World record maypole bid
5:38pm Saturday 17th May 2008
CONGLETON school children are bidding to dance their way into the Guinness World Record books.
Some 150 primary school pupils are to attempt the world's largest maypole dance.
The attempt takes place next Wednesday, May 21, at Hankinson's Field behind Congleton Leisure Centre.
The attempt is organised by Congleton Town Council and Congleton Community Projects, and has been made possible by the support of local firms.
Berisfords Ribbons is celebrating its 150th anniversary, and is supplying the 150 ribbons, each of which is 30 metres long.
Fellow Congleton firm, Site Engineering Services, has designed and created the 30-foot high pole, and will instal and remove it.
Dance instructor Jill Young from Congleton Ballet School and town councillor Jeanne Whitehurst have been working on the dance with children from local schools.
The record attempt will involve Years 5 and 6 pupils from Daven, Mossley, Quinta, Blackfirs, Buglawton, Havannah, Astbury, St Mary's, Woodcock's Well and Marlfields.
"The children have been amazing and working very hard on their skipping," said Cllr Whitehurst.
"To qualify for the world record all 150 children have to dance for five minutes, which takes considerable concentration and stamina."
Retiring town mayor Douglas Parker said the record attempt seemed like an impossible dream when it was first discussed.
"It just shows what a wonderful community we have here in Congleton," he said.
"So many people have volunteered their time, expertise and energies to make this attempt a reality."
The children will receive special T-shirts to mark their record bid and a certificate.