We've come to the end of the 2024 dancing year and it's been a memorable one. Last week we had to abandon the Monday class before we even started - because only 2 people made it, just like the previous Tuesday night. Although very disappointing it highlighted how amazing it is that, up until then, the classes have kept going because throughout this year so many members of both classes have suffered accidents or have had to battle serious illnesses.
Thankfully most people are either back to full health, or on the mend, and we hope they'll soon be back with us. Indeed we are gradually getting more and more returnees and it's lovely to see them. For those who have been able to come regularly, no week has been the same as the one before. People haven't always been able to dance, but the kindness and camaraderie on both the Monday afternoons and the Tuesday evenings has made the classes the highlight of many people's week - it's certainly been mine.
Thankfully this week both classes have been well attended. The Monday session was great fun, as usual, but the Tuesday class was even better.
Like most years we ran it as a 'Ceilidh' and we had a great time dancing to the Scottish Country Dance versions of Christmas music as well as enjoying a really super buffet. Pete and I were  amazed to be gifted a fabulous thank-you present from the class - it was a genuine surprise and very much appreciated. Pictures and details of the night (including the answers to the quiz) can be found by clicking on the Ceilidh poster on the Past Events page.
Have a very Happy Christmas and I look forward to seeing lots of you in the New Year, ready for another happy and hopefully healthy year of dancing.

It has never happened before. This week we had 4 times as many people attending this week's excellent Monday afternoon 'beginners' session, than made it to the Tuesday class! Well done to the two intrepid ladies who managed to get there on Tuesday night and - yes, we did actually dance. It was a night of 2's; With 2 attendees we did 2x2 couple dances, we had two non-dancers on the premises - weirdly both called David, and the 2 ladies who man (or is it woman) the bar both made it. We didn't stay the whole 2 hours however, but we did have a very pleasant sociable hour until we called it a night at 7 pm.
It wasn't really any wonder that so few made it.  I already knew that many people are away, suffering from injury, or busy with the other responsibilities in their lives; then there is the dreadful cold bug that is going around and all this was compounded by a truly spectacular storm; lightening and rain so torrential, in parts, that roads were yet again flooded - I know of at least one person who made it halfway and regretfully decided it was wiser to turn back. Never mind there's always next week - or next year for those heading back home from a holiday. In the meantime don't forget we've got normal classes next week, then the following week  only the Monday class is normal as the final Tuesday Class (on Dec 17th) is being run as our Xmas Ceilidh - simple dances we either know well, or that don't take much learning, a bit of food, a table quiz some music and any other entertainment people may want to provide.... I hope we'll get more that two people to that... on the other hand we'll certainly have plenty to eat if we do!