Saddleworth Morris: Celebrating 50 Years of Tradition and Dance
Morris Men and Women in the picturesque villages of Saddleworth are gearing up for the highly anticipated Rushcart dancing event. This annual celebration, steeped in history and tradition, draws hundreds of visitors to the area to witness the vibrant and energetic display of Morris dancing.
The roots of Morris dancing in Saddleworth can be traced back to the 1970s when the tradition was revived by the dedicated members of Saddleworth Morris. One of those members, David Biggs, recalls being introduced to Morris dancing at a young age. As a nine-year-old boy, he was initially uninterested in the folk tradition until a chance encounter with a Morris dancer wearing sparking clogs piqued his curiosity.
“I saw a chap in clogs and he slipped in the road, causing his shoes to spark. I didn’t know they were clogs, I just wanted a pair of shoes that sparked,” David reminisces. This moment sparked his interest in Morris dancing, and he soon found himself joining the boys’ team at Saddleworth Morris.
The Journey of a Squire: Leading the Dance
In the world of Morris dancing, the roles of foreman and squire are essential to leading and guiding the group. Paul Hankinson currently serves as the foreman of Saddleworth Morris, taking over the role from David Biggs after 18 years of dedicated service. The squire, on the other hand, holds the responsibility of interacting with the crowd, introducing the dances, and making critical decisions for the group.
David reflects on his journey as a squire, stating, “The squire is the boss – the one that gets to interact with the crowd, introduce the dances, and crack the odd bad joke. If anything needs a final decision, it will fall to the squire to make it.” Despite being in a position of authority, Saddleworth Morris operates as a democratic group, valuing the input and collaboration of all its members.
A Tradition Preserved: 50 Years of Saddleworth Morris
As Saddleworth Morris celebrates its 50th anniversary, the group reflects on its enduring legacy and the impact it has had on the community. The first dance performed by Saddleworth Morris in 1974 was the Upton on Severn stick dance of the ‘Border’ tradition, showcasing the unique blend of tradition and innovation that defines the group.
David Biggs expresses his gratitude for the continued support and dedication of the members, stating, “You just think it’s always going to be here. I have been doing this most of my life. I don’t understand a time without it.” As the group looks towards the future, they remain committed to preserving the rich tradition of Morris dancing and welcoming new members to ensure its longevity.
Join the Celebration: Saddleworth Rushcart Event
The highlight of the Morris dancing calendar, the Saddleworth Rushcart event, is set to take place on Saturday and Sunday, August 24-25, in Uppermill. This festive celebration will feature performances by Saddleworth Morris and other Morris teams, showcasing the vibrant and lively spirit of Morris dancing.
David encourages those interested in joining Saddleworth Morris to attend their weekly meetings at the Church Inn in Uppermill every Thursday at 8pm. He emphasizes the importance of new members in keeping the tradition alive, stating, “We are always looking for new people and need new people to keep this tradition going.”
As the excitement continues to build for the Rushcart event, the Morris dancers of Saddleworth are ready to share their passion for tradition, dance, and community with visitors from near and far. Join in the celebration and experience the magic of Morris dancing in the picturesque setting of Saddleworth.