Stockport Morris Men

Just look at this lot! A team dancing Morris in the North-West Processional style ...

When the side reformed in 1984 the main membership comprised Dads whose offspring were enjoying themselves too much in the guise of "The Fosbrooks". They practice in the Offerton area of Stockport, Cheshire. The side travels a lot for one day and full weekend events such as village celebrations, folk festivals and period themed events (Victorian fairs). The weekend events usually include camping with grilled food and bottles of "lubricant" when not dancing alongside other invited Morris sides during the day.

A Potted History of Stockport Morris
"In October 1885 there were several morris dancers at Northenden, then Cheshire now south Manchester. They had light coloured trousers tied with ribbons at the knees, white shirt sleeves, straw hats trimmed with ribbons and artificial flowers. The music was made by triangle, fifes and drums.

On the 21st September 1889, being Stockport Wakes ( industrial holidays ) a band of morris dancers perambulated the streets in the evening dressed in white stockings, knee breeches,white shirts trimmed with ribbons and small caps. They were preceded by a good band of music playing dance tunes, in front which was a lusty man plying a big whip. In the rear was "old sooty face" with a well patronised collecting box. The following Monday they paraded Edgeley preceded by a lorry decorated with arches and carrying a number of little girls prettily dressed.

At the Wakes in 1890 a troop of morris dancers were habited in black jockey caps, white shirts, black knee breeches, blue sashes, white stockings and black shoes. Instead of handkerchiefs they had thick white cords tied to the wrist and knotted at the end. "

These reports were from original archive material

www.stockportmorris.co.uk