Saddleworth ladies gear up to join the morris dance

The newly-created Saddleworth Women’s Morris and Clog side are to make a their debut appearance on Saturday, April 27.

But their much-anticipated arrival will be quieter than the familiar clog-and-bells accompaniment of their male counterparts. 

Because they will be wearing traditional lace-up shoes at the memorial in Uppermill Park and Saddleworth Museum car park (meeting at 12.30pm to dance at 1.30pm, in the park itself). 

And the audience will have their first opportunity to view their new proud, distinctive costumes at the event.

The group was formed in January and has already swelled to 25 members who practice every week at Denshaw Village Hall.

Eddie Worrall, a member of Saddleworth Morris Men for 24 years, has helped to get the group off the ground with Lucy Marstin, the side’s squire and forewoman, mastering new dances from scratch for their first appearance.

Speaking after a sides inaugural meeting, Eddie said: “We are now officially 'Saddleworth Women's Morris and Clog' and are going full steam ahead for our first public performances.

“We've been very fortunate to pick up loads of dance kit, sticks, bells from a side in Kent that sadly folded back in 2019, 'Kettle Bridge Clog'.

“They still had all their gear in store, hoping another side could make use of it one day.

"After I put an appeal out to the Morris world, they responded and have very generously donated it all to our new side.

"They've wished us well and hope it helps us get started.”

He added: "Lucy and I have been really bowled over by the response we have had locally and now have more than 25 members on our books.

“This season we’ll be dancing in normal lace up shoes which is quite traditional and we will be having clog step dancing as well.

"Clogs are very bespoke and have to be made by specialists, but by next year we hope to have the side set up with clogs.

“We have got several dances planned beginning in May and locally in summer, but we are very proud to be invited to dance at the Saddleworth Morris Men Rush Cart festival 50th anniversary celebration later this year.

"The men’s side have been really supportive and there is great enthusiasm from everyone for our new side."

The women's side can be reached at email via: saddleworthwomensmorrisclog@gmail.com 

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