The Times itself displays a degree of ignorance on the subject.  Sharp first encountered Morris dancers at Christmas 1899 (not 1895) at Headington in Oxfordshire (not Somerset).  Meanwhile, the Wurzels continue their campaign of self-publicity on the coat-tails of Howells' stupid remark.  The worst possible outcome of the affair would be for people to believe that this undistinguished "mummerset" comedy band were in any way representative of folk music!