THE Horwich Prize Medal Morris Men will hold a memorial ceilidh to honour a former musician and foreman who died last year.

Roland Higson was the group’s musician and dance teacher for many years but suffered from Parkinson’s disease later in his life.

Diana Bradley, a member of Horwich Morris, said: “He loved music and it is for his music and folk activities that he is particularly remembered.

“He is well-known in the Morris world as he often taught workshops at many folk festivals, including the big ones of Sidmouth and Whitby.”

Mr Higson, who was born in Bolton, played jazz when he was at university in London and joined the Carlton Trio when he returned home.

The band, named after his favourite painting, played for over 35 years and were known across Lancashire and Cheshire. In the late sixties he started a folk club at Eagley Tennis Club where he met Reg Hardman, Horwich Morris lead musician.

Roland started and ran Bolton Folk Dance Club for many years and over that time wrote a lot of dances of his own.

The event will take place at 7.30pm on November 3 at the Bolton Ukrainian Club in Castle Street. Tickets cost £10, including a pastie. Proceeds will be donated to Parkinson’s UK.