A party at helsby

Right hand star, and back with the left.

Circle left and right.

Wring out the dishrag.

                      

One couple make an arch and the other ducks under, and then goes over the top.

Dont let go now.

 First couple under your own arch and you should all be facing in.

Now the other couple make the arch

 Now start again with a star.

Just one more thing. When in doubt, cheat.

The year 2011

Three bands have had a shake up of their members, with callers retiring so I have started calling with
High Jinks
Three Point Turn
and Fiddlestrum
I've also had repeat bookings with Black Cat Band, White Knuckle Ride,and Forlorn Hope and with smaller subsets of musicians where the customer wanted to cut costs for a small party.
I've called for dancing all around Cheshire, and in Derbyshire, North Wales, Lancashire and even had a booking in Coventry (the organiser wanted Don's fiddle).
I also keep busy dancing and taking my turn on the callers rota at 3 clubs and have been guest caller at 2 more.

I still fit in some time to dance to other excellent callers and bands at local dances and festivals. They are an inspiration. And to sit in sessions enjoying the tunes and playing a few notes while marvelling at the skill of some of the players.

As ever, traditional music, and the dances that go with them are a joy to be part of and to share with others.

Wedding in a teepee

I was under canvass with Three Point Turn on Saturday.
The floor was hardly big enough for those who wanted to dance, but they managed.
We played till 10.15, then left them enjoying a DIY disco.
In the interval I enjoyed watching a creative photographer at work

A new venture

I've stared a new venture. A cross between a music session and a dance club. Have-a-Go
The first meeting went well, so we booked the Chester Deaf Centre for June 23rd, and in the Autumn it will be the 3rd Thursday of the month. All welcome to play, dance or call.

Another new band in May

Called with Folk Heritage at the Swettenham Arms for a wedding. I like bands with fiddle players, and marvel at how many different ways they can make a great sound.

Also called in a barn with Family band, took my turn on the callers' rota at two clubs (Adlington and Hawk Green), and enjoyed the Chester Festival.

Partying with a new band

Last Saturday was my first booking with Three Point Turn. Another band with an excellent fiddler, they played mainly Irish tunes for Kath's 60th birthday in Birkenhead. I enjoyed listening to them before the break, then after the food we had a floor full of dancers.

A joint birthday

Karen and Christine are cousins who share a birthday (give or take a couple of weeks), shared a pram in the past, and last week shared a 50th party. I called and a mini Black Cat band played. Marilyn on melodeon and Nicholas making his fiddle sing (Black Kitten really - they did an excellent job).