Practice Info
When we’re not out and about dancing at lots of different pubs during the ‘summer season’ (late April to late September), we spend the ‘practice season’ (October to Mid April) at Ash Village Hall (near Martock), 8-10pm, doing our best to hone our dances (or learn new ones) under the instruction of someone who knows what they’re doing – traditionally the Foreman.
Speaking from lots of joyous experience, Morris Dancing is a great way to keep active, have fun with a great bunch of friends, and help to preserve and encourage the future growth of such a wonderful tradition.
We’re a mixed gender side, open to all ages (with children and vulnerable adults to be accompanied by a chaperone/responsible person), so if you’re interested in giving it a go, do please get in touch via email: drturbervilleinfo@gmail.com
Why Dr Turberville?
Our name commemorates Dr. D’Aubigny (or Daubeny) Turberville, an eminent oculist (eye surgeon), and perhaps the most famous recorded son of Crewkerne. He was born in 1612 at Wayford, a small hamlet nearby, into a notable family which can be traced back to the Norman Conquest. Amongst his patients were the then Duke of York’s daughter (later to become Queen Anne) and the diarist Samual Pepys. He died in 1696 aged 84, and lies buried in Salisbury Cathedral. His plaque (in the West end of the North Aisle reads “the best surgeon that ever lived” – quite a reputation for us to live up to!
We have no idea what he looked like, so this picture is our ‘best guess’, based on the average stylish gentleman of the day.
What’s with all the Penguins?
Crewkerne, like many small towns, has an interesting history. As the British Empire opened up, many farmers travelled to seek better luck elsewhere, and emigrants from Crewkerne settled in the Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic, taking their flocks of sheep with them. Crewkerne has retained links with the Falklands ever since, an association which is reflected in the naming of Falkland Square, the shopping centre built in the 1970s.
So, when Dr Turberville’s needed an animal mascot, what better than a Falkland Islands Penguin?
And the Pirates?
Dr. Turberville’s Morris are likely to be found dressed as pirates when by the sea. In such situations, our resident penguin is prone to dressing as a parrot.
I’m not really sure when or why any of this happened, but it goes down a storm with the public, helps aid with our collection on behalf of the festival organisers, and is lots of fun, so it must be a good thing.
The below photo was taken at Swanage Folk Festival 2023 by our friendly neighbourhood photographer, Dorset Morri’arty.
Contact
Email: drturbervilleinfo@gmail.com
Dr Turberville's Morris 