Gombey Festival Honouree, October 4, 2009
As John “Pickles” Spence reflects on his boyhood days he, with a smile, tells of how often he got ‘licks’ for following the gombeys. He knew he was in for it when his breakfast of porridge from the morning was still waiting for him when he finally returned home in the evening. However, this never stopped him. He loved the gombeys so much that as an adult he became determined to form his own gombey troupe.
John “Pickles” Spence was an innovator. While respecting the true essence of the dance tradition, he wanted to create something unique and his gombey troupe was indeed that. Over and over he repeats that he never looked for praise; he simply wanted to create an opportunity for all people to enjoy dancing the gombeys.
The “Pickles” Spence Carnival Gombey Troupe broke with tradition in many ways. The ‘flash’ of his regalia was made from recycled pieces of satin cloth, sparkles, mirrors and ribbons. Ironically, Mr. Spence claims that “he cannot sew” though he took full responsibility for the design and construction of the regalia for his troupe. With a twinkle in his eye, he explained that no two suits were alike as each suit became an abstract work of art in its self. One can only imagine the glitter and ‘drama’ of the “Pickles” Spence Carnival Gombey Troupe!
Mr. Spence asserts that with his cost effective suits, he was able to woo all who wanted to dance for the simple joy of dancing the gombeys. Therefore, even his dancers were unique. They ranged from boxers, soccer players, ladies, martial artists – and included local people such as Troy Darrell, Clarence Hill, Skipper Ingham, Rocky Hassell, Diana Wilson, Janet Palmer, Ernest Spence, Henry Knights (on the bass drum) with Coolridge Bell as the chief or captain of the troupe. These Carnival gombey dancers used this opportunity to keep fit and to express their joy of being a part of such an honourable Bermudian tradition. In their heyday, the “Pickles” Spence Carnival Gombey Troupe was employed to dance at every major tourist event and were regulars at most of the hotels.
We reflect and recognize the creativity of John “Pickles” Spence. On behalf of the Department of Culture and on behalf of the people of Bermuda, we salute Mr. John “Pickles” Spence for his invaluable contribution to Bermuda’s folk art and gombey traditions!
