Jockey John is on a high

Photo: Pictures by Chris Sunderland

Saddleworth Rushcart sets off through Uppermill, jockey John Brooks

SOFTLY-spoken civil servant John Brooks really went up in the world at the weekend.

He was the “jockey” elected to sit 15ft up on top of a swaying rushcart as it was towed through the streets of Saddleworth.

And John (55), from Delph, admitted: “I did not really have a head for heights — but I do now!”

John, a member of Saddleworth Morris Men for the last 14 years, spent most of Saturday and part of Sunday in his aerial pinnacle as the men were applauded by thousands who turned out to support the colourful rushcart festival.

“It’s been a great experience,” he declared. “My only concern was getting down from the top of the rushcart safely. It really is high up.”

The festival, celebrating its 35th anniversary, opened in bright sunshine outside The Commercial in Uppermill’s Square with the Morris Men performing an opening dance before pulling the three-ton cart to Greenfield along crowd-thronged roads.

The men and their cart then moved to Delph and Dobcross before returning to Uppermill.

Yesterday, despite worries of road works in the centre of Uppermill, the Morris Men bowled the cart up Church Road for a service at Saddleworth Parish Church.

Squire Richard Hankinson said: “The road works did not hamper us. Everything has gone very smoothly.

“There has been some great dancing and everyone enjoyed themselves.

“The weather has been very kind and that really encouraged the crowds to come out and enjoy the festivities.”

Families settled down with picnics and refreshments for an afternoon of dancing by more than 20 teams of Morris Men who had travelled from across the UK to take part in the event.

Dave Holland retained his wrestling crown for the 10th year and Mark Robinson, from Stockport, claimed top prize in the gurning contest. In the worst singer contest, prizes went to Kathy Brooks, Pat Whittall, Trish Leigh and Sarah Pearson.