Oswestry Dark Morris brings new energy to ancient Border tradition
A new Morris side has formed in Oswestry, attracting dancers and musicians of all ages
A new Morris side has sprung up in Oswestry – and it has already attracted a growing group of enthusiastic dancers and musicians.
Oswestry Dark Morris was formed less than a month ago but has quickly flourished, with men and women of all ages getting involved.
Founder Mike Lade said the group had chosen black, red and yellow for the ‘tatter’ jackets traditionally worn by Border Morris sides.
The colours also have a connection with Oswestry, with the red and yellow reflecting the town’s coat of arms, while black represents the group’s darker side and the raven associated with the town’s history.
According to a 12th-century account, the Christian King Oswald of Northumbria was killed and dismembered by the pagan King Penda of Mercia at the Battle of Maserfield in 642AD, which is believed to have taken place in the local area.
Legend says a raven carried away Oswald’s severed right arm before dropping it beside an ancient ash tree. The tree became known as ‘Oswald’s Tree’, eventually giving rise to the name Oswestry.
The spot where the arm was said to have fallen also became associated with a miraculous spring, known as Oswald’s Well, which remains a historic landmark in the town.
The group also plans to bring Epona into its performances. The character takes inspiration from the Epona Stone, an Iron Age artefact depicting the Celtic horse goddess Epona, which was discovered at Old Oswestry Hillfort in 2008.
Oswestry Dark Morris performs the Border Morris style of English folk dance, a high-energy and traditionally rowdy form originating in the Welsh border counties, including Shropshire, Herefordshire and Worcestershire.
The group meets every Wednesday evening for dancing and practice at The Last Inn, Upper Hengoed, where anyone interested can come along and see what they do.
Oswestry Dark Morris is looking for people aged 16 and over to join as dancers, with no previous experience required.
Musicians who play instruments including flute, tin whistle, fiddle, guitar, recorder, banjo, accordion and concertina are also welcome.
Anyone interested can contact Mike Lade on 07803 038858, via Facebook at @OswestryDarkMorris or by email at [email protected].