Team needs help to keep tradition alive

Saddleworth morris men

Saddleworth Morris Men have returned home from putting their best clog forward on a triumphant dance tour.

But despite making genuine Czech mates at the Folklore Festival in Pilsen, the team’s new squire is appealing for local support to keep their tradition alive.

Ed Worrall, from Uppermill, said: “The festival was part of their 2015 European City of Culture celebrations and we were representing not only Saddleworth but England.

“We funded our own trip, took time off work to attend but were unlikely to receive any recognition back in the UK, which astonished other group leaders.

Mr Worrall, a solicitor, also highlighted the cost of traffic management for this weekend’s Saddleworth Rushcart Festival.

“We’ve had to resort to fundraising because the budget we’ve run the festival on for many years was unsustainable,” he added. “The traffic issue isn’t going to change and we face paying for this each year in the future. If rushcart is to thrive, we have to look to the community for help.

“Just think of an August in Saddleworth with no rushcart festival.”

The team is offering patronage deals and advertising opportunities.

To become a patron of the Saddleworth Morris Men, visit www.saddleworthmorrismen.co.uk