Harry Cowgill
Harry was one of the many who jumped at the chance to learn from ex Music Hall & Variety professional Sam Sherry at the clog dancing classes which Sam started in Preston in the late 70’s. Unlike most, he never stopped attending Sams classes, and continued to run them until 2010., Harry has danced and/or taught at many festivals, shows & ceilidhs, both in the UK & USA.
Having won the Novice Trophy in 1990, Harry went on to win the Lancashire & Cheshire Clog Championship for three consecutive year in 1991, 1992 & 1993. He’s judged ever since, and is best placed to offer advice on the Lancashire & Cheshire style and technique.
Jo Evans
Jo started Lancashire clog dancing in 1987, learning from Pat Tracey, and became a member of the Camden Clog display and teaching team, performing at the Albert Hall, Barbican Centre and Royal Festival Hall. She also danced with Oswaldtwistle Clog dancers, learning East Lancashire steps from Theresa Hindle.
This is Jo’s first time as a judge for the Lancashire and Cheshire Clog Competitions, though she has previously entered the Old Lancs Heel &Toe, Waltz, Novice and Adult Hornpipe categories. Having danced with Pat Tracey for several years, Jo will be judging the Closeness to Tradition category of the Old Lancs Heel & Toe competition.
Barbara Wigg
Barbara starred in her first dance role as “Tom Thumb” when she was aged two and a half and has continued dancing ever since, qualifying as a ballet teacher shortly before her 18th birthday. She eventually swapped pointe shoes for clogs and substituted shuffles for pirouettes. Barbara has taught clog at festivals and events throughout the country.
Melanie Barber
Melanie has been a keen clog dancer for more years than she cares to remember, having performed and taught step clog for 40 years. She originally learnt from Sam Sherry and Pat Tracey, and went on to collect steps from Bill Gibbons and Bert Bowden. Having been a founder member of Lancashire Wallopers, and danced with Camden Clog when she lived in London, she is currently dancing with Strictly Clog and Three’s a Crowd, as well as continuing to dance North West Morris with Rivington Morris and Silkstone Greens, and rapper with Whip the Cat.