By Tanya Batson, Staff Reporter 
The Manchioneal Cultural Group makes use of the sun's dying rays to rehearse. Long hours of practice is the reason they take home so many trophies. - Ian Allen/Staff Photographer
AFTER A BREATHTAKING journey along the Portland coast, meandering from Port Antonio to Manchioneal in the dusky cool of a late summer evening, The Gleaner finally happened upon the homing beacon of the Epping Station. However, we overshot our mark and had to be chased down by one of the persons we were to interview. Nonetheless, we had arrived.
Our aim was to interview the Manchioneal Cultural Group, who had achieved the distinction of being dubbed the best adult group in the traditional folk forms competition of the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission (JCDC). They won this trophy, dubbed the Imogene 'Queenie' Kennedy trophy for the fifth time, another chapter in what seems to be becoming a folk dynasty.
When you enter the video rental store of the group's leader, Richard Derby, the store looks normal enough. There are countless posters advertising different movies. What seems to be out of place is a shelf that takes the place of honour in the store. It is one of the first things that catches the eye because it simply did not seem to belong. This shelf displays 29 JCDC trophies. These trophies tell the history of how dominant the group has been in the traditional folk forms competition.
The Manchioneal Cultural group took home seven trophies this year. They won trophies for ring games, Maypole, Brukin's Party and Dinki Mini. As a result, they were also named the most outstanding traditional adult group for the northern region.
The members of the Manchioneal Cultural group have gathered at the back of Mr. Derby's video store for another rehearsal. Just beyond them, providing a very picturesque background to their labours, is the splashing of the blue sea, shouting her restlessness to all who were near.
There are 28 members in the group, whose ages range quite literally from six to 60 years. The Manchioneal group is also a treasure of some of the most interesting names to be found in one place. One of these is held by the oldest member of the group, Current Clarke. Current is 60 years old and plays the drums. He has been playing Brukin's since the 1960s.
Another member who has been with the group for several years, and is also the holder of the most interesting name of the lot, is Dainty Browning-Stewart. Dainty, who has been dancing with the group since 1976, points out that as amazing as it may sound, Dainty Browning is her given name, not merely the endearment it sounds like. At one stage her entire family danced with the group, although that is not now the case.
Dainty points out that though she has been with the group for so long, maintaining membership takes a lot of sacrifice. "Sometimes your family complains that you are staying out too much," she says.
The group generally practices once per week from 7p.m. to 9 p.m. While this might not seem hectic, the fact that not everyone comes from Manchioneal must be considered. Mr. Derby points out that some of the members come from Roland's Field in St. Thomas, while others live in Long Bay.
Additionally, when it is time to rehearse for Festival and other events, the schedule intensifies to three or four times a week. Mr. Derby points out that the Independence season and Heritage Week are their busiest, due to the demand for Brukin's. Along with performances, they give lectures and demonstrations.
Derby also points out that one of the aims of the group is to effect cultural continuity. Until recently, the group was called the Manchioneal Brukin's group. However, since they began exploring Dinki Mini, Ring Games, Maypole and Quadrille five years ago, the name no longer applies. Additionally, they also engage in popular dance, though not for festival purposes.
The group also seems to be achieving its objective of preserving culture.
"That is why we include the young ones. They don't simply dance. While they are dancing, they are learning the significance and history of each dance," Derby explains,
Previously, 12-year-old Gavin Currie eagerly shared his knowledge of Brukin's. He explains the different people who make up the Brukin's Party. "In the Brukin's you have the King and the Queen, the set girls, the granddaughter, and sometimes you have the staff sergeant."
Additionally, the largest segment of the group is comprised of persons aged 14 to 19. Travis Curry is in this age group. He plays the congo drums, and that is the reason he stays with the group. Travis said that he has also played Kumina drums but he prefers the Congos. Eran Mannings (Eran is pronounced like the country) is a little less committed to the group. However, due to the exposure he gets to other areas in the island, he does not wish to leave altogether.
Keeping the group together and involved in the festival competition also provides something of a financial burden. Mr. Derby explained that last year providing costumes for the group cost them approximately $60,000, even though they do most of their sewing. There are also transportation costs. However, these costs are generally covered by what they earn from their other engagements.
