Morris men get some clog over Rose emblem

The Rushcart at this year’s event sporting the rose emblem

A wrangle has broken out over the traditional emblem of Saddleworth Morris Men.

The distinctive white rose with its RED-rose surround was centrepiece on the 15ft conical tower at the Rushcart Festival’s 40th anniversary celebration.

But local parish councillor Lesley Brown tackled organisers after complaints from the public.

Councillor Brown said: “Saddleworth is in the county of York - and that means a white rose should be displayed, nothing else.

“The people who complained to me were very annoyed. Saddleworth may be part of Oldham’s metropolitan borough but its roots lie with Yorkshire and the white rose.”

Geoff Bayley (74) chairman of the Saddleworth White Rose Society, said: “The white rose superimposed on a red rose may well be the emblem of Saddleworth Morris Men. But this probably dates back to local government changes of 1974, when some claimed Saddleworth had moved into Lancashire.

“We all know Saddleworth remains part of the West Riding and has never been part of Lancashire, so perhaps it’s time for the morris men to review the situation?”

But Saddleworth Morris Men’s secretary Ed Worrall said:” It’s neither a red nor white rose on the banner but a Tudor rose.

“We wear a Tudor rose on our sash as part of our kit - and it’s been one of our emblems for decades.

“We also wear a white rose badge on our cummerbunds to show our Yorkshire heritage.”

But not everyone was impressed by the row.

Councillor Enid Firth, chair of Saddleworth Parish Council, said: “It’s a storm in a teacup — there are more important things to complain about.”