June Jamboree - Tuesday 24th June 2025

This was the first time we'd attempted the JJ on a weekday, but it made sense to try it. People already have their Tuesdays free for dancing and this is a celebration of all our Monday and Tuesday dancing classes. Some of us were there way before the event itself, meeting at 10am on the patio to decorate for the evening. Thank-you so much Fiona, Suzanne and David for your hard work - it's amazing what a few extra hands can do to transform an already very special place, into 'our' special place for a day.
Despite the inevitable absences at this time of year, 34 people gathered for the event and it was a magical evening; an even greater success (people said) than previous years - if that's possible! The food was complemented by everyone -  we even asked the 3 absolutely charming chefs to come out, and they took a bow! The crème brulé was especially commended, but overall it was a fabulous feast, beautifully prepared and presented.
Prior to people taking to the dance floor another well deserved presentation was made to Irene, for her many years of hard work behind the scenes. Irene has been the lady responsible for ensuring that all the group's events - including this year's Jamboree - were of as high a quality as possible, while maintaining affordable prices. It is to be hoped that we can follow in such successful, and effortlessly glamorous, footsteps... we'll do our best though, it's reassuring to know she's still around to guide us if necessary.
Now to the dances - I had a large selection to choose from but hadn't fixed a definite programme, preferring to see how the evening developed.
We started with 'A Highland Welcome' (see the little video below), progressing, as I often do, to the hilarious mixer, 'Borrowdale Exchange'. We danced the ancient dance 'The Bridge of Athlone' next, and then changed gear completely with a St Bernard's Waltz followed by the lovely Strathspey 'Butterscotch & Honey'. At some points we had a bit of a break but it's hard to remember exactly when! I know during one break in the programme we were treated to a spectacular firework display - based somewhere on the coast below - but they can't have had such a super view as we did.
Carrying on, Waratah Weaver was well received, a familiar dance for all the class dancers and an easy one to negotiate for the non-dancing guests who were keen to have a try. Postie's Jig, a real favourite of some, was performed with gusto, by those that knew it, as was The Dashing White Sergeant - with enough people on the floor to dance it 'in the round' - rather than my usual alternative 'lengthwise' orientation.
Finally the evening started to run down. People were saying goodbye and drifting reluctantly away. The final requested dance - as is traditional for Doug, was 'De'il Amang the Tailors - which we danced with 5 couples up and then we completed our evening - ensuring we included those non-dancing guests who were still with us - with Auld Lang Syne - thanks again to Anna who supplied the little video below.
We all then set too, cleared the decks of all our decorations and made sure we'll be welcome again next year! Thanks everyone, it saved us having to make the trip back the next day.
​Enjoy the photos below - they don't do the evening justice but hopefully they'll bring back happy memories. Thanks to Anna for additional video and pictures.

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