Travel Blog & News 2019
Dawlish Holiday 2019
Our 5th Old Time Dancing holiday in Dawlish was again full with 100 dancers joining us for 3 days of Old Time Dancing, fun and friendship. People arrived on Monday morning from all over the country and due to the long journeys some arrived a day earlier. Soon dancers were meeting up for lunch, a chat or a game of cards. The Langstone Cliff Hotel never fails to impress and the guests began to book into their beautifully appointed rooms, to get ready for the evenings entertainments. The drinks reception on the first evening was another chance to catch up with friends who you had missed in the afternoon and so to dinner in the newly refurbished restaurant. The dancing was soon underway to the superb music of David Last with a few games, elimination bingo, an Old Time Dancing programme, fun dances, The Lancers, with seven sets on the floor. More of the same in the second half of the evening, with two columns down the length of the ballroom for La Parisian Quadrilles including the Grand March around the room to form a large circle and straight into the friendly waltz. Tuesday morning we held the usual social morning made up of request dances, Holbrook shoes provided a chance for the dancers to try and buy shoes throughout the morning. We started with the Mayfair Quickstep to get everyone warmed up and the morning dances included a practice of the Dolly Weaver, Old Time favourites, comprised the Freda Foxtrot, Crazy Rag, Saunter D’ Amour and Killarney Waltz. Some tried out the new Grand Floridian Gavotte, we also fitted in ballroom waltzes quicksteps and even a ballroom tango. We danced from 10.30 to 12.30 with coffee and biscuits served at the end of the morning. Tuesday evening was the Ball Night another full programme of Old Time Dances, fun dances, lots of spot prizes, the set dance was the Caledonians and of course with such a large number of dancers and plenty of room in the Ballroom we had the Grand March (not filmed this year). Other dances on the Ball night included the lovely Regency Saunter, the dramatic Guitar Tango, The Latchford Schottishe, Dashing White Sargeant, Tiger Eye Tango to David Lasts powerful rendition of He’s a Pirate. We held a raffle in the interval using the dancer’s ticket number to select the winners, our chance to give something back for the great support we receive. Wednesday evening was our themed evening “All the fun of the fair”, although the theme is for the games and decorating the room some of the dancers entered into the spirit of the theme by wearing fancy dress, or masks and headdresses, we had Mr Toffee Apple and Mrs Candy Floss, one couple came as a darts and card side show and there was a table of hook a duck, there were a few gypsy fortune tellers and peg sellers and we even had a Gold Fish. Another full night of Old Time Dancing, starting with the Ragtime Swing through to the Doris Waltz with dances like Saunters Reve & Adele, Wedgwood Blue Gavotte, Kaymar Sway, Firefly and Tango Las Vegas, Rialto Two Step and Black Country Blues in between. Plus fun party dances including The Virginia Reel, Barn Dance Dolly Weaver and Margaret and Clive’s fun dance The Teapot dance. We had fun fair games of tin can alley and quoits with prizes or a coconut for those who were not so lucky. Our charity this year was the Stroke Association and to finish off our charity collection this year we held an auction in the interval of electrical items, a bottle of single malt 12 year aged whisky and a luxury bathrobe. Also Alison and Tom Foley helped with the fund raising by turning Tom into a walking coconut shy, with coconuts wired to his waistcoat shoulders they and charged people to throw balls at him, if you hit the coconuts Alison gave you a prize!!!! With some donations on the night the total raised was £350. So another successful holiday with great memories made, everyone played their part to make the holiday enjoyable, the beautiful Langstone Cliff Hotel and all the staff, who couldn’t do enough for us, the ballroom, David Last’s wonderful music but especially the group of dancers who are the best group of people to dance with. Looks like we will be back next year as we are already fully booked with 25 on the waiting list, who said people will not turn up for Old Time? Good news two new members for The Old Time Dance Society from the holiday.
We would like to thank the following for donating prizes used at events in 2019. GL & DM Davies of Westbury, Tesco Extra, Asda and M & S of Trowbridge, the Bath soft cheese co, Waitrose Keynsham, the Bay Tree gift shop Chippenham and Knees of Trowbridge.
Click here for pictures
Our 5th Old Time Dancing holiday in Dawlish was again full with 100 dancers joining us for 3 days of Old Time Dancing, fun and friendship. People arrived on Monday morning from all over the country and due to the long journeys some arrived a day earlier. Soon dancers were meeting up for lunch, a chat or a game of cards. The Langstone Cliff Hotel never fails to impress and the guests began to book into their beautifully appointed rooms, to get ready for the evenings entertainments. The drinks reception on the first evening was another chance to catch up with friends who you had missed in the afternoon and so to dinner in the newly refurbished restaurant. The dancing was soon underway to the superb music of David Last with a few games, elimination bingo, an Old Time Dancing programme, fun dances, The Lancers, with seven sets on the floor. More of the same in the second half of the evening, with two columns down the length of the ballroom for La Parisian Quadrilles including the Grand March around the room to form a large circle and straight into the friendly waltz. Tuesday morning we held the usual social morning made up of request dances, Holbrook shoes provided a chance for the dancers to try and buy shoes throughout the morning. We started with the Mayfair Quickstep to get everyone warmed up and the morning dances included a practice of the Dolly Weaver, Old Time favourites, comprised the Freda Foxtrot, Crazy Rag, Saunter D’ Amour and Killarney Waltz. Some tried out the new Grand Floridian Gavotte, we also fitted in ballroom waltzes quicksteps and even a ballroom tango. We danced from 10.30 to 12.30 with coffee and biscuits served at the end of the morning. Tuesday evening was the Ball Night another full programme of Old Time Dances, fun dances, lots of spot prizes, the set dance was the Caledonians and of course with such a large number of dancers and plenty of room in the Ballroom we had the Grand March (not filmed this year). Other dances on the Ball night included the lovely Regency Saunter, the dramatic Guitar Tango, The Latchford Schottishe, Dashing White Sargeant, Tiger Eye Tango to David Lasts powerful rendition of He’s a Pirate. We held a raffle in the interval using the dancer’s ticket number to select the winners, our chance to give something back for the great support we receive. Wednesday evening was our themed evening “All the fun of the fair”, although the theme is for the games and decorating the room some of the dancers entered into the spirit of the theme by wearing fancy dress, or masks and headdresses, we had Mr Toffee Apple and Mrs Candy Floss, one couple came as a darts and card side show and there was a table of hook a duck, there were a few gypsy fortune tellers and peg sellers and we even had a Gold Fish. Another full night of Old Time Dancing, starting with the Ragtime Swing through to the Doris Waltz with dances like Saunters Reve & Adele, Wedgwood Blue Gavotte, Kaymar Sway, Firefly and Tango Las Vegas, Rialto Two Step and Black Country Blues in between. Plus fun party dances including The Virginia Reel, Barn Dance Dolly Weaver and Margaret and Clive’s fun dance The Teapot dance. We had fun fair games of tin can alley and quoits with prizes or a coconut for those who were not so lucky. Our charity this year was the Stroke Association and to finish off our charity collection this year we held an auction in the interval of electrical items, a bottle of single malt 12 year aged whisky and a luxury bathrobe. Also Alison and Tom Foley helped with the fund raising by turning Tom into a walking coconut shy, with coconuts wired to his waistcoat shoulders they and charged people to throw balls at him, if you hit the coconuts Alison gave you a prize!!!! With some donations on the night the total raised was £350. So another successful holiday with great memories made, everyone played their part to make the holiday enjoyable, the beautiful Langstone Cliff Hotel and all the staff, who couldn’t do enough for us, the ballroom, David Last’s wonderful music but especially the group of dancers who are the best group of people to dance with. Looks like we will be back next year as we are already fully booked with 25 on the waiting list, who said people will not turn up for Old Time? Good news two new members for The Old Time Dance Society from the holiday.
We would like to thank the following for donating prizes used at events in 2019. GL & DM Davies of Westbury, Tesco Extra, Asda and M & S of Trowbridge, the Bath soft cheese co, Waitrose Keynsham, the Bay Tree gift shop Chippenham and Knees of Trowbridge.
Click here for pictures
October 25th - 27th The Old Time Dance Society Autumn Weekend - Harrogate
We travelled to Harrogate for The Old Time Dance Society Autumn Weekend and AGM, at the end of October and thoroughly enjoyed it. We led on Friday night and it was great to share the evening amongst friends, who all wanted to enjoy Old Time Dancing and have a good time. I was surprised to find we were only given 4 spot prizes and when I questioned this I found out Paul had not requested enough prizes…..I had fun reminding him all weekend!!!! As well as leading we took on the extra duty of continually re-fixing the Society banner throughout the evening. Fortunately David, from Sheffield, did a grand job on Saturday morning re-fixing it correctly saving the other leaders from this extra duty. We think David should have the job at all future events. The AGM was very positive and afterwards many members stayed to enjoy a chat over tea, coffee and biscuits. Saturday evening was a treat for all of us as we enjoyed the superb leading and good company of Ann and John Rainey. They gave us an excellent Old Time programme and once again there was a happy atmosphere. The sun came out on Sunday which was lucky for us as we had planned a day in Knaresborough with our friends. Wow what a beautiful and interesting place. We enjoyed the cobbled lanes, the history and the views and enjoyed coffee in a building dating from the 1600’s that was the oldest chemist in the country. Nigel contacted us while we were having lunch with the news that Hilary was in A&E, so on return the Committee gathered to arrange the evening’s programme of dances between them. Joyce Hutchins was also asked to help out because Joyce had agreed to lead with Nigel when Hilary started to feel unwell earlier in the weekend. Paul MC’d the evening and everyone pulled together to ensure the evening went well. To summarise the whole weekend was another great success, helped by everyone having a good time, the music of David Ingley and three good Old Time programmes.
Earlier in the month we held our third Trowbridge Tea Dance of the year and danced in Devon on their club night and Friday night Ball. We also attended Keynsham club night and Wincanton Tea Dance.
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We travelled to Harrogate for The Old Time Dance Society Autumn Weekend and AGM, at the end of October and thoroughly enjoyed it. We led on Friday night and it was great to share the evening amongst friends, who all wanted to enjoy Old Time Dancing and have a good time. I was surprised to find we were only given 4 spot prizes and when I questioned this I found out Paul had not requested enough prizes…..I had fun reminding him all weekend!!!! As well as leading we took on the extra duty of continually re-fixing the Society banner throughout the evening. Fortunately David, from Sheffield, did a grand job on Saturday morning re-fixing it correctly saving the other leaders from this extra duty. We think David should have the job at all future events. The AGM was very positive and afterwards many members stayed to enjoy a chat over tea, coffee and biscuits. Saturday evening was a treat for all of us as we enjoyed the superb leading and good company of Ann and John Rainey. They gave us an excellent Old Time programme and once again there was a happy atmosphere. The sun came out on Sunday which was lucky for us as we had planned a day in Knaresborough with our friends. Wow what a beautiful and interesting place. We enjoyed the cobbled lanes, the history and the views and enjoyed coffee in a building dating from the 1600’s that was the oldest chemist in the country. Nigel contacted us while we were having lunch with the news that Hilary was in A&E, so on return the Committee gathered to arrange the evening’s programme of dances between them. Joyce Hutchins was also asked to help out because Joyce had agreed to lead with Nigel when Hilary started to feel unwell earlier in the weekend. Paul MC’d the evening and everyone pulled together to ensure the evening went well. To summarise the whole weekend was another great success, helped by everyone having a good time, the music of David Ingley and three good Old Time programmes.
Earlier in the month we held our third Trowbridge Tea Dance of the year and danced in Devon on their club night and Friday night Ball. We also attended Keynsham club night and Wincanton Tea Dance.
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September 14th The Bath Ball
After the weekend in Leicester and Sheffield we travelled home to prepare for our Bath Ball. We were sold out with 90 booked in and house guests coming to stay at the weekend we spent the next few days preparing. Raffle prizes were prepared, the donated charity prize collected, tablecloths, plates and serviettes brought out of storage, lists and seating plans were written and rewritten etc., etc.. On Saturday, the buffet was prepared with the help of our friends Yvonne, David, Sue and Michelle, we loaded the cars to drive to the hall. As with all Old Time dances there is always someone ready to help and soon the room was set up the dancers arrived and Elizabeth Harrison, our musician for the evening was introduced and the first dance, the Mexican Swing got the evening off to a lively start. Everyone was singing and dancing to the lovely tunes Elizabeth was playing. Our interval dance was the Northern Star Waltz, during the interval our sister and two daughters served the teas and coffees leaving us free to chat to the dancers while they enjoyed the buffet. The second half started with the beautiful Regis Waltz during the second half of the evening we had the draw for the Cheese Hamper donated by The Bath Soft Cheese Company and a bottle of wine we donated. Those who had wanted to participate had paid £1 for a ticket in a straw and if they had a 0 or a 5 they went forward for the main prize. There were chocolates for the runners up and Jo-Anne from Keynsham won the Cheese Hamper and wine. We raised £83.00 for the Stroke Association our chosen charity for this year. After a progressive dance, the Chappelloise we had the raffle, Dianne, who had sold the raffle tickets pulled the numbers from the drum, Sue managed the raffle prizes table and our oldest grandson enjoyed escorting the ladies who had won prizes. We were soon back to the programme. The professionals and club leaders led several dances including the Idaho Foxtrot, Serene Saunter, Festival Glide and Wedgwood Blue Gavotte in the first half. The set dance was the Quadrilles and the other progressive dance was the Invitation Swing. Michelle and Hazel led the Bluebell Polka and Chairman of the Old Time Dance Society, Nigel Carter, got a huge cheer when he was introduced to lead the Trelawney Tango, and his wife Hilary got an even bigger cheer. There was another big cheer for Christine and Robert Haywood when they led the Britannia Saunter in their usual fabulous style. We finished the evening with the Friendly Waltz and the now traditional Auld Lang Syne, Land of Hope and Glory before the Queen. We would like to thank everyone who attended for their support and for helping to make a great atmosphere. Now taking booking for next year.
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After the weekend in Leicester and Sheffield we travelled home to prepare for our Bath Ball. We were sold out with 90 booked in and house guests coming to stay at the weekend we spent the next few days preparing. Raffle prizes were prepared, the donated charity prize collected, tablecloths, plates and serviettes brought out of storage, lists and seating plans were written and rewritten etc., etc.. On Saturday, the buffet was prepared with the help of our friends Yvonne, David, Sue and Michelle, we loaded the cars to drive to the hall. As with all Old Time dances there is always someone ready to help and soon the room was set up the dancers arrived and Elizabeth Harrison, our musician for the evening was introduced and the first dance, the Mexican Swing got the evening off to a lively start. Everyone was singing and dancing to the lovely tunes Elizabeth was playing. Our interval dance was the Northern Star Waltz, during the interval our sister and two daughters served the teas and coffees leaving us free to chat to the dancers while they enjoyed the buffet. The second half started with the beautiful Regis Waltz during the second half of the evening we had the draw for the Cheese Hamper donated by The Bath Soft Cheese Company and a bottle of wine we donated. Those who had wanted to participate had paid £1 for a ticket in a straw and if they had a 0 or a 5 they went forward for the main prize. There were chocolates for the runners up and Jo-Anne from Keynsham won the Cheese Hamper and wine. We raised £83.00 for the Stroke Association our chosen charity for this year. After a progressive dance, the Chappelloise we had the raffle, Dianne, who had sold the raffle tickets pulled the numbers from the drum, Sue managed the raffle prizes table and our oldest grandson enjoyed escorting the ladies who had won prizes. We were soon back to the programme. The professionals and club leaders led several dances including the Idaho Foxtrot, Serene Saunter, Festival Glide and Wedgwood Blue Gavotte in the first half. The set dance was the Quadrilles and the other progressive dance was the Invitation Swing. Michelle and Hazel led the Bluebell Polka and Chairman of the Old Time Dance Society, Nigel Carter, got a huge cheer when he was introduced to lead the Trelawney Tango, and his wife Hilary got an even bigger cheer. There was another big cheer for Christine and Robert Haywood when they led the Britannia Saunter in their usual fabulous style. We finished the evening with the Friendly Waltz and the now traditional Auld Lang Syne, Land of Hope and Glory before the Queen. We would like to thank everyone who attended for their support and for helping to make a great atmosphere. Now taking booking for next year.
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September 7th Dianne joined us as we were back on the motorway travelling in the opposite direction up the M5 to Leicestershire to stay with Yvonne and David Hurt. Other Old Time members stayed in the Leicestershire area with Sue Hamm and Michelle Boddy so we could attend a joint Golden Wedding Anniversary dance, for Anne and Alan Grohs and Yvonne and David Hurt, hosted at Chapel Town, in Sheffield by Kath and Keith Jackson. As there were a few of us staying in the Leicester area Yvonne and David booked the village hall, Paul provided the music and we got together for an evening of Old Time Dancing singing and general fun. On the Sunday other members travelled from Hull to support Ann and Alan and there were dancers from around the country. Both couples attend the Sheffield club and celebrated their Golden Weddings in August and September. The two couples paid giving all those attending a free dance and provided a sumptuous afternoon tea. There was a huge cheer for Director Barry Rogers when he led the Lola Tango with his wife Linda and generous support for all those who led during the afternoon including Chairman Nigel and Hilary Carter. At the start of the afternoon both couples led off a Waltz they had learnt at Sheffield but that is another story, read about it in Keith and Kath Jacksons report in the December issue of the Newsletter. We enjoyed the afternoon very much a happy afternoon of Old Time Dancing with friends.
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September 5th we were down the motorway to Devon for the Merrymakers first dance after their summer break. Michelle had stayed with us to enable her to attend this friendly dance that we always enjoy. We are pleased it is continuing with the group all helping David to keep the Old Time Dancing alive in Devon, it was great to see everyone back for the monthly dance.
The September calendar is full of Old Time Dancing. We started on Sunday 1st September by taking Michelle Boddy, Joy Lewis and Dianne Harris to an Old Time Tea Dance, at Summertime Dancing in Normandy. The tea dance was for Joyce Hutchins 80th birthday. The dance was a sell-out, with over 80 attending, which is a measure of how much Joyce is thought of in Old Time Dancing. As well as Summertime club members, dancing friends from around the country had contributed to a gift for Joyce. Hilary Carter presented the collection to her with a large bouquet of flowers. Joyce is going to buy a wrought iron arbour for her garden, with the money collected. It was a fabulous afternoon with a great Old Time programme, delicious spread and the wonderful music of David Last.
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September 5th we were down the motorway to Devon for the Merrymakers first dance after their summer break. Michelle had stayed with us to enable her to attend this friendly dance that we always enjoy. We are pleased it is continuing with the group all helping David to keep the Old Time Dancing alive in Devon, it was great to see everyone back for the monthly dance.
The September calendar is full of Old Time Dancing. We started on Sunday 1st September by taking Michelle Boddy, Joy Lewis and Dianne Harris to an Old Time Tea Dance, at Summertime Dancing in Normandy. The tea dance was for Joyce Hutchins 80th birthday. The dance was a sell-out, with over 80 attending, which is a measure of how much Joyce is thought of in Old Time Dancing. As well as Summertime club members, dancing friends from around the country had contributed to a gift for Joyce. Hilary Carter presented the collection to her with a large bouquet of flowers. Joyce is going to buy a wrought iron arbour for her garden, with the money collected. It was a fabulous afternoon with a great Old Time programme, delicious spread and the wonderful music of David Last.
Victorian Ball, Llandrindod
On Friday 23rd August we travelled to Llandrindod Wells to support our friends Margaret and Clive who were leading the Victorian Ball, part of the week long Victorian Festival, held annually in the town. This was the second year we have attended to provide assistance with the logistics of running a Ball including music and sound support. Arriving mid-morning we were met by Margaret, Clive, Anne and Sid all in Victorian day dress ready to help us unload the equipment. While they went off to run a dance practise ready for the Ball we set up the equipment and arranged the seating etc, in the Ballroom of the Metropole Hotel. A dance floor had been laid and the hotel staff could not have been more obliging, helping us with every request including letting us raid there flower displays for the tables. They even provided us with somewhere to freshen up and change, later in the day, ready for the Ball. Having set the room up we walked across the park to the Commador Hotel, where we found the dance practice in full swing. It was the first very warm day we had had in a while, but Margaret and Clive kept there cool as they put the attendees through their paces. Most of the people who attend are not regular dancers or are non-dancers so we think they do remarkably well. In the afternoon we enjoyed a stroll around the town and park in the afternoon sunshine. We had a late lunch in the church, they not only provide excellent sandwiches and cake, they enter into the spirit of the festival with everyone in Victorian dress. We got into a conversation about Old Time Dancing with a gentleman, who told us his Father ran Old Time Dances and produced dance cards. He asked us if there was still much Old Time Dancing around, we assured him that in our area and other areas around the country Old Time Dancing was alive and enjoyed by a lot of people. So to the Ball, Margaret and Clive were the Mcs and leaders, they with Anne and Sid have attended the festival for many years they have some beautiful Victorian costumes and Anne won best dressed lady at the Ball. Queen Victoria arrived and the ball got underway with the Grand March, everyone joined in with the dancing with great enthusiasm. When it came time for the set dance Anne and Sid were summoned to join Queen Victoria’s set. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening, there was a great atmosphere with everyone smiling and enjoining themselves. A special evening all down to the hard work of Margaret and Clive.
On Friday 23rd August we travelled to Llandrindod Wells to support our friends Margaret and Clive who were leading the Victorian Ball, part of the week long Victorian Festival, held annually in the town. This was the second year we have attended to provide assistance with the logistics of running a Ball including music and sound support. Arriving mid-morning we were met by Margaret, Clive, Anne and Sid all in Victorian day dress ready to help us unload the equipment. While they went off to run a dance practise ready for the Ball we set up the equipment and arranged the seating etc, in the Ballroom of the Metropole Hotel. A dance floor had been laid and the hotel staff could not have been more obliging, helping us with every request including letting us raid there flower displays for the tables. They even provided us with somewhere to freshen up and change, later in the day, ready for the Ball. Having set the room up we walked across the park to the Commador Hotel, where we found the dance practice in full swing. It was the first very warm day we had had in a while, but Margaret and Clive kept there cool as they put the attendees through their paces. Most of the people who attend are not regular dancers or are non-dancers so we think they do remarkably well. In the afternoon we enjoyed a stroll around the town and park in the afternoon sunshine. We had a late lunch in the church, they not only provide excellent sandwiches and cake, they enter into the spirit of the festival with everyone in Victorian dress. We got into a conversation about Old Time Dancing with a gentleman, who told us his Father ran Old Time Dances and produced dance cards. He asked us if there was still much Old Time Dancing around, we assured him that in our area and other areas around the country Old Time Dancing was alive and enjoyed by a lot of people. So to the Ball, Margaret and Clive were the Mcs and leaders, they with Anne and Sid have attended the festival for many years they have some beautiful Victorian costumes and Anne won best dressed lady at the Ball. Queen Victoria arrived and the ball got underway with the Grand March, everyone joined in with the dancing with great enthusiasm. When it came time for the set dance Anne and Sid were summoned to join Queen Victoria’s set. We thoroughly enjoyed the evening, there was a great atmosphere with everyone smiling and enjoining themselves. A special evening all down to the hard work of Margaret and Clive.
The Southern Ball 2019
We picked another warm sunny weekend for the Southern Ball again this year and many of the dancers who were staying in Winchester enjoyed the town with its many attractions and Saturday Market. This was our last year in Winchester and the dancers arrived early to make the most of the evening. The organisers all wore yellow rosebuds this year in memory of Terry Harris, who passed away earlier this year. The programme started with a swing, literally the Sindy Swing and we were soon dancing our way through the programme of Old Time Dancing. Dianne had procured a large number of prizes for the raffle with several hampers and baskets of fruit, chocolates and of course several bottles of wine. In fact the raffle was so big we had to do it in two sessions. We had the superb music of David Last to accompany the programme of dances that included: The Chester, Alison & Debonair waltzes, Classic and Edwardian gavottes. The Leaders dances were Midnight Tango and Saunter Together and for the progressives we had Mayfair Quickstep and Wandering Three Step. There was a great deal of swapping of partners in the Elizabeth Quickstep. The set dance was the Lancers, and the floor was full for both The Bambi and Black Country Blues. Beautiful Saunters and Foxtrots the Reve & Regency and Freda & Venetian with favourites Tango Serida, Melody Swing, Southern Two Step and Helena Quickstep. On behalf of the organisers and all the dancers Paul thanked Richard for all the help he had given to get the Southern Ball established as an annual event to support Old Time Dancing. This is Richards last year as MC for the Southern Ball, as he is retiring from demonstrating after this year. We had a great night to end our time at Winchester with almost ninety dancers, and we will be back next year when the Southern Ball moves to Wiltshire and becomes the Southern Ball weekend. Paul, Hazel, Nigel, Hilary Joyce and Dianne will see you there.
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Post Southern Ball 2019
The following day we travelled down on the 303 to enjoy the post Southern Ball tea dance at Normandy hosted by Joyce & Richard. Another great afternoon of music from David Last and an excellent programme of old time dancing. It was a full house with everyone enjoying the relaxed friendly afternoon.
We picked another warm sunny weekend for the Southern Ball again this year and many of the dancers who were staying in Winchester enjoyed the town with its many attractions and Saturday Market. This was our last year in Winchester and the dancers arrived early to make the most of the evening. The organisers all wore yellow rosebuds this year in memory of Terry Harris, who passed away earlier this year. The programme started with a swing, literally the Sindy Swing and we were soon dancing our way through the programme of Old Time Dancing. Dianne had procured a large number of prizes for the raffle with several hampers and baskets of fruit, chocolates and of course several bottles of wine. In fact the raffle was so big we had to do it in two sessions. We had the superb music of David Last to accompany the programme of dances that included: The Chester, Alison & Debonair waltzes, Classic and Edwardian gavottes. The Leaders dances were Midnight Tango and Saunter Together and for the progressives we had Mayfair Quickstep and Wandering Three Step. There was a great deal of swapping of partners in the Elizabeth Quickstep. The set dance was the Lancers, and the floor was full for both The Bambi and Black Country Blues. Beautiful Saunters and Foxtrots the Reve & Regency and Freda & Venetian with favourites Tango Serida, Melody Swing, Southern Two Step and Helena Quickstep. On behalf of the organisers and all the dancers Paul thanked Richard for all the help he had given to get the Southern Ball established as an annual event to support Old Time Dancing. This is Richards last year as MC for the Southern Ball, as he is retiring from demonstrating after this year. We had a great night to end our time at Winchester with almost ninety dancers, and we will be back next year when the Southern Ball moves to Wiltshire and becomes the Southern Ball weekend. Paul, Hazel, Nigel, Hilary Joyce and Dianne will see you there.
Click here for pictures
Post Southern Ball 2019
The following day we travelled down on the 303 to enjoy the post Southern Ball tea dance at Normandy hosted by Joyce & Richard. Another great afternoon of music from David Last and an excellent programme of old time dancing. It was a full house with everyone enjoying the relaxed friendly afternoon.
Uppingham and Sheffield
The weekend after our Tea Dance we travelled up to Michelle Boddy’s Strawberry Dance in Uppingham. Michelle ordered good weather and it turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far, (for next year’s order a few degrees cooler please Michelle). Michelle works hard to put this dance on and provide a lovely salad meal including a huge range of cheese and biscuits, fruit pies and of course tons of strawberries. A good programme of Old Time Dances was enjoyed by Old Time Dance Society members and dancers from the local area, some of whom joined in with the Lancers for the first time. We enjoyed meeting up with friends from the North and the dancers from the local area, well done Michelle for providing a friendly Old Time Dance for everyone to enjoy.
We stayed over with Michelle to take the chance to visit Sheffield on the Sunday for another afternoon of Old Time Dancing with Kath and Keith Jackson a dance we always enjoy and we wish we lived nearer so we could attend more often. Dianne Harris travelled with us and we were pleased that Dolly Weaver was on the programme a dance Dianne and I (Hazel) always enjoy when we see it on a programme. The Sunday we attended was the “Elland dance” that is now held in Sheffield so there was a delicious afternoon tea provided to celebrate 25 years of Precious Dancers. We will be back up to visit you Kath and Keith when we can and thank you for making us so welcome.
The weekend after our Tea Dance we travelled up to Michelle Boddy’s Strawberry Dance in Uppingham. Michelle ordered good weather and it turned out to be the hottest day of the year so far, (for next year’s order a few degrees cooler please Michelle). Michelle works hard to put this dance on and provide a lovely salad meal including a huge range of cheese and biscuits, fruit pies and of course tons of strawberries. A good programme of Old Time Dances was enjoyed by Old Time Dance Society members and dancers from the local area, some of whom joined in with the Lancers for the first time. We enjoyed meeting up with friends from the North and the dancers from the local area, well done Michelle for providing a friendly Old Time Dance for everyone to enjoy.
We stayed over with Michelle to take the chance to visit Sheffield on the Sunday for another afternoon of Old Time Dancing with Kath and Keith Jackson a dance we always enjoy and we wish we lived nearer so we could attend more often. Dianne Harris travelled with us and we were pleased that Dolly Weaver was on the programme a dance Dianne and I (Hazel) always enjoy when we see it on a programme. The Sunday we attended was the “Elland dance” that is now held in Sheffield so there was a delicious afternoon tea provided to celebrate 25 years of Precious Dancers. We will be back up to visit you Kath and Keith when we can and thank you for making us so welcome.
June Trowbridge Tea Dance
We were delighted to welcome 45 dancers to our second Old Time Tea Dance in Trowbridge on Sunday 23rd June. Having witnessed the wonderful care Terry Harris received at Weston Hospicecare, at the end of his life and the way they also looked after Dianne we decided to give all the proceeds of the dance and raffle to Weston Hospicecare. Paul and I were delighted to be able to present Dianne with a cheque for £300 to give to the hospice. It was nice to have a group from Normandy with us and also a few modern sequence friends of Dianne and Terry with us for the afternoon. The programme of 18 Old Time dances included “La Parisian Quadrille”, 18 couples joined in allowing us to have two lines of dancers. We used to dance The Parisian Quadrille with Anne and John Lincoln and it brought back many happy memories of dancing with them especially as we used John’s music and included the Grand finale a promenade around the room. There was a huge raffle due to the extra raffle prizes donated on the day so we had to draw them in two sessions. It was a very warm afternoon so the cup of tea along with some cake in the interval was very welcome. It was really great to have such a large group all enjoying the Old Time Dances in such a happy friendly atmosphere.
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We were delighted to welcome 45 dancers to our second Old Time Tea Dance in Trowbridge on Sunday 23rd June. Having witnessed the wonderful care Terry Harris received at Weston Hospicecare, at the end of his life and the way they also looked after Dianne we decided to give all the proceeds of the dance and raffle to Weston Hospicecare. Paul and I were delighted to be able to present Dianne with a cheque for £300 to give to the hospice. It was nice to have a group from Normandy with us and also a few modern sequence friends of Dianne and Terry with us for the afternoon. The programme of 18 Old Time dances included “La Parisian Quadrille”, 18 couples joined in allowing us to have two lines of dancers. We used to dance The Parisian Quadrille with Anne and John Lincoln and it brought back many happy memories of dancing with them especially as we used John’s music and included the Grand finale a promenade around the room. There was a huge raffle due to the extra raffle prizes donated on the day so we had to draw them in two sessions. It was a very warm afternoon so the cup of tea along with some cake in the interval was very welcome. It was really great to have such a large group all enjoying the Old Time Dances in such a happy friendly atmosphere.
Click here for pictures
May Ball of the Year Weekend Herne Bay
Having finally received my Bus Pass in May, after 65 years 3 months and 3 days we thought it would be fitting to celebrate its first use at the Ball of the Year weekend in Canterbury and Hearn Bay. Pink Windmill Tours was reinstated for one last tour and I would like to thank all those who came along and celebrated with me. Thirty five of us caught the bus from Canterbury to Whitstable where we ordered 35 coffees at the first coffee stall we found and then had a stroll around the harbour where some people (Nigel) tried the Oysters and I had some of the best cockles I have ever had. We all then waited for the bus to continue our tour to Herne Bay. There was singing and laughter all the way to the delight of some bus drivers but one bus driver was not happy and told us he was “already 15 minutes late” well by the time we had all got on he was half an hour late.
See us on the Old Time Dance Society Face Book.
We enjoyed the weekend of dancing and catching up with friends, with three good programmes and excellent leaders and the wonderful music of David Last all three nights. It was especially nice to have the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress attend the 35th Annual Ball of the Year on the Saturday.
Having finally received my Bus Pass in May, after 65 years 3 months and 3 days we thought it would be fitting to celebrate its first use at the Ball of the Year weekend in Canterbury and Hearn Bay. Pink Windmill Tours was reinstated for one last tour and I would like to thank all those who came along and celebrated with me. Thirty five of us caught the bus from Canterbury to Whitstable where we ordered 35 coffees at the first coffee stall we found and then had a stroll around the harbour where some people (Nigel) tried the Oysters and I had some of the best cockles I have ever had. We all then waited for the bus to continue our tour to Herne Bay. There was singing and laughter all the way to the delight of some bus drivers but one bus driver was not happy and told us he was “already 15 minutes late” well by the time we had all got on he was half an hour late.
See us on the Old Time Dance Society Face Book.
We enjoyed the weekend of dancing and catching up with friends, with three good programmes and excellent leaders and the wonderful music of David Last all three nights. It was especially nice to have the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress attend the 35th Annual Ball of the Year on the Saturday.
March Spring Weekend Southsea
We enjoyed The Old Time Dance Society’s Spring weekend in Southsea. Another very successful event with a friendly happy atmosphere. Plenty to do in Southsea and Portsmouth with some members taking the chance to visit the Isle of Wight. The hotel was in an excellent location, lovely dance floor good food with a varied menu and friendly helpful staff. Three lovely programmes with super leaders all three evenings.
We enjoyed The Old Time Dance Society’s Spring weekend in Southsea. Another very successful event with a friendly happy atmosphere. Plenty to do in Southsea and Portsmouth with some members taking the chance to visit the Isle of Wight. The hotel was in an excellent location, lovely dance floor good food with a varied menu and friendly helpful staff. Three lovely programmes with super leaders all three evenings.
Eypes Mouth Hotel House Party 2019
We joined with the usual group at Eypes Mouth Country House Hotel, for our annual House Party break, at the beginning of February. A walk to the beach confirmed that all the pebbles had returned after the storms had taken them out to sea last year. The three days passed too quickly we danced, ate drank and were very, very merry!! We had quizzes and puzzles. Bernice arranged the craft morning and provided all the ingredients for us to decorate cupcakes in line with the “sea side theme”. We danced each night and we had so many dances as well as various cabaret acts, sketches, jokes and poems to get through we never bothered with intervals. As well as old time dancing we all learnt a new line dance Rocket to the Sun which was great fun. On the last night everyone dressed according to the seaside theme, there were Edwardian bathers, seaside tourists, an ice cream seller and health and safety even provided sun cream.
We really will have to grow up one day but not yet because we are having so much fun.
Click here for pictures
We joined with the usual group at Eypes Mouth Country House Hotel, for our annual House Party break, at the beginning of February. A walk to the beach confirmed that all the pebbles had returned after the storms had taken them out to sea last year. The three days passed too quickly we danced, ate drank and were very, very merry!! We had quizzes and puzzles. Bernice arranged the craft morning and provided all the ingredients for us to decorate cupcakes in line with the “sea side theme”. We danced each night and we had so many dances as well as various cabaret acts, sketches, jokes and poems to get through we never bothered with intervals. As well as old time dancing we all learnt a new line dance Rocket to the Sun which was great fun. On the last night everyone dressed according to the seaside theme, there were Edwardian bathers, seaside tourists, an ice cream seller and health and safety even provided sun cream.
We really will have to grow up one day but not yet because we are having so much fun.
Click here for pictures
Dance Guides
