Shining in the Shade

We've been guests at a fair few days of dance this year, and thoroughly enjoyed all of them. This time it was our turn to organise. We had been invited to open the Bewdley Harvest Fair and were making a weekend of it by inviting a few local sides for the next day. Invitations had been e-mailed, replies received, and dance spots arranged. We'd also agreed to run a dance workshop on the Saturday in the museum, and were hoping for a few willing volunteers!

The day dawned bright and sunny, if a little chilly, and we all met up at the museum entrance at around 10am, eager to start. We did a few dances, got a fair amount of applause, and then made way for a procession of heavy horses. This gave us chance for a break in the museum tea shop, and a well earned cup of tea. No beer? I hear you cry. Well, it was only about 1115, and you'll be pleased to know I managed a pint or two later. Anyway, a cup of tea and a listen to the excellent Whalebone who were playing in the cafe. They played a few tunes, including one of our dances, King of the Fairies, although a lot faster than we do it! I had a chat about their stomp-box too. It's on my wish list.

On to our workshop which we held in the gardens adjoining the museum. A little disappointing with only about half a dozen volunteers. I've always said that nothing clears a crowd quicker than talk of audience participation. Quite a few wanted to watch on this occasion, but not many took the plunge. So if you are ever out, watching a morris side, and they ask for volunteers, go on! You know you want to really. You won't regret it, honest.

Anyway, we taught a small select group an Upton Snodsbury, had another cup of tea, and wandered back to the front of the museum for our second set. The only slight problem with the museum front is that it seems to be constantly in the shade, and so quite chilly on a brisk autumn day. However, another great set and a fair sized audience of happy shoppers. Bewdley bustles a bit on a Saturday so there was always a constant supply of new onlookers. I managed to run down to the Arches for a nice pint of Robinson's cider. And then a bit later on I managed to run down for another one.

The set finished for the day, we said our goodbyes to the museum staff, packed our things up and enjoyed a swift one in the sun, by the river. Well, the Robinson's was slipping down rather nicely by then.....