Morris man Richard leads his final Easter tour

End of an era . . . the squire of Saddleworth Morris Men Richard Hankinson (left) is handing over the reins after 25 years in the role to Ed Worrall

Squire of Saddleworth Morris Men Richard Hankinson has handed over his staff of office after 25 years.

He received widespread praise for raising the profile of morris dancing nationally and his own 40-strong team which this year is the UK’s only representatives at a prestigious international folk festival.

“Its certainly been colourful,” he said as the morris men took their first break at Delph on a busy clog dancing Easter day that also took in Dobcross, Uppermill and Marsden.

“The morris”, as it is affectionately known, has become increasingly popular over the years with loyal local fans claiming their Rushcart Festival stands alongside Whit Friday celebrations.

In June, the “side” takes centre-stage at a folk spectacular in Pilsen in the Czech Republic, Europe’s city of culture – another accolade for the team under Richard’s stewardship, which had seen them dance across the UK and in exotic Sao Paulo, Brazil, Utrecht, Raalte in Holland and Dublin.

Richard (60), recalling how his interest in morris dancing was first fired, said: “I had a conversation with my window cleaner, who was a member of the side. I went to Uppermill to watch the Rushcart in 1980 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 I’ve been a musician ever since.”

One of his proudest moments came in 1994 when he was also elected as squire to the elite Morris Ring, the first North-West clog morris dancer to achieve the status since its formation in 1935.

“Standing down doesn’t mean I won’t be part of the team,” he said.

Saddleworth Morris Men’s new squire, Ed Worrall, said.” “Richard is the hardest of acts to follow. He lead 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 — it is a measure of his hard work and dedication. He is, and will always be ‘The Boss’.”

email: kd_bennett@yahoo.co.uk