I read Doug Milne's letter 'Morris dancing is just for men', (Echo, June 7) on the dubious delights of watching mixed sides of dancers performing The Morris.

I was intrigued to find that having danced Morris for 33 years I am informed by him that in fact I have been dancing the Mummers' dance!

I am one of three men living in Weymouth who I know definitely to be members of a men-only Morris ring side (Wessex Morris; I cannot speak for any of the mixed sides in this area).

I am sure my colleagues would be equally confused by this change of name for the only original traditional dance form which remains in England.

It is in several different forms, from Cotswold to Northwest Clog Morris; even the Abbots Bromley Horn Dance and the two Sword Dance traditions are types of Morris, though their adherents might dispute this).

Ever since I joined my first side in Gloucestershire (and I have danced regularly with four sides in all) I have never been told that I dance the Mummers' dance.

I feel sure that at some time one of the many other Morris Men I have met in my dancing career would have mentioned that one fact.

Mumming is equally as ancient a tradition as Morris and some Mummers plays may indeed have dances performed within their theatrical plots.

However, I am sure those who perform them would not confuse their terpsichorean interludes, included to enliven the story, with the dances of the Morris we perform.

Could Doug give us some more information as to the origin and authenticity for his claim that we dance 'Mumming' or 'Mumm' so we can clear up this little difference of opinion and inform the rest of the Morris men and women that we are dancing the wrong dance.

If any readers are interested in learning Morris and joining Wessex we will be recruiting in October for the new practice season and I will be pleased to send you details.

Colin Lodge, Goldcroft Road, Weymouth.