Merry Morris Man passes on baton after 25 years as squire

A MERRY Squire of the legendary Saddleworth Morris Men is passing on the mantle after leading the side for 25 years.

Richard Hankinson, 60, handed over his staff of office at the start of the side’s popular Easter tour in April but will still remain a part of the team.

And he looked back over his years with fondness since he joined the side in 1980.

He recalled: “I had a conversation with my window cleaner, who was a member of Saddleworth Morris. I went to Uppermill to watch the Rushcart and joined the following day.

“In the years following, I acted at various times as Rushcart Secretary, Bagman (Secretary) and Foreman.

“But an Achilles tendon injury led me to borrow a melodeon which I leaned to play while my leg was in plaster – and have been a musician ever since.

“In Easter 1990, I took over as Squire from Peter Ashworth and I’ve been re-elected annually until last year when I decide not to seek re-election.”

“It’s certainly been a colourful journey,” he added. “You could say that we really are part of the fabric of the villages.”

Richard revealed one of his proudest moments came in 1994 when he was elected as Squire to the elite Morris Ring – the first North West Clog Morris dancer to achieve the status since its formation in 1935.

‘The Morris’ has become increasingly popular over the years with loyal fans both local and from across the country flocking to the annual Rushcart Festival.

Now, the 40-strong team are the UK’s only representatives at a prestigious international festival this Junein Pilsen, Czech Republic, Europe’s city of culture.

It’s another accolade for the side under Richard’s stewardship, which had seen them dance across the UK, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Utrecht, Holland and Dublin.

Taking on his mantle is new Squire Ed Worrall, who has been a member for 15 years, while Richard’s son, Paul, has taken over as foreman.

Ed said: “Richard is the hardest of acts to follow. He led the side through all the ups and downs of a quarter of a century, which is an amazing achievement.

“But he leaves the side thriving with three new members this year alone.

And Rushcart is now one of the highlights of the Saddleworth and national Morris calendars – that is a measure of his hard work and dedication.”

Saddleworth Morris Men are seeking donations from local businesses to make sure their historic Rushcart event sees its 41st year.

The team is having to pay to employ a local contractor to assist with road closures as police cannot supply traffic management for the occasion on August 22 and 23.

Squire Ed Worrall, said: “As budgets have been cut, the police aren’t able to manage traffic for the event and we’re calling on businesses to help make up the shortfall.

“We’re asking for £50 from generous business owners to become patrons in exchange for an acknowledgement in the programme, and there’s also an option to advertise on our website too”.

The Saddleworth Independent has become the first official patron this year in another show of support for the local Morris team.

To become a patron of the Saddleworth Morris Men, visit their website: www.saddleworthmorrismen.co.uk or email: saddleworthmorris@gmail.com