We have just returned from a very enjoyable weekend at Halsway Manor, attending the Halsway Society AGM on Sunday afternoon. Considerable discussion took place on the Society's finances. Weekend bookings are satisfactory, but the Society is anxious to increase the number of mid-week bookings as the expenses in maintaining and improving the buildings are considerable. It is such a nice venue, being an historic manor house in a perfect setting, with wealth of folk events, that it would be a shame if the finances faltered.
Our John Turner called the Friday evening dance, and Chris Turner (no relation) the Saturday evening ceilidh, with music by Meltdown. Following the ceilidh there was an informal sing-song in the bar. Alan Corkett played for the rest of the weekend, ably supported by other musicians. Chris is to attend the Soberton workshop on Sunday 7th November entitled 'The Ramblings of a London Gentleman'. We look forward to meeting his colourful personality again.
An interesting part of the weekend was listening to Bonny Sartin talking about the Yetties (he is one of the four). They were printer's lads from Yetminster and Ryme Intrinsica and none of them were on the phone (there were no mobiles then). When news of their excellence reached a BBC producer he was obliged to make contact with them by means of the local phone box. The story goes that the call was answered by the local vicar on his way to the pub, who told the lads of their success. They have since visited many countries around the world.
A number of us thoroughly enjoyed the Soberton workshop on 19th September when Peter Moxom called 'Dances to Think About'. The dances certainly got the little grey cells working, and although there were mistakes there were many more laughs. We could have done with a few more dancers - perhaps we should avoid September workshops when some are still on holiday. If you have not tried the Soberton workshops, then give them a go. We welcome all comers and the callers usually find a way of stretching most of us.
This was the 3rd year that Audrey and I attended the Southam Gathering held at the end of August. Southam is a small but interesting town North of Banbury, near the Grand Union Canal and on one of the Welsh drove roads. Sheep, cattle and geese from Wales were driven through the town en route to Buckingham and Smithfield markets. The last occasion was in 1902.
The Gathering itself is all dance (i.e. no songs) and the three dancing venues are all within walking distance. Within the Grange Hall Community Centre there are five embroidered panels depicting the history of the town (which was granted a Charter in 1227) with a sixth showing the Town Crest. There are also 25 smaller cross-stitch panels.
Well I must sign off. Don't forget Chris' workshop on 7th November. And put a note in your diary for the Playford Dance on November 13th with Rosemary Hunt and Orion's Ring.
SS SHIELDHALL CONCERT with JACK HUDSON
Solent Folk Festival and Railway FC Regulars will remember Jack Hudson, another of those best kept secrets who should be famous in a just world. As Sooty Broughton said "Come and listen to a man who loves the music; he's welcome at my club anytime". In concerts, clubs, festivals, radio and TV in the UK, Europe, Scandinavia and America, Jack has worked solo with acoustic guitar for many years.
Do come along for an artiste a bit out of the ordinary (not that any folky things are 'ordinary'). Jack will be peforming for Fo'c'sle Folk Club, 12th November on SS Shieldhall which you can find via Dock Gate 4 (tell Security you're going to the Shieldhall Concert). The Ship is moored at Berth 48 (not cruising).
Tickets £5 in advance only, 02380 456337. The bar opens at 7pm and concert starts 8pm
PLAYFORD DANCE
For those planning to attend the FASH Playford Dance on 13th November, the dances will be selected from the following:
| Trip to Wimbleton | Astonished Archaeologist |
| Eastwell Park | Steel Hoop |
| Zephyrs & Flora | Guardian Angels |
| Revolution De La France | Merry Salopians |
| Dick's Alternative Maggot | Slof Galliard |
| Bouzer Castle | Britains Glory |
| Royal Meeting | The Introduction |
| Orleans Baffled | Resolution |
| Wakefield Hunt | Hyde Park |
| The Freemason | Tripto the Scilly Isles |
| La Tourbillion | Monica's Delight |
| The Merry Flirt | Morning Glory |
SIDMOUTH FOLK FESTIVAL
There are major changes with the festival and in 2005 there is likely to be just a small event for a maximum of 300 people. Hopefully normal service will be resumed in 2006. EditorAlton Morris
Alton Morris have been experiencing some difficulties with an old web site which has led to a rumour of their demise. But they are alive and well and looking for new members. They are a mixed border morris side and welcome dancers or musicians, or both. They practice at Kingsley, near Bordon on Friday evenings and have a busy programme of evening and weekend events right through the year.
See www.altonmorris.co.uk or contact Nick Whittaker 01252 683916
Join a display side
If you have ever thought of dancing in a Morris or other dance display team, then now is the time to get involved. Many of the sides would welcome new members and are happy to help newcomers. Alton Morris have called me as you can see and my own side - Wickham Morris - are always ready to hear from new recruits
But as well as these teams, there are many others and if anyone would be interested in having a go, then give me a call on 01489 892911 and I will be happy to direct you towards the nearest appropriate team. Editor
[You can also visit the Solent Waves Display Team List and for sides further afield the Links Page]
How I got conned into Calling
Dave Ingledew of the Bursledon Village Band probably has a different version of events, but this is how I remember it. Dave had recently started his band, and I foolishly muttered that perhaps I'd have a go at calling one day
So I memorised about a dozen dances. At least, I memorised the notations - in some cases I had no idea what the figures actually were. At Salisbury, my anxieties grew exponentially. The City Hall was shut, but in the Market Square there was an area cordoned off, with an ominous extension lead coming from under the City Hall door. Dave arrived and the conversation continued.
Just us, one nervous novice, a continuous ribbon of buses and cars skirting the Market Square, and perhaps (I thought) a handful of dancers. Then luck played a part. Lots of dancers turned up, and one set clearly knew what they were doing. So I started with "Waves of Tory". After the cast, I called "Dip and Dive" and watched. The good set did it - and I quickly asked the others to watch their demonstration. That's how I learned the "Dip and Dive". It's also how I learned the Ladies' Chain, and several other figures during that nervous debut.
On reflection, I wonder how we averted a disaster. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to that good set, and also to Dave and the Bursledon Village Band who somehow managed to find the right music for every dance. Afterwards, Dave explained the difference between a polka and a jig, and I've never looked back.
Sibby aka Rob Sibthorpe
Back to Contents
Back to Home Page
Submitted by Trevor Gilson (to whom technical queries and requests for additional links only) and Edited by Dennis Wheeler, Penshurst, Vicarage Lane, Swanmore, Hants SO32 2PW 01489 892911 editor@fash.org.uk).