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VISIT TO HEREFORDSHIRE & WORCESTERSHIRE, MAY 1957 E.C.Cawte: Mss Ludlow, 26.v.57 Bill Fury (58, Hollybush Milkbar) Boys aged c.12-7. Wearing women's clothes and with black faces, used to go about on Boxing Day doing a "Nigger Dance" or "Morris Dance". (I question the latter title, because when I first asked him about morris he knew nothing of a local team). Dance consisted of turning each other with linked arms, and hitting sticks together. Had a musician and sang songs while dancing, the only one he remembered was "So Early in the Morning". His father started a team of "Nigger Minstrels" with his sons, for 6 years up to 1920, "to show the boys how to do it". Included hit songs, and step dancing, and a dance in which they "went round, and hit their sticks at the end, one held his stick out, and then they changed over". This also was done on Boxing Day. Wore small top hats, big bow ties, tail coats, and striped clown's trousers, and father wore a mortar board. Black faces. Had concertina, (father), bones, tambourine, and guitar (B.F.) Leominster, 26.v.57 Tom Williams (estimated age 60, milk roundsman) Quite definitely were Leominster people doing morris up to the Great War. Dress - doesn't know. Sticks (direct question) - thinks they did a Fury dance (sic) with sticks. Performed at Fair time (May). Also a maypole dance, with ribbons, in 1920's. There were other teams, thinks there was a big troupe at Orleton. Mr.Hughes (est.50, schoolmaster). (13, Caswell Cresc.) Knew Miss Leather and danced in a Herefords. Team at the Albert Hall. No knowledge of local morris. An old woman remembered dancing 'Haste to the Wedding' at a big barn nearby. Try "The Priory", by the church, home for old people, Matron Mrs Leatham. Aston-on-Clun, 27.v.57 Large black Poplar tree at centre of village with several flags attached. Photographed. Leaflet on sale. Ivor Meredith (est. 30) & village blacksmith (est.45) No knowledge of morris dancing. On mention of niggering at once said they knew it very well. Continued until 1938, at Christmas. Last leader was Arthur Canty, "a proper fool he was... you know, a clever fool". (I.M.) Went about in fancy clothes, with black faces, playing fiddle melodeon, and mouth organ, singing songs and carols. They jigged about a bit, but there was no dance, and no stick hitting. Mr.Meredith (est 65.) (Ivor's father, roadmender) Independently confirmed the above. No dance of any kind. Done by men in their 20's. Had a man who played the bones. Remembers old workers when he was a lad speaking of mummers at Clunbury and round about in early 19th century. Never saw them himself. Mentioned St.George and a horse, and volunteered all the information in this paragraph without any enquiry. At one time on May 29th all the girls wore a piece of oak, and an oak apple if possible, and any who did not were chased with a long nettle plant. (Referred to Clunbury, Aston and district). All new brides get a twig from the Aston tree when it is dressed. Mrs L.Jones (est.45) At one time any flags were put on the tree, mainly provided by Marston family. They sold the estate in 1951, and for the last 3 years dressing the tree has been run by a man from Clun, with Commonwealth flags. For at least 2 years morris dancers have come from Ludlow or Brimingham. New set of flags put up on evening of May 29th, but rest of ceremony including 'Presenting the Brides') on nearest Sunday. (presumably meant Sunday following) Craven Arms. 27.v.57 Miss Bewick, (more than 80, ex-schoolmistress) In Craven Arms 57 years, no knowledge of morris dancers. Mr.Matthews (est 70) Has lived in a large half-timbered house by the river (at about 435826) all his life. This and a little to the south is Newton. The whole of Craven Arms, apart from Newton and the C.A.Hotel, has been built in his lifetime. No knowledge of local dancers, but about 60 years ago men used to come from Ludlow at about New Year, and dance outside the pub which used to be on the other side of the road. They wore smocks, and danced with sticks to a concertina. May 24th used to be Fair Day, and a procession of old men carrying blue sticks used to go to Stokesay Church. Onibury, 27.v.57 Man of about 70 There have been no resident morris dancers for the last 60 years. Remembered men going niggering at Christmas; black faces, fancy dress, someone played melodeon, and they sang songs. Someone carried 2 sticks (on direct question), but neither direct question nor direct suggestion would elicit anything resembling the 'Westwood' performance. No dance. Woman about 70 at post office Remembered people going niggering in fancy dress. No dress, but they jigged about to amuse children. Thinks morris dancers came (about 1920's) from Lydbury North (3586) Brimfield, 28.v.57 Harley Griffiths (86 last July) Gave a full and straightforward account of Brimfield dances. Hats with ribbons trailing from brim, shirts with ribbons on, bells at elbows and on belt around waist, knee breeches and stockings of various colours, ribbons at knees and ankles (no bells here), boots all had black faces. Eight dancers and music - melodeon, sometimes tin whistle as well. No fool or man-woman. Carried sticks about 10" long. Dancers stood longways in set, and leader shouted instructions for each figure; 'round', and they danced round in a circle, then 4 held their sticks out while the other four hit them. Went about at Christmas. Also dancers at Ashford Carbonel and Richard's Castle. Latter had partridge feathers in their hats. On being asked specifically said dancers at Orleton, Leominster (never seen), Ludlow (seen), not at Onibury or Brimfield. All were the same, and all about 60 years ago. (But see E.G.Jones) Asked him why they blacked their faces - he didn't know, and added 'You're not a morris dancer without a black face'. Dancers sang while they danced, and could be heard round about, e.g. The Ploughboy or John Peel. Also sang carols after dancing. No knowledge of mummers or a play. Maypole in village with ribbon dance, in 1920s taught by schoolmaster. Similar at Ludlow. Nil known at Ashford Cardbonell One family of dancers called Reynolds; thinks all dancers dead now. On my asking about fiddlers mentioned Lockes - nothing to do with dancing. I found that Rowley Reynolds lives at second of two cottages marked X. Away. Woman at first cottage (est 35) Her husband has spoken of morris dancers called Nottingham & Chase. People of this name live on Brimfield Common. R.R.'s daughter, Mrs Mantle, lives at 8, Council Houses, Orleton. Orleton, 28.v.57 Mrs Mantle (as above, est.age 35) Father was not a dancer, but his brother was, now dead. Given a postcard to send if he remembers anything. E.G.Jones (est.70, Rosecroft, Orleton, cobbler & ex-postman) Was a morris dancer before the war and in early 1920's. At Christmas, Orleton men, they went to villages round about as well. He played accordeon, and danced at same time. 3 other dancers. Any fancy clothes, top hats with feathers on, black faces. Other 3 had tambourine, and bones (2 men), in both hands. No sticks, No bells. There were no other dancers in the district, and he specifically ment- ioned Brimfield as having no dancers. The dance consisted only of going round in a circle and then back. Sometimes went round several times before coming back. Jigged while dancing. This he showed me; feet well apart and sticking sideways, and knees bent as each step taken to side. Sometimes leg thrown out in front. Got his melodeon out, but when it came to the point could remember no dance tunes. All he played was 
and some tunes not connected with the dance. Did not recognise the 'Westwood' tune. He is the only member of the side still alive. Ludlow, 28.v.57 Several men in the 'Blue Boar' remembered morris dancers, only one, rather drunk, would give information. 8 dancers and melodeon; had tambourine, bones, sticks, about 50 years ago at Fair time and on Boxing Day. No dancers still alive except Bill Fury (see 26th). Father Jackie Fury was in it. Also mentioned nigger dancing - another name for the same thing. Another man gave a description of J.S. with hobby horse - tourney type. Leominster, 29.v.57 Alex Hodges (cobbler, 28, Caswell Rd, 58-60 according to Mr.Hughes) Used to be morris dancers at Christmas with "thousands of bells on". Matthews, (now dead), and Tom Poston in it. Suggested 'The Priory', but said they would be too senile. Tom G.Poston (701/2, ex-railway worker, 20, Mortimer St.) Performed 1906 (dated by an anecdote) and before this, and up to time wireless started. The team he was in was T.G.P., Cherry Evans, Billy Bitheway, Matthews and another, sometimes A.H.'s brother. Carried melodeon, tambourine, triangle, bones (2 men). Wore jackets and trousers of cheap print, with wide frills at ankles, knees and necks, and 'covered with bells', top hats, black faces. When they stopped some lads carried on for a few years, but they didn't do it properly. Went round town on Christmas Eve, and to country round about (mentioned Monkland and Kingsland) on Boxing Day. Included a visit to Gosling family, who gave them food, drink and half a sovereign. Also plenty to eat & drink at farms. Rarely at any other time of year, though they usually performed at a dance at the end of hop-picking season. The bones men sometimes used sticks about 16" long, and seem some- times to have changed over from bones to sticks during the dance. Sometimes one of the others had a stick instead. All danced except the melodeon player and sometimes he did as well. They all went round in a circle, and back again. Sometimes they all bowed to each other, or went into the centre and out again. Sometimes one at a time crossed to an opposite position in the set. Knocked sticks together from time to time, - both were active during this, not one holding his stick still. Music was various tunes, such as 'Rosie O'Gradie'. Used to sing songs (comic, specimen given; "Running Up and Down Our Stairs") in between dancing, but not during. Knew of no other tunes except Ludlow - similar. Mummers or play - nil known. Much Wenlock, 29.v.57 Tom Jervis (Landlord, Gaskell Arms Hotel) Morris dancers at Chritmas with black faces. Sticks and concertina. Stopped before 1939. M.W.residents. Ask Tom Jones. Tom Jones (82) Senile, only definite statement was that his wife's grandfather who lived at Ironbridge was a dancer, and his team went touring at Christmas for a week at a time. Otherwise his statements were indefinite and largely incomprehensible. However, his daughter, prompted by him, said George Walters (Havelock Crescent) and Nick Rowlands (Souhtfield Rd) were in the team. Baden and Teddy Minton of Broseley were in the Broseley team, there is still a team there. There was another team at Ironbridge or Coalbrookdale, Much Wenlock team performed up to about 8 years ago, and as far back as he could remember. No knowledge of teams at Madeley or Shifnal. Daughter said local dancers were called Molly dancers. George Walters (53) Joined M.W.team at 13 as a collector. Team of nine: All danced except the melodeon player and the collector. Performed at Christmas up to about 1935, and recorded by B.B.C. shortly before. 2 other performers, including the melodeon player, were also in the pub almost opposite G.W.'s house. Dress "like pyjamas" with tags of newspaper all over; later gave up the latter because boys used to set fire to them. Top hats, black faces and hands. Went round in a circle, and then hit sticks. Played him 'Three Jolly Sheepskins' and he stepped 
Very heavy and noisy, all the time on the flat of the foot. They performed again about 10 years ago at Wenlock Abbey, for a team of dancers with bells and sticks, This sounded so much like the visit by Jockey M.M. that I asked why they called themselves Westwood - because 2 or 3 came from Bourton Westwood up the road. I did not, therefore, try to get further details about the dance. Said he could still get a team together. A man called Rowe died a few years ago, told him that he came from Homer, and brought the dance from there about 1888. Called Morris Dancers. Had practices for a couple of weeks before Christmas, so as to get the stick tapping in time with the music, & to practice stepping. Practices for longer if they had new people. Nick Rowlands (82, father of G.W.) Started dancing 60 years ago and continued until 1935 judging by G.W.'s account, N.R. was not definite. Broke up because of disagreement over money. Team included men from Homer and Westwood. To 'Three Jolly Sheepskins' did a similar step to his son, but most of the time changed from foot to foot, i.e. a clumsy single shuffle, and finished with a few single steps with feet well apart moving back about a yard. First said about 12 in a team, and mentioned three pairs of stick holders, but then tried to remember the others and amended the total to 8. M.W. the only proper team which toured the country round about, but teams at Broseley and Ironbridge which just visited the pubs. No knowledge of dancers at Shifnal, Ketley or Dawley. Broseley, 30.iv.57 Annie Lloyd (68) Morris dancers in Broseley up to 1914 (about), and children have done the same sort of thing up to 7 or 8 years of age. All wore women's dresses, feather boas, and hats with flowers & ribbons on. Black faces. 6 or 8 dancers all carried sticks. 2 concertina players, no tambourines, bones or triangle. All performers now dead. (one used to live opposite) Hit sticks where shown by crosses over tune, both strikers active. Hit sticks so many times (?how many) then pass on and strike with next one round. Then they all walked round and there was more stepping. Sang during the dance as follows: 
There are still some gypsies about called Locke, but none play this tune, and none had anything to do with the dancing. Mrs. Baden Minton & Married daughter No knowledge of Broseley dancers. B.M. at work in quarry. Teddy is his cousin though brought up as his brother. Lent me a copy of Shrewsbury Chronicle with photo of dancers and account of B.B.C. broadcast. Left to right in photo are Baden Minton (leader), Teddy Minton, George Cook (now in Wenlock), George Walters, Jack Langford (now in Derby), others who sometimes took part wereJack Cook and Herbert (Erb) Morgan, both still in Wenlock. Ironbridge, 30.v.57 In a shop nearly opposite the bridge a man of 85 said that he was born in that very house and never knew of any morris dancers. A woman of 70 had lived in Madeley Wood. Remembered "omsi the somsi" (she volunteered this term) on Boxing Day as a small child. Some wore women's clothes, some wore wigs made of rope, all blacked their faces, & therefore, she said, she didn't know where they came from. Later said they came from Madeley Wood and Broseley. Music included tunes like "Two Lovely Black Eyes" Hit their sticks together. Knew of no dancers in Madeley, Ironbridge, or Coalbrookdale. Madeley, 30.v.57 Man (est 65-70) No knowledge of morris, Man of 51 moved from Madeley Wood. No knowledge of morris. Well known garrulous man (c.80) lives in Church Street spoke a great deal of carnivals and jazz bands. Left Dawley 25 years ago. Up to that time boys used to go about in old clothes with coloured paper decorations in their hats, and black faces. Melodeon. Christmas. Hit sticks together. Much Wenlock, 30.v.57 Nick Rowlands again Baden Minton was in the young team. Old team was of 8 - 12, including 4 or 8 with sticks. Wore tags of paper or cloth on their ordinary clothes; black faces. On being specifically asked about women's dress said usually two of the dancers wore petticoats and women's hats. Also a team at Harley, on the road to Shrewsbury. Asked about the dances he said "you dance according to the music" and mentioned starting a new figure when the music changed, but although they used to have practices for a fortnight beforehand, he would give no specific account of whet they did, seems the dance was largely impromptu. Mentioned a movement in the dance like 'Kibby Dance' Baden Minton's team learned from the old men, and did the same dance. No knowledge of mummers or play. Some of their dancers came from Stretton Westwood, but there was never an independent team. These notes were made on the dates specified, minor additions in some cases made the following day. 
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