The Ship of Theseus Paradox, or ‘Triggers Broom’……

Trigger: “This ol’ broom… has had 17 heads and 14 new handles in its time.”
Sid: “How the ‘ell can it be the same bloody broom, then?”
Trigger: “Well, ‘ere’s a picture of it; what more proof do you need?”

Now in its umpteenth incarnation, Rapsquillion was formed in 1995 when, as a result of a strange celestial juxtaposition, Keith Thomas and Trevor Hedges met and decided that they would stand more chance of surviving the monthly folk session at The Miner’s Arms, if they presented a united front.

Thirty years later Rapsquillion is still here having survived festivals, folk clubs, workshops, parties and Covid, a bit less fresh-faced but still lobbing harmony grenades at innocent passers by.

Rapsquillion tries hard to be democratic; we have no leader, and anyone can say what they like at any time (e.g. “I can’t bear that song; let’s try it with bagpipes”). Everyone mucks in – Kay deals with fashion matters, Jen keeps the wine topped up, Susie provides expert critiques, Gary knows lots of big words, Marion knows where everything is (keys, phones, guitars, caravans etc) and Trevor handles complaints.

The only original member of of Rapsquillion still getting away with it, Trevor carves an erratic, cataclysmic channel through life whilst living halfway up a mountain with a camper van called Daphne. When he grows up he wants to be a busker but until then he’ll make do with singing on street corners.

Jenny originates from Kent and moved to Shropshire for a bit of peace and quiet. It was all going so well until she met Rapsquillion. She’s now frightened to go out of the house in case she meets someone else.

Kay is from Bristol and therefore speaks like a pirate. She was drafted in to Rapsquillion in order to bring down the average age and add authenticity to shanties. Only two mistakes there then ….

Scott is one of Rapsquillion’s proper musicians, masquerading as a tame melodeon player. He used to be a Scilly man but now he’s not so bad, although he did fall for the old ‘you come and play with us and we’ll *insert your own inducement*….’ routine.

Gary is yet another product of the Hyssington singing factory. Well, it wasn’t far to stagger home after practice and the neighbours are used to it. Gary is a former drama teacher who is responsible for turning some of Raps’ music into mini-versions of Les Mis…

Susie Stockton-Link’s scarily strong voice has graced the folk world for many years. That, together with her nettle wine and party-throwing prowess make her an invaluable addition to the Rapsquillion family

Marion is the most organised person in the world! She invariably knows where phones, pens, spectacles and melodeons are hiding. She also sings like a lark, plays a dulcimer and bakes cakes. ‘Why is she in Rapsquillion?’ you may ask….

Rapsquillion has also press-ganged some fine musicians to give us a hand on the many occasions when we bite off more than we can chew…..