THE EVENT
A weekend of English Country Dance (#36 in the series) to suit a wide range of tastes, with dances from the period c1650 to the present day including New England Contras and Squares. Aimed at enthusiasts who enjoy their dancing and aspire to improve their skills, and knowledge of English Country Dance, but not at the expense of courtesy and cordiality. The emphasis was firmly on enjoyment.
The weekend commenced with dinner on the evening of Friday 16th October 2015 and concluded with a farewell dance on the afternoon of Sunday 18th October. There was a mixture of dances & workshops, and some free time to explore the beautiful Devon Countryside.
The event was attended by 80 dancers plus 7 staff.
Some comments from our Customers
List of dances presented
| THE LEADERS - John & Hilary Turner.
The series is organised and led by John & Hilary Turner. John & Hilary Turner have been organising & leading dance weekends for many years. The calling is shared between John and our 'Guest Caller' (see below). John, who has been calling for almost 40 years, calls dances in a variety of styles from Playford to New England Contras & Squares. He has called at many UK festivals over the years as well as on dance holidays in the UK, USA, New Zealand, Spain & France, see John's CV. Hilary, who has been dancing since her teens, is Booking Secretary & Hostess. Her bubbly outgoing nature ensures that everyone feels at home. |
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On this occasion the calling was shared between John and our 'Guest' Caller Maggie Hosking with music provided by Boldwood.
GUEST CALLER - Maggie Hosking
| Maggie, born in North
Wales, “discovered” folk dancing in 1990 after moving to Warwickshire – life changing. As
dance leader for Wayfarers, I
enjoy display dancing. I regularly call at my club Milverton,
other Midland and Oxford venues and Alan Davies’
winter holidays. I enjoy all genres within country
dance and often call a mixed programme. I endeavour to bring enthusiasm, humour and clarity to the
dance floor. Having called with John at the October
2013 Light Hearted Weekend, I look forward to renewing and making new acquaintances.
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GUEST MUSICIANS - Boldwood
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Boldwood Whether playing
for Playford dances
or performing in
concert, the award-
winning band Boldwood has a reputation for ‘life-
enhancing’ energy (English Dance and
Song) coupled with ‘simply beautiful’ arrangements(Folk and Roots) of neglected
gems from the world of 17th and 18th century.
Their regular Playford weekends have seen
people running out of superlatives to describe the experience of dancing to ‘the most
exciting band playing English music at the
moment’ (Blast from the Past). Becky Price – accordion, piano; Matthew Coatsworth – violin, viola, English concertina; Kate Moran – violin, viola; Daniel Wolverson – violin, viola Try their website. |
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| THE VENUE.
The Langstone Cliff Hotel. This popular hotel is a short drive from both Exeter and Torquay and is set in 19 acres of woodland overlooking the Exe estuary in Devon, with beautiful views across the river to Exmouth & beyond. It is a 3 star hotel has a spacious ballroom & large, comfortable public rooms. There are also indoor & outdoor swimming pools. All bedrooms are ensuite, and are available in Double, Twin / Shared or Single rooms. The hotel is approx 7 mins walk from Dawlish Warren railway station. Try their Website: The Langstone Cliff Hotel |
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