Last Practice for Bill's Morris Dance Challenge 13th April 2015

The last chance for improvement in Bill's Dancing came and went at last Monday's Practice. Due to an error by the Northants Telegraph in stating that the challenge was back to back dancing of Constant Billy and Bluebells of Scotland we decided to give it a go. In fact we danced Constant Billy once and Bluebells of Scotland twice consecutively (3 dances in succession) - It was fine on the night but the price has been paid Tuesday and Wednesday. So 8 days to go to St Georges Day 23rd - and I am really looking forwards to it.

Constant Billy Challenge update 30th March 2015

The latest video sows the continued improvement of Bill's attempts at 'Constant Billy' ready for 23rd April 2015 at The Swan in Braybrooke at around 7.45pm. The current standing of his Justgiving page for The Cure Parkinson's Trust is
£ 460 plus Gift Aid- plenty of time left to make a donation and thanks to the side for supporting this challenge and getting me going.

Progress with Skirmish was a little less evident with a mix up at the start between dancers of who was clashing sticks with whom - soon resolved and back to normal

It all happens on practice night at Braybrooke Village Hall 30th March 2015

What Happens when the lights go out
So there we were , at our best demonstrating Jenny Lind to Lesley and Margaret who had come along to see if they would like to have a go , when in the middle of a set of double time strikes the lights in the Village Hall flickered and went out. In total darkness the side carried on with great accuracy - not a scream or yelp at fingers smacked by a stick - such practised accuracy they can do it in the dark. Looks like the culprit was a lightening flash as when we got home  all the clocks had reset to 12.00

Note this is not an April Fools prank - watch the video and see

Thursday 5th March 2015 - Market Harborough Tangent Club

A demonstration to members of the Market Harborough Tangent Club was a roaring success - a brief back ground to Morris Dancing delivered by Squire David Ball was followed by the Side demonstrating several dances including 'Constant Billy' , 'Black Joke' , and 'Smash the Windows' with David and Secretary Pauline sharing a Duet.  (Apparently it was David's first time for this one)

There was no problem when it came to getting the audience involved as everyone wanted to join in. With everyone kitted out with bells, hankies and sticks there was participation in 3 dances  "Room for the Cuckolds" and "Shepherds Hay" with "Bonny Green Garters" to finish. All agreed it was a 'Fun night' We have to hope there maybe some interest to follow on.
Goes to show how much fun Morris Dancing can be.

Thanks to the members of the Tangent Club for inviting us - we all thoroughly enjoyed it as the videos show

Latest Publicity- Morris Dancing on Radio Leicester

Clueless with Julie Mayer - BBC Radio Leicester Sunday 1st March 2015

We will go to any lengths to attract attention to our cause of recruiting new dancers. Pauline was quick to take up the offer from BBC Radio Leicester for hiding a clue by her Oil Tank which is disguised as a church - complete with clock tower. Never one to miss an opportunity Pauline was kitted out in full bells and Baldricks  waiting for the arrival of on the road presenter Julie Mayer to find the next clue. When Julie arrived about 11.30 Pauline soon had her kitted up for a quick 'stick dance' - with a very short burst of  music provided by Rowena and Bill. The clue was found and as Julie fought her way out of her Baldricks 

Pauline got in a plug for our recruitment drive and the promise of a telephone interview on Radio Leicester - so well done 'P'

Julie Mayer arives

Kitted up by Pauline

A quick stick dance

Julie heads for the Oil Tank

             

Julie finds the clue

Of to Smeeton Westerby 

Winter Solstice 21/12/2014 - The Witchmen at the Lilacs Isham

Celebrating the shortest day and the coming turning of the year with its looking forwards to the re-birth of spring - truthfully it was a good way to spend a couple of hours on a Sunday afternoom watching a variety of sides having a great time and having a couple of beers as Rowena was driving. And avoiding diving into Aldi near the A14 for that bit of last minute preparation for the one day that the shops are shut - Christmas Day.
It was a great afternoon with some good dancing and a jovial atmosphere under the ever watchful eye of the Green Man and Santa Clause. It will soon be time for The January Man to start leading his brothers through the endless journey through the years - lest hope 2015 is a good one for everyone.

                                                             

     

 Yes it is Allana in her Bourne Borders Rags and Tatters

 - but who's her pal with the beer.

The Green Man watches on 

Black Horse Foxton Village 15th December 2014

A good pre-Christmas evening of music and merriment and some excellent home made nibbles and some enthusiastic singing - including the 13 days of Christmas , from Pauline , Marrow bones from Fiddler Dave , While Shepherds watched to the alternative tune (Ilkley Moor) , and alternative version of Gaudette , Bill (Melodeon) put words to 'Jockey to the Fair' - bound to cause confusion with the numbers of 'A's and 'B' s. Sadly Boars Head Carol floundered in the absence of Geoff the Bagman.
A jolly good time was had by all, in spite of the odd looks we got from time to time from the Bar staff.