Poignant painting will take pride of place at Morris Men HQ

A captivating painting of a Morris Man resting on top of a symbolic Rushcart hides nostalgic memories.

Carl Taylor had been a member of Saddleworth Morris Men for ten years when he became the “jockey” on the two-tonne Rushcart, which is towed by the colourfully dressed colleagues across the villages.

The jockey takes pride of place riding the swaying, conicle-shaped cone of rushes in a unique ceremony which, until Covid, had been part of Saddleworth’s annual celebrations.

This year’s event has been cancelled.

Local artist Linda Edwards captured the moment and presented the painting to the side to share pride of place at their headquarters - the ancient Church Inn in Uppermill.

Reliving his time as jockey, Carl said: “The picture was taken by my wife, Sue.

"I had a great day, the weather was perfect, the rushes on my saddle had moulded around my body and it was very comfortable.

"The beer had been flowing and I had the best seat in the house, so I was just taking a moment to contemplate and reflect.

“I remember smiling to myself, lay back, hat tilted so stop the glare of the sun, my legs stretched out over the edge of the cart.

“I could hear the sound of music and dance and laughter, it was bliss.

"Then I thought about my banner on the cart called 'In Loving Memory'.

"It had three themes: the bees for the Manchester Arena victims, the bi-centennial of Peterloo and all those brave people who had walked to Manchester carrying banners, the Saddleworth Black banner, and my friend, Ged Casserley.

“Ged was so excited when he found it was my cart that year, but unfortunately he didn't get chance to see it, so there was a tribute to him on the banner, and I knew his wife Terri was there.

“I felt connected to history; the history of Rushcart, the history of to the area through Peterloo and the personal history of people.

"It was a very proud moment. I wish I could do it again.

“There was a smile, a contemplation, a relaxation and that was the moment, I remember then 'coming back', I grabbed my tankard and raised a glass, in loving memory.”

And in addition, artist Linda presented a painting of The Church Inn to landlord Julian and Christine Taylor.

Linda said: “What better sight and sounds of Summer than the dancing and singing of the local Morris men.

“The painting depicts Saddleworth’s main tradition in all its glory.

"His hat is weighed down with flowers, each brush stroke helping to tell a story. 

"The vibrancy of colour against the blue sky made my heart lift...

“Long may our traditions continue and flourish, interwoven in the fabric of our society.”

Speaking on behalf of the morris men, Adam Walker said: “We’re always happy when someone is inspired by the morris and in particular the Rushcart.

“Linda lives near the Church Inn, and she can hear the music while she paints, makes it that bit more special. 

“The painting is fantastic and perfectly captures the point, whereas The Jockey you can relax a bit, perhaps after a couple of pints. 

“Her presentation of a print to be mounted in the Church keeps that memory alive and might act as inspiration for others to get their clogs on.”

Working mainly with oils, Linda has exhibited at the Manchester Art Gallery and is planning an exhibition of her work at Saddleworth Museum for a month from May 5, 2022.

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