A family party

On Sunday I took my tapes and PA to a party in Swinton for a family who have a get-together every year.
Everyone had brought food and they all joined in the dancing (mind you, some sneaked off after the first dance - they needn't think I didn't notice!)
At the end two of the family had produced a quiz. Some of the question were very obscure - do you know a one word term for 'the day after tomorrow'? I didn't and I still don't quite believe it even if it IS in Wiki

This was a repeat booking from two years ago. I'm still waiting for the photo's of Helen's wedding dress, Mike

Kids, cars, chaos

In October I went up to Bury to call with the Millstone Band for the first time. This weekend I enjoyed another gig with them, nearer home. A 40th birthday party in Sandiway.

As we were setting up there were preschoolers riding cars all around. There is obviously a playgroup that meets there as there was a room full of toys to one side of the main hall.

As you can guess I didn't call my hardest dances. The parents and children made a good job of dancing the simpler ones (once we had redirected the ride-ons off the dance floor).

The adults without children were less keen to get up - their loss. I expect they were enjoying the party in their own way. I hope they liked the music as much as I did.

Two parties this weekend.

I was working with Marilyn on Friday at Becca's twenty-first party, and again this afternoon for Toby's 7th birthday.
We enjoyed the way everyone joined in at both parties.

We found cowboy songs and dances for Toby's friends as that was the theme he had asked for.

 The dances for Becca were a bit less simple but just as lively. Her friends coped well with the Dip-and-Dive and Strip-the-Willow figures (or if they got them wrong they were good at faking it).

The Black Cat band varies between 1 and 6 members, this weekend it was just Marilyn, her melodeon gave us all we needed.

A satisfied customer

Last weekend High Jinks played at Mellor church hall to help the Mellor Rose Queen fund raise for the Air Ambulance.
The Rose Queen had sold tickets to many of her friends, young and old joined in the dancing with enthusiasm and High Jinks were on top form.

We have just received this email

"Dear Kate and band,

I just want to say a huge thanks for performing at out Barndance a few weeks ago.  We raised over £800 which is a fantastic amount.  

The feed back we have had has been fantastic, especially concerning your band and caller.  I have already passed your contact details on to a few people"

Two more bands

In June I called at a wedding with Mouse's Nest, a Manchester based band. I was pleased to be asked, as one of the members used to play in Boldwood and I had enjoyed dancing to them at Chester Festival last year. The reception was at Adlington Hall, so no difficulty finding it as we go next door to the village hall to dance at Adlington Folk Dance club. A good evening.

Then this Saturday I went to Walmesley near Bolton to call at the celebration of a wedding, with the Millstone Band. Another great evening, dancers and band were a pleasure to work with.

In between was another birthday party with Don and Three Point Turn.

"Family celebrations"

Among the birthdays and weddings that we celebrate it was good to call for a dance with Fiddlestrum for the 30th birthday of the son of Mike, one of the musicians.

High Jinks band played for member Tony's wedding reception in August, he found time to join in some of the tunes.

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.