A RUSHCART spectacular will see Saddleworth Morris Men parading through the streets to celebrate their 40th anniversary on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August.
They will be joined by Morris sides from across the country for the annual festivities, which will include the Rushcart procession, dancing and fun and games over the weekend.
Saddleworth Morris Men had feared Sunday’s events would be in jeopardy if they could not travel up Church Road to Saddleworth Parish Church due to sewer replacement works.
But plans will go ahead as normal after they were ensured by United Utilities that the route will be open.
Ed Worrall, the side’s secretary, said: “The Morris Men appreciate the help United Utilities have given us.
“They understood our concerns about accessing the church and have worked with us to try and ensure this local tradition could take place as normal.
“We are pleased they have now been able to confirm the Rushcart procession can take its normal route on the Bank Holiday Sunday.”
This year, the Rushcart has almost 30 generous Patrons, including local businesses the Old Bell Inn and Apollonia House as well as residents, who have donated to help maintain the historic tradition.
Greater Manchester Police can no longer supply traffic management cover so the Morris side’s purse strings have felt the pinch as they have employed a local contractor for the event.
Ed added: “We at Saddleworth Morris Men are determined to do all we can to ensure the Rushcart still takes place, although this has placed a big financial burden on us.
“We have asked local people, businesses and organisations to help by becoming a ‘Rushcart Patron’. You will be making a huge difference to making sure the Rushcart keeps going in our villages.”
Find out more about the Saddleworth Morris Men by emailing saddleworthmorris@gmail.com or visit their new website.
Rushcart Schedule - Saturday
| Arrive | Depart | Event |
|---|---|---|
| 10am | Saddleworth Morris Men dance in front of the cart at the Commercial Uppermill before moving to Greenfield. | |
| 10.45am | 11.30am | King William IV, Greenfield. |
| 12noon | 1.30pm | Dancing in the Library Gardens, outside the Museum and at the Hare & Hounds Uppermill. Lunch. |
| 2.15pm | 3.45pm | Delph. Gartside Street, White Lion & Old Bell Inn |
| 4.15pm | 5.15pm | The Swan Inn, Dobcross Square. |
| 5.30pm | 6pm | The Navigation, Huddersfield Road. |
| 6.30pm | Back at the Commercial Uppermill. |
Rushcart Schedule - Sunday
| Time | Event |
|---|---|
| 9.30 am-11am | The cart leaves The Commercial via Church Road to Saddleworth Church. |
| 11am-12noon | Rushcart service in Saddleworth Church. |
| 12noon– 2.30pm | Morris dancing outside the Church and Cross Keys Inn |
| 2.30pm | Worst Singer at the Cross Keys |
| 2.45pm | Wrestling on the Cross Keys Field |
| 3.30pm | Gurning outside St Chads Church |
| 3.30pm | Clog Step competition – Patio at side of Church Inn |
| 4.15pm | Saddleworth Morris Men round off the day with a display of their repertoire. |
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