THE Southport Swords dancing troupe has thrust into 2008 with a packed schedule for its 40th anniversary year.
The men’s morris and sword dancing team will celebrate its milestone by journeying to events around the United Kingdom, with the climax set to be the Swords’ annual weekend of dance in the resort from September 5-7.

An early shot of the Swords

A Swords performance in the early 1980s in Coronation Park, Ormskirk. From left: Paul Watson, Dave Shotliff, Geoff Horne, Dave Lamb

Preparations by the team – which also features two regular musicians – are well underway for its next showcase dance, the Dance England Rapper Tournament in Liverpool from March 7-9.
Dave Roberts, bagman (chief organiser) for the Southport Swords, has been dancing with the group for 20 years.
Speaking to LookBack, he said: “This is a big year for the Swords. We have lots of planned events so there is a very busy year ahead.
“My hopes for the Swords in the future is to just ensure that the group carries on.
“It would be nice to get some younger people involved to carry the legacy on.
“At the moment I’m the youngest of the entire group and I’m 46!”

John Smith, the Swords’ original squire (chairman), dressed as a 'Tommy' character, probably in the late 70s

John Smith (right) handing over the squireship to Howard Cooper in 1978

The Swords were founded in 1968 by Peter Mackie and John Smith after they were dazzled by the talents of a rapper team and decided to form their own troupe.
The rapper is a short, two- handled, flexible sword which dancers hold together to form an unbroken chain.
The Southport Swords’ members use long swords for their main dances – principally the North Skelton long sword dance.
Also among their repertoire are two long sword dances of their own – appropriately named Southport and Birkdale – plus Cotswolds Morris dances and the New Biggin Rapper Sword Dance.

The Swords being filmed outside the Guest House pub in Union Street for the BBC

Godfrey Boardman, a founding member of the Swords, said: “The main celebration of the year is the Weekend of Dance event – this year it will be an extra special occasion to mark our 40th anniversary.
“The event will see us dance across the North of England and finish in Southport.”
Mr Boardman added that preparations will be completed soon and he expected “a brilliant event”.
Les Brown is one of the newest members of the troupe and produces its website.
He said: “I have known about the Swords since they formed but I have only recently joined. I began by just playing the accordion, as I have bad knees, but they soon got me into the dancing. I haven't looked back since!”

A line-up taken in 1977 in the Forest of Dean. Back row, from left:
John Meadows, Geoff Charlton, Peter Rowley, Geoff Horne, Paul Watson, Dave Lamb, Howard Cooper, Derek Gifford, Mal Eyres and Tom Davies. Front row, from left: Nick Dickson, Jake Gallagher, John Smith, Bill Smith, Arthur Williams

The Swords’ 2008 itinerary also includes the fifth International Sword Spectacular in York from May 23-26 – which will feature more than 40 swords teams from around the world – and the Whitby Folk Week in August.
l The Southport Swords practice every Tuesday at the Blundell Arms, Upper Aughton Road from 8.30pm- 11pm. For more information visit the website www.southportswords.org.uk

Airborne on Lord Street in 1992

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