Blackpool folk dancers to help Garstang children dance

7:55pm Friday 25th April 2008

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Children from two Garstang schools, with the help of two Blackpool folk dancers, are joining forces to preserve tradition and raise money for the continuing educational link between Garstang and its twin town of New Koforidua in Ghana.

Blackpool-based folk dance enthusiasts Barry and Brenda Parker, have been visiting the pupils at Garstang St Thomas and St Mary and Michael Primary Schools to teach them the traditional arts of maypole and clog dancing.

On May 1, as tradition dictates, the children will be performing these dances between 10.30am and 11am outside the Arts Centre in the middle of Garstang, near Preston, to entertain market day shoppers and hopefully raise some money.

The pupils will also perform on May 9 at the same time and venue as part of the Garstang Walking Festival.

Children from both schools have been in contact with children in New Koforidua via a video link.

Any money raised will be used to help maintain this link with Garstang's twin town and to help cover the costs of New Koforidua teacher Samuel Ofori's visit to Lancashire.

Mr Ofori will visit schools to educate the children about life in Ghana.

Helen Ife, head teacher at St Thomas' said: "The pupils have really loved learning these dances and it's a great opportunity for the schools to work together.

"It's wonderful that by using English traditions the children will have the chance to learn about traditions and customs in another country."

Anne Charnley, deputy head at St Mary and Michael's echoed her sentiments adding: "With our school celebrating its 150th anniversary this year it's fantastic that our pupils have been given this chance to learn traditional dances that the original pupils may have performed for their community in the same way.

"Brenda and Barry have been marvellous teachers and the children have had a lot of fun working with them."