Tuppenny Dish
July 3rd, 2007 by sparky
Martha Rhoden’s Tuppenny Dish are regular performers in and around Bishop’s Castle. Together with founder John Kirkpatrick, their reputation as pioneers in the revival of morris dancing extends very far indeed.
The style of dancing is border morris, native to the counties of Shropshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, and thought to be older than the better known Cotswold style. The men characteristically whoop and yell as part of their highly energetic stick dances. The riotous and frightening effect is heightened by their colourful tattered jackets, their top hats and blackened faces – all important parts of the essential disguise often worn by the early morris dancers. The women are more demurely dressed in gold and green, with handkerchiefs and bells, but their dances are drawn from the same border tradition.
Formed in 1975 when the border style was virtually unknown. Because very little was known, the basic step is made up, and most of the dances are completely invented by the team members although some are variations on traditional dances. Some of the dancers also play in the band and many of the tunes are composed specially to accompany the dances.
The team is based in Bishop’s Castle and they dance in public in the town on numerous occasions through the year. Most notably at the Midsummer Rejoicing in June, at Michaelmas Fair in September and on Boxing Day.
As well as local appearances in Shropshire, the team has appeared at many national and international events over the years, most recently at Sidmouth International Folk Festival in 2001 and at Dournenez maritime festival in Brittany in 2002.
