Loftus History

The dance the loftus team danced was the North Skelton Dance, the steps were revivied by a Mr Featherstone of Loftus, whose family formed teams in North Skelton, Lingdale and Boosbeck .

 

The team was an immediate success entering local competitions and in 1953 winning at the Llangollen Eisteddford. 

The dancers then were Maurice Wright and Kenneth Taylor both of Moorsholm, Colin Beedle, William Kitchener, Eric Tyreman and Terry Boyes. 

Other well known dancers were John Hill (the historian, he was a dancer from 1950 until the end), Jimmy Fishlock, Harry and his brother Derek Cuthbert, Sid Robson, David Robinson, William Morrish, Peter Dobson, Michael Pearson, Eric Lancaster, Brian Snowdon and many others over the years. 

In 1958 Loftus was admitted into the Morris Ring by Dr Fisher Cassie, Squire of the Morris Rings, he said a very high standard had to be reached before admittance. When Loftus was accepted, 3 others were turned down. 

He presented souvenirs to dancers at a supper held, at which 80 persons were present, Dr Casie paid a particular tribute to Artur Marshall, he said he was acknowledged as one of the finest sword dancers in the country. 

In 1961 the team was invited to Dijon in France to celebrate the 'Festival of the Grape', they represented the City of York, a twin town with Dijon, they won a silver cup and an illuminated scroll. 

1963 saw a visit to Norway, to Stavanger and Hougasand.