KIND-HEARTED BUSINESSES are being urged to help maintain a historic traditional by becoming patrons of the Saddleworth Rushcart.
As they celebrate their 40th year, the Saddleworth Morris Men are gearing up for their biggest Rushcart to date as they turn their annual event into an anniversary special.
But this year police cannot supply traffic management cover so the Morris side’s purse strings have felt the pinch as they will have to employ a local contractor for the event.
Ed Worrall, who joined the side 14 years ago, revealed: “We’re a small organisation and it’s a huge amount to find. We don’t have that revenue to easily fall back on.
“We sell programmes and badges but it won’t cover the costs – so we’re calling on the generosity of Saddleworth businesses to sponsor us and become a Rushcart patron.
“All we’re asking is around a £50 donation and you will be fully acknowledged in the programme. We’re also looking for advertisers for the Rushcart programme.
“The ‘Cart is a part of old Saddleworth that we’re proud to maintain and is a great boost for business in the area so we hope they will help us to see the event continue.”
Meanwhile, the Morris side are also part of a more unusual project as they have been the inspiration for dances in a new play ‘An August Bank Holiday Lark’ by Debbie McAndrew.
Set around an East Lancashire village’s Rushcart at a wakes weekend in 1914, it is a tale of the effects of war on lifestyles and traditions.
Producers Northern Broadsides Theatre Company approached Saddleworth Morris Men to enlist their help and choreographer Conrad Nelson has been learning their dances to pass on.
Ed added: “Not many Morris sides get the chance to be involved in something like this – and it particularly resonates with us as we celebrate our 40th anniversary.”
The play is touring the country until its finale at the Oldham Coliseum in June, when the Saddleworth Morris Men will make a special appearance themselves as they will perform before the Saturday matinee show on June 14.
For more information about the Saddleworth Morris Men, visit: www.morrismen.saddleworth.org.uk
For full details of performances of ‘An August Bank Holiday Lark’ and to book tickets, visit: www.northern-broadsides.co.uk/index.php/coming-soon/an-august-bank-holiday-lark
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