The Morris Men of Little Egypt

The Men of Little Egypt have adopted two very nice kits (this is normally referred to by the Men as a “lovely pair of kits”).

The Cotswold Kit is traditionally worn from sunrise on 1st May through to the date of the Horkey festivities – normally October. As an exception Cotswold Kit is also worn on Boxing Day.

The Horkey Kit is first worn on the day of the Horkey celebrations and through to the last day of April in the following year. The kit is meant to represent agricultural workers attire from the 19th century.

The Kits comprise the following attire and shall not be varied.

Cotswold Kit (Whites) :

• Hat - made from reed or rush and decorated with an array of flowers or foliage of a seasonal nature. Artificial flowers can be substituted in seasons of poor flora. The hat must be a “boater” style and is also decorated with a band of Blue and Yellow and ribbons of blues and yellows.
• Shirt – White and with collar. Long sleeved and perfectly starched and pressed.
• Neckerchief – colour and style left to the discretion of the individual dancer.
• Baldricks – Crossed bands of Blue overlayed with yellow.
• The front cross over shall have a rosette, also blue and yellow, and a Little Egypt Leather Badge positioned in the centre.
• Waistcoat – the colour of the “wuscot” may be either Blue (Navy) Green (Emerald) or Yellow (Golden). The lining may be fanciful. It is customary to adorn the “wuscot” with badges or trophies collected from various events.
• Trousers – White (Not cream !) and with sharp creases.
• Bell Pads – with 5 vertical rows of ribbons concealing brass bells. The ribbons shall be 3 assorted blues and a yellow plus a pale green. Older members of the side may only have four rows And exclude the pale green row.
• Socks – White (and fresh for each venue)
• Shoes and belts must be Black.
• Handkerchiefs – White and preferably made from Irish Linen. They should be of a size suited to the larger gentleman.

• Hat – may be either Bowler, Top hat or flat cap. Adornments of either feathers, bands, corn ears or neck ties may be added.
• Shirt – collarless and either striped or plain. Preferably white or pale in colour.
• Neckerchief – any colour or choice.
• Waistcoat – Preferably plain but may be fancy lined. This may be decorated with a modest number of badges and trophies.
• Trousers – should be agricultural in style e.g corduroy, cotton or wool. These may be tied with string (to prevent unwanted rodents entering). Belts should be wide and either Black or Brown.
• Bell Pads – as above for the Cotswold Kit.
• Socks – Dark in colour (and need not be fresh)
• Boots – heavy boots or “clumpy” shoes – suitable for molly style of dance.

Musicians should follow the spirit of the above attire, but rag or tatter coats, claw-hammer jackets etc etc are permissible.

The above description of Little Egypt`s “lovely pair of Kits” shall be taken as the definitive dress code of the side and may only be varied following a thorough and democratic process or on the whim and fancy of The Squire.

Kit inspections may be called by the Squire at any venue and at any time. Any Man found to be wearing inadequate or inappropriate kit may be asked to pay a forfeit or penalty to be determined by the officers of the side. This will usually involve Beer.

Issued and to be deemed effective in perpetuity this 7th day of March 2006 (following a barracking at the last AGM).