Exciting parade date for women's morris and clog team

The Saddleworth Women’s Morris and Clog team

The recently-formed Saddleworth Women’s Morris and Clog team will be taking part in the upcoming prestigious Manchester Day parade this Saturday (July 27).

The side was formed in January and they have already gained a loyal following across the villages.

Now more than 16 dancers say it is a real honour to be asked to take part in a major event and represent both the Saddleworth and Morris dance communities. 

The team's spokesperson, Eddie Worrell, a member of Saddleworth Mortis Men for 24 years, helped get the group off the ground with Lucy Marstin, the side’s squire and forewoman.

He said: "Civic parades and celebrations were historically a major part of Morris dancing in the north west area.

"It's great to be able to honour that tradition but also as part of a very modern celebration of the Greater Manchester community.

“One of the team’s dancers, Amelia Bayliss, works with Global Grooves at the Vale in Mossley, who are one of the organisers of the event.

"A chance discussion at work led to a chat about the team taking part. 

"We jumped at the chance!

"Since starting up in January we've become busy over the summer with dance outs around Saddleworth with our friends the Saddleworth Morris Men and other teams.

"We're also very proud to be taking part in this year's Saddleworth Rushcart.”

The team are hosting an open evening for new women dancers or musicians on Wednesday, August 28, at Denshaw Village Hall at 8pm.

They add that they would love to see more people getting involved in the team and helping celebrate local traditions.

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