Rushcart festival goes international

IMPRESSIVE head gear . . . Saddleworth Morris Man Richard Blissette

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Hundreds of people were treated to two glorious days of pageantry and fun across Uppermill, Greenfield, Delph and Dobcross at the weekend in the annual Saddleworth Rushcart Festival.

Saddleworth Morris Men led visiting teams on a floral dance of joy. And this year the villages reserved a special welcome for a side that had travelled 10,000 miles to bring greetings from South Australia.

The Adelaide Morris Men presented a letter of good wishes from the mayor of Clare and Gilbert Valleys Council, Allan Aughey - which includes the township of Saddleworth.

The mayor wrote: “As a sister city of your town we are happy to engage with this historic ceremony.

We encourage everyone to visit our Saddleworth when the opportunity presents.”

In return Councillor Neil Allsopp, chairman of Saddleworth Parish Council, presented a specially engraved plaque to Paul Howard, the squire of Adelaide Morris men and other side members to take to the mayor.

“Twenty years ago, Morris men from Australia taking part in our Rushcart festival would have been laughed at. Yet today it’s a reality,” said Councillor Allsopp. “I was honoured to receive a letter of greeting and hope they’ve all enjoyed a fantastic weekend, keeping another of our local traditions alive.”

English-born Adelaide morris man, Bill Singleton, said: “We’ve all had a truly wonderful time. The hospitality has been as warm as the sunshine that graced the festival.”

Ed Worrall, the Saddleworth side’s new squire, said:” Its been a tremendous festival.”

Richard Hankinson, who served as squire for 25 years but remains in the side, shared a proud moment with son, Paul, who lead a successful mission as the side’s new foreman.

More than 400 people attended a special Rushcart service at Saddleworth parish church, conducted by Rev Duncan Rhodes.