Roast Turkey has now become the most popular fare for our Christmas dinners however this is a relatively recent adoption. It was customary in many areas, particularly Derbyshire, to slaughter the prize ram of the flock and to serve up succulent mutton. Memory of this custom lives on through depiction of the ritual dispatching of the beast in the Mumming play 'The Derby Tup'.
Harthill Village and members of the Harthill Morris have performed the play from mid December until New Year's eve for some 40 years. All proceeds collected from the audiences are donated to charity. This year the group raised over £3,000 half of which will benefit Sheffield Children's Hospital whilst £1,535 was contributed to the Morris Children in Need appeal.
<click here> to view a typical performance at Coal Aston Village Hall (10 minute YouTube)
Peter J Halfpenney Feb 2013
Past Squire of The Morris Ring