed us Dave - still in the dulcimer every Tuesday - chucked out of the Beech some years ago.
Best wishes