By Mark Barrow
MORRIS MEN will take over the villages once again as the annual Saddleworth Rushcart spectacle returns over the weekend of August 22-23.
The renowned festival is now in its 41st year after being brought back to life in Saddleworth in 1975 and continues to attract scores of people both local and from farther afield.
And this year’s event promises to be no different as morris sides from all around the country, and even overseas from Australia, are coming to enjoy the festivities.
There will be the traditional pulling of the cart, stacked five metres high with fresh rushes and the ‘jockey’ on top, as well as the service at St Chad’s Church followed by dancing and games.
Despite the Rushcart’s popularity, the Saddleworth Morris Men, who showcased their talents in the Czech Republic in June, are facing problems over the cost of traffic management for the event.
They have turned to the community for help and are asking generous business owners to donate £50 for the cause, in exchange for becoming a patron. There is also an option to advertise on their website.
This new obstacle has not deterred the legendary Morris Men, however, as they go from strength to strength ahead of the big weekend.
They have received three new recruits in the past year, including 26 year-old Jack Williams, and insist more new faces are always welcome to join their ranks.
Speaking of this year’s Rushcart, the side’s new squire, Ed Worrall, is pleased the traditional event still lives on to serve the community.
He said: “It’s a tradition very much part of Saddleworth’s history. It’s been going on for centuries, so is part of people’s lives really, and now has a big tourist attraction.
“It’s great to still see it thrive and to see people haven’t lost interest for it – it’s that community spirit that makes me enjoy it. It gives us a feeling of responsibility over everyone.”
Find out more about the Saddleworth Morris Men by emailing saddleworthmorris@gmail.com or visit their new website.
Saturday
From 9:30am, Uppermill Square; unveiling of the banner, team photograph and introducing the ‘Cart to the public, before Saddleworth Morris Men perform the Rushcart Dance.
10:15am, dep Uppermill Square to arr Greenfield (opposite King Bill IV) 10:45am; High Street > Chapel Lane > Chew Valley Road.
11:30am, dep Greenfield to arr Uppermill Square 12 noon; Chew Valley Road > Wellington Road > Queensway > Carr Lane > High Street.
1:30pm, dep Uppermill Square to arr Gartside St. Delph 2:15pm; High Street > Dobcross New Road > Delph New Road > The Sound > Millgate.
3:45pm, dep Delph to arr Dobcross Square 4:15pm; Millgate > The Sound > Huddersfield Road > Gatehead Road > Platt Lane.
5:15pm, dep Dobcross Square to arr Navigation Inn 5:30pm; Sugar Lane > Wool Road.
6:00pm, dep Navigation Inn to finish Uppermill Square.
Sunday
10:00am, dep Uppermill Square to arr St. Chad’s Church, Uppermill 11:00.
11:00am, service in the church.
12 noon, dancing outside Church Inn and Cross Keys Inn.
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