Christmas break

After the fantastic evening on 13th December when we had 32 people dancing at one stage with 7 people playing we will be back at Lydham on 10 January - so we are missing that week between Christmas and New Year.  On 10th Jan we will again have the band playing, and already we've worked out a programme with some of the old tunes and some lovely new ones.

For those around Bishops Castle on Boxing Day (26th December) Shropshire Bedlams and Martha Rhodens Tuppenny Dish will be at the Three Tuns pub from 12 noon - or slightly after if the Hunt is late moving on!  Upstairs in the function room if wet - outdoors if it's just cold :-)

Hope to see you at Lydham on 10th if not before

Dancing 13 September

Yes folks, we are back at Lydham dancing on 2nd and 4th Fridays through to Christmas.  That gives us 13 and 27 September - special on 27th when we have some superb local musicians playing for us, then October 11th with a lovely guest caller, Oct 25 and Nov 8th again we have music.
More details as we progress, but 8pm start at Lydham VH.  Come alone , as a couple or a group

Sunday 9th June at Lydham

We're all set for the musicians day at Lydham on Sunday - we could possibly squeeze in one more musician for the day - starts at 10am with Paul Hutchinson as tutor. We have a lively programme with some old, some new, some English, some American in style or nationality of composer.  So a great evening dance (4:30-7) in anticipation with Maggie Hosking calling and explaining the moves and 20 odd musicians playing.

We're almost at our budgetted catering capacity, so if you are thinking of coming to dance call 01743 891117 so we have enough sandwiches & cake. You're welcome to just turn up but you may just get tea and biscuits.

All profits go to "Hands up for Uganda" and we'll be having a raffle so bring a few spare pennies

Dancing 26 April, 10 May

Our last few meetings before the summer are Fridays 26 April and 10 May (8-10), then dance with the workshop musicians on 9th June from 4:30-7pm.  All at Lydham VH, SY9 5HB

Music day update

Music Day workshop is definitely ON and we even have dancers coming from a bit farther afield for the dance.  The postcode for Lydham VH is SY9 5HB, but it is really easy to find as it is literally on the junction of A488/A489 just north of Bishops Castle, and about 100 yards south of Harvest Wholefoods.

I have a provisional programme which includes some generic/ contra tunes, along with specific tunes such as Halfe Hanikin, Ashford Anniversary, Argeers, Chocolate for Breakfast, The London Gentlewoman, Regina, Trelawney, Holborn March. There's 9/8, 2/2, 3/2, 6/8, 4/4, and 3/4 with tune lengths anything from 16, 20, 24, 32, 40 or 48 bars long.  Some can be found online if you want a flavour, but all music will be provided!

Please send in your cheques so we can properly know numbers - payable to P Davis, at Music Day, Lower Farm, Shelve, SY5 0JF

Previously I'd linked to Springworks at The Gleanings, with Karen Tweed, but due to illness Springworks is cancelled

Music Workshop - June 9th

We have been incredibly lucky in getting two of our visiting guests to come back and run a whole day workshop. Paul Hutchinson is an internationally renown accordionist - he is the English Folk Dance and Song Society tutor at Cecil Sharp House and at Halsway Manor. In addition he is half of Belshazzar's Feast, one third of Hoover the Dog and leader of The Playford Liberation Front - all great bands.
Paul will take you through playing for dancing as a group - with emphasis on English Country Dancing - culminating in you playing for a late afternoon tea dance. The whole day is from 10am to 7pm and to make it easier for people a baked potato with filling lunch, together with sandwich & scone tea as well as frequent drinks are all included in the price of £25.

Sheet music will be provided in advance, so please book by 30th May by sending your name, address, email and instrument details, together with a cheque for £25 made payable to P Davis to Music Day, Lower Farm, Shelve, SY5 0JF, Minsterley, Shropshire

As part of the musician's day we have Maggie Hosking calling for the dance which will run from 4:30 to 7pm. Cost is £5 and includes refreshments. Maggie worked with Paul in Spain recently and they are looking forward to renewing their fun-filled relationship.

This promises to be a great day and places will be limited, so do book early - cut-off is 30 May