Originally formed in the autumn of 1953 by a number of Leeds University
Morris Men and others who wished to form a non-university side, White
Rose men met initially in the Burley Road scout headquarters and were
helped by Ron Smedley, the EFDSS
Yorkshire Area Organiser. Co-operation continued with the Leeds University
Men resulting in the joint hosting of the 53rd Morris Ring Meeting
in Leeds in 1956 although it was to be 1959 before White Rose were
admitted as a member side into the Morris
Ring. In 1971, the club moved its base to Huddersfield and organised
the 215th Ring Meeting in the town in 1986.
Cliff Barstow, the founder member of White Rose, no longer dances
but continues to support the club at dance-outs watching his son (Ned)
and grandson (Joseph) who are stalwarts of the present side.
A familiar sight in distinctive ‘whites’ with green baldricks and
straw hats at Holmfirth Folk Festival and other local events, White
Rose promote the South Midlands (or Cotswold) tradition ‘Up North’
and have also danced in Sweden, Jersey, Provence and Romania.
White Rose has spawned the young associate side Dog Rose that appears
in the English Roots and Demon Barbers folk road shows touring nationwide
and bringing ‘the Morris’ to a wider audience.
Celebrations for our Golden Jubilee in 2003 took place throughout
the year and included a weekend gathering in September when around
280 members of traditional dance sides descended on Bradley Wood from
around the country to tour the surrounding areas.
White Rose practice at Marsh Liberal Club on Wednesday evenings except
during the summer months (when we often dance out) and new members
are always welcome, however inexperienced!
