u3a

Aughton and Ormskirk

2023 Country Dancing

December - Last dances of the year.

1.12.23  Some of Geraldine’s birthday requests*

  • * (The) Geud man of Ballangigh a longways dance, pub. Playford 1698. Also on Pat’s birthday list.
  • * Christmas Stars very seasonal…a 3 couple dance also danced in December 2022.
  • The Fair Quaker of Deal, a longways dance from the Walsh collection 1715, with some adaptation by J.J. Coincidentally I visited Deal a few weeks ago.
  • Solitaire a longways dance.
  • Whim of the Moment a longways dance pub. Thompson 1791.

8.12.23 Elfrida recording the dances.

  • Christmas Stars see last week.
  •  Jamaica a 4 couple dance x2. 
  • Clopton Bridge a 4 couple dance x2. A hornpipe, so hop skip rhythm.
  • Maiden Moor a 4 couple dance x2.
  • Bobbing Joe another 4 couple dance.
  • Upon a Summer’s day some wishful thinking here as it’s pouring rain outside!  A 3 couple dance.

15.12.23 more of Geraldine’s birthday choices*

  • * Mirror Me a 3 couple dance x2. A lovely dance once you get into it.
  • * Marching to Praetorius a 2 couple Gary Roodman dance. x2
  • Abbot’s Way a 4 couple dance x2
  • The Doldrum this 4 couple dance has some tricky moves, we danced it twice to try to nail them!
  • The Maid Peeked out the Window a 4 couple dance x2.

22.12.23 Our last country dance session before Christmas and the New Year. We celebrated with live music from Change of Key (Frank’s Band) and refreshments.

  • Trip to Sheringham a 4 couple dance, in a square formation. The musical accompaniment was a Seasonal Medley.
  • Jackdaw another 4 couple dance.
  • Eastbourne Grove a 3 couple dance.
  • The Hive another 3 couple dance.
  • Lord Caernarfon’s Jig a 4 couple dance Playford reconstructed by Cecil Sharp in 1910
  • (The) Comical Fellow a favourite 4 couple dance, pub. Thompson 1776 on which to end 2023’s dances.

We danced most of them twice.

Our many thanks to June for keeping us dancing. Wishing everyone a Happy and Healthy New Year.

November dances

3.11.23 Elfrida recorded the dances.

  • Birthday Reel a 4 couple dance
  • Jackdaw 4 couple dance, to a different, more lively tune – Cumberland Long Eight.
  • Jump frogs jump 2×3 couple set.
  • The Magpie – longways.
  • Sprigs of Laurel – longways
  • Brighton Review – longways.

10.11.23 from June’s dance records.

  • The Merry Monarch 3 couple dance.
  • Aughton Reel 4 couple dance.
  • Leaving of Liverpool 3 couple dance
  • Trip to Sheringham 4 couple dance in a square formation.
  • One each & all together (unlikey to repeat this dance)
  • Lord Caernavon’s Jig 4 couple dance 1851 reconstructed by Cecil Sharp 1910.

17.11.23 including some of Geraldine’s Birthday requests.

  • Barn Dance Reel.
  • Brighton Le Sands a June Jones longways dance.
  • Welcome in the May slightly out of Season but a good longways dance by Sharon Green 2018.
  • and following on the theme Upon a Summer’s Day a 3 couple dance.
  • The Spaniard choreography & music, Playford 1777.
  • Whim of the Moment a longways dance , choreography & music Thompson 1791.

24.11.23 John called the dances.

  • Go to the Devil and Shake Yourself a longways dance from 1795/99
  • A fig for Bonaparte longways, by Henry Thompson 1804. On 2nd December 1804 – Bonaparte was crowned Emperor of France. (some kind of political comment?)
  • The Whim of the Moment see last week.
  • We Will Down with The French a 3 couple dance following the French theme, Thompson 1780 reinterpreted by Charles Bolton 1997.
  • Brighton Review a longways dance 1794.
  • The Leaving of Liverpool 3 couple dance x2.

Delighted to announce, that this month we’ve had a new couple join the group. Still room for more dancers if you’d like to try Country Dancing.

October’s dances - Autumn is here

6.10.23 Elfrida recording the dances.

  • Duke of  York’s cotillion – 3 couple dance (deferred)
  • Prince Rupert’s March see last week.
  • Bartlett Bells also danced last week.
  • Greengage a nice longways dance & music.
  • James’ Park – longways, also deferred.
  • Whim of the moment – longways, went well , all went home happy.

13.10.23

  • The new Rigged Ship a 3 couple dance.
  • Fine Dame a 4 couple dance by Simone Verheyen.
  • Nonesuch a 4 couple dance pub. Playford 1651, adapted by Pat Shaw 1964.
  • On the Edge II a June Jones 4 couple square formation dance with Grand Squares.
  • Lord Caernarfon’s Jig a 4 couple dance from 1651, reconstructed by Cecil Sharpe 1910.

20.10.23

  • Hit and Miss a 2 couple dance, pub. by Playford 1651 in The English Dancing Master.
  • St. James Park  a longways dance from 1718, source John Young.
  • Fret and Rejoice a longways Gary Roodman dance from 2015.
  • If all the World were Paper… a traditional 4 couple dance from 1651 in a square formation.
  • She looked down her nose and Sneered a longways dance and a fascinating title!
  • Nampwich Fair a longways Playford dance.

27.10.23

  • Barbara Walton’s delight a 3 couple dance, apparently written by her friend Irene Crew. Barbara was due to retire but sadly died before this happened. Published in 1999.
  • The Slof Galliard a 4 couple dance by Pat Shaw in 1975, everyone is dancing all the time in this flowing dance. (a belated birthday request from Wendy)
  • Handel with Care a 2 couple Gary Roodman dance.
  • On the Edge II see 13th. danced a few times.
  • Jamaica a 4 couple Playford dance from 1670 adapted by Tom Cook.

A good selection of both Traditional and Contemporary dances.

September dances.

1.09.23

  • One is one and all alone…..a longways dance by Fried de Metz Herman 1994 part of a series.
  • Freeford Gardens another longways dance by David & Katherine Wright. Good tune.
  • Dancing at Lughnasa a 4 couple June Jones dance MarkII
  • Black Bess a longways dance from Dancing Master 1696-1728
  • Faithful Shepherd a longways dance Charles & Samuel Thompson 1773.
  • Gasconne see 21.07 23

8.09.23

  • Winifred’s Knot a 4 couple dance from 1652.
  • The Merry Andrew  a 3 couple dance by Marjorie Heffer & William Porter 1932
  • The Waters of Holland a 3 couple dance by Pat Shaw 1971
  • Dunant’s House waltz a 3 couple dance by Colin Hume 1991.
  • Bells of Newport a longways dance.

15.09.23 Elfrida calling the dances today.

  • The Prince Regent a 3 couple dance.
  • Simple square as  befits the title, danced in a square formation for 4 couples. From Margaret McFarlanes collection of dances.
  • Birthday Reel a 4 couple dance. Just because we like it, not for anyones Birthday!
  • Which way now MkII a June Jones 4 couple dance with diagonals & stars!
  • Go to the Devil and shake yourself a longways dance 1795/9.
  • Trip to Sheringham danced in a square formation. The music getting faster & faster.

22.09.23 Elfrida recording the dances for the next 3 sessions.

  • a longways dance Olive Grove danced to the tune Childgrove.
  • a 3 couple dance April’s Lady a waltz danced x2.
  • a 3 couple dance A Lady Remembered.
  • a longways dance The Militia danced April 2023.
  • a longways dance  Irish Lamentation a slow waltz from the Walsh Collection 1735 and rather beautiful.

29.09.23

  • In the Fields of Frost & Snow a longways dance.
  • Bartlett Bells with diagonal Heys.
  • Prince Rupert’s March a 4 couple dance with lots of casting & 1st man in the lead.
  • Dunham Oaks a longways dance.
  • Prince William of Gloucester a longways waltz.

August dances

4.08.23

  • Barberini’s Tambourine a longways dance from the Walsh Collection c 1735. We last danced this in August 2019.
  • Bartlett Bells another longways dance.
  • Greensleeves and Yellow Lace this is a 3 couple dance which has gone out of fashion but June is keen to give it another chance. From Dancing Master 1721. It was challenging!
  • Handel with care a Gary Roodman 2 couple dance from 1987. 

We danced most of these dances x2.

11.08.23 Some Golden Oldies from 1650’s. (ex 3 & 5)

  • The Maid peeked out the Window or The Friar in the Well a 4 couple dance x2.
  • Gray’s Inn Mask a 4 couple dance with the tune at varied speeds. Very enjoyable.
  • Cat’s Cradle Mk2 a June Jones 4 couple dance. Mk1 28.07.23.
  • Bobbing Joe a 4 couple dance, slow and measured. 4 movements synonymous with Traditional dances.
  • Ashley’s Ride a 3 couple American dance 1795 by Nancy Shepley.
  • Upon a Summer’s Day a 3 couple dance. A fitting finish to an August summer day.

18.08.23 Elfrida recording.

  • Chocolate Cake 4 couple- which we’ve danced before. You can never have enough cake!
  • Bobbing Joe see last week. Music- Balshazzars Feast playing J.Playford’s Secret Ball.
  • Alice – Longways, one of Phillipe Callan’s dances.
  • Connaught Water was tried but abandoned!
  • Swirl of the Sea – square set 4 couple dance.
  • Whim of the Moment – longways. Went well.

25.08.23.

  • The Happy Couple a longways dance x2.
  • Prince Georges Birthday a longways dance from 1713 with ‘clapping’ to your neighbour and to your partner.
  • Dancing at Lughnasa a 4 couple dance. x2
  • St. Andrew’s Gardens a longways dance x2

I may have missed a dance here but will add next month if so.

July – dances

7.07.23 Elfrida recording the dances. More of Wendy’s birthday choices.*

  • Black Nag (see last week)
  • *Leah’s Waltz ditto
  • Leaving of Liverpool ditto
  • *Trip to Bavaria 4 couple Scottish dance by James McGregor Brown.
  • *Wibsey Roundabout a 5 couple dance in circle formation, by Gary Roodman 1966.
  • *Morrison’s Reel another 5 couple dance.

14.07.23

  • *The Rakes of Rochester  a longways dance from 1756 by Rutherford.
  • Money in both pockets a longways dance c1800.
  • One is One… a longways dance by Fried de Metz Herman 1994.
  • Black Nag, Leah’s Waltz, Leaving of Liverpool these 3 dances are being demonstrated at the U3a 20th Celebration later this month.
  • Irish Lamentation a longways dance c1735 pub. Walsh.
  • Christina a Naomi Alexander longways dance.

21.07.23

  • Six for the Six proud walkers…another Fried de Metz Herman dances 1995.
  • The 3 demonstration dances, practise makes perfect!
  • Double Jubilee a 3 couple Gary Roodman dance c2015. Tune (a great one) by Dave Wiesler.
  • Giant Steps a 4 couple June Jones dance, we’re still making a giant effort to improve this .
  • Summer Waltz a longways dance
  • Gasconne a longways dance from 1710 reinterpreted by Pat Shaw 1965.

28.07.23

  • Waters of Holland a Pat Shaw dance from 1977 x2.
  • a June Jones – in progress dance, possibly named the Cat’s pyjamas! we will see.
  • the 3 demonstration dances -final rehearsal for tomorrows celebration.
  • The Baffled Knight a 4 couple dance by Heffer & Porter 1932 one of the early contemporary choreographed dances. (Becoming less baffling!)
  • Nonesuch a 4 couple dance Playford 1651
  • Lord Caernarfon’s Jig another 4 couple dance from 1651 reconstructed by Cecil Sharpe 1910

June dances

2.06.23

  • A Lady Remembered a John Wood longways dance.
  • The Merry Andrew a 3 couple dance 1932 by Heffer & Porter, published by Maggot Pie.
  • The Baffled Knight also by Heffer & Porter 1932. I think we were a little “baffled” with this dance, one to return to!.
  • Wakefield Hunt a 3 couple triple minor dance by Thompson 1779.
  • Moonlight a 3 couple dance
  • Dover Pier a longways dance from Preston 1791.

9.06.23 Elfrida calling. June having a well deserved break.

  • Jump Frogs Jump a 3 couple dance.
  • The Journey a 4 couple dance x2.
  • Prince of Wales Fancy a 4 couple dance.
  • The Morning Rout a fast 3 couple dance with ‘trotting step’ Thompson 1789 x2
  • Roberts Reel a 3 couple dance.
  • The Hop Pickers Feast a 3 couple dance Thompson 1786
  • Nampwich Fair a longways dance. Playford 1726.

16.06.23 No dancing today

23.06.23 Elfrida calling and recording the dances. Some of Wendy’s Birthday choices * Also Marie’s Birthday request +

  • Jump Frogs Jump 
  • * Liberty.
  • * The Leaving of Liverpool.
  • * Leah’s Waltz – Wendy chose The Ashokan Farewell music.
  • + Upon A Summer’s Day 

Most danced twice.

30.06.23 Welcome back June with more of Wendy’s Birthday choices*

  • * (The) Black Nag a 3 couple dance Playford 1657 x2
  • * Jackdaw a 4 couple dance x2
  •  Prince of Wales Fancy a 4 couple dance
  • The Prince Regent a 3 couple dance x2.
  • Trip to Sheringham a 4 couple dance in square formation x2. Not the speedy version.
  • The Leaving of Liverpool  a 3 couple dance to the traditional tune, x2. I have previously attributed this dance to June but this is incorrect. Choreographer is not known.
  • (The) Comical Fellow a 4 couple dance music & choreography by Thompson.

It’s Maytime, dances this month.

5.05.23

  • Slof Galliard a 4 couple dance. In February when we last danced this, “We needed more practise” today we finally cracked it ! x2
  • The Northdown Walk a longways dance, choreography & music by Goulding 1820. Some J.J adaptation.
  • The Pursuit a longways dance with ‘Heyes’, see 21.04.23 a challenge 2 weeks ago. Danced several times but practise makes perfect!
  • Up to no Good a June Jones 3 couple dance, requested by Elfrida, x2
  • The Ladies of London a longways dance from the Walsh Collection 1740.

12.05.23

  • Welcome in the May a longways dance by Sharon Green 2018.
  • Lovely Nancy Choreography & music by Johnson 111 1744. A longways dance.
  • Chickpeas and Spinach a 3 couple dance requested by John. This might sound like a recipe but was a challenging dance.
  • The Recruiting Officer a 3 couple dance interpreted by Pat Shaw 1960 from Nathaniel Kynaston 1710 in the Walsh collection.
  • Canadian Traveller a longways dance by Pat Shaw.

19.05.23 recorded by Elfrida.

  • Millicent’s Jig from 1651, a nice 3 couple dance.
  • Chelsea Reach a 4 couple square set, Playford style with lots or parts to it, danced x2.
  • Friday Square another 4 couple square set dance – music was Life in the fast lane from the Short & Sweet CD.
  • Swirl of the Sea 4 couple square set in waltz time, another mini challenge, accomplished 2nd. time around.
  • Lord Caernarfon’s Jig a 4 couple longways dance enjoyed by all.

26.05.23 – Elfrida again.

  • School for Scandal x2 June adapted a triple minor dance to a 3 couple, which worked well.
  • Happy Heyes x2 – 3 couple dance which includes ‘cross heyes’.
  • Greengage a longways dance at a  slower pace.
  • Lovely Nancy (see 12.05)
  • Jack’s Maggot longways dance.

April’s dances

14.04.23  Some of Elfrida’s Birthday choices.

  • Rostilion John & William Neal 1726, a longways dance.
  • Bar a Bar from the Walsh collection 1719 a longways dance reinterpreted by Fried de Metz Herman.
  • Happy Heys a 3 couple dance, as the name suggests, full of ‘heys’.
  • Professor Martin’s maggot a 3 couple dance.

” The notated melody & dance directions were discovered in the back of a ‘Playford book’ among the papers of Professor Martin of Liverpool university after he died c. 1930.”

  • 1st. April appropriate for April’s dances. pub. Thompson 1780.

21.04.23

  • Upon a Summer’s day x2 Playford 1651.
  • The Militia x2 a 3 couple dance.
  • The Pursuit a challenging longways dance. Pub. Walsh 1719.
  • Of Noble was Simkin 1695.
  • My Lady Winwood’s maggot a 3 couple dance from Dancing Master 1728.
  • Fitleworth Frolic danced in a circle for 5 couples by Francis Hawkins 1987.
  • Whim of the Moment a longways dance pub. Thompson 1791.

28.04.23 with some more of Elfrida’s requests.

  • Toney’s Rant a 4 couple dance with a snappy tune.
  • Morrison’s Reel a 5 couple dance.
  • Diamond Diversion for 4 people in a diamond formation.
  • Fret & Rejoice a longways dance by Gary Roodman with music ‘ Without his Tiger” by Dave Weisler.
  • Sam’s maggot a 3 couple dance x2 from the Walsh collection 1728.

Country dances in March

3.03.23 Some of John’s Birthday choices.

  • Trip to Bavaria a Scottish 4 couple dance by James McGregor Brown. We danced it twice.
  • Eastbourne Grove a 3 couple dance by Kevin Prigmore 2015 also danced twice.
  • Sam’s Maggot a Traditional 3 couple dance from 1728 reconstructed by Andrew Shaw, also danced twice.
  • Posties Jig a 4 couple dance devised by Roy Clowes of Ormskirk. One theory is that the ‘arches’ section of the dance symbolises ‘the tying up of a parcel’ We certainly created a few knots!
  • Gasconne see 3.02.23.

10.03.23 No Dancing due to snowy conditions.

17.03.23 with an Irish theme to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

  • Dancing with Friends a longways dance choreography by Elizabeth Goossens 2013. Music by Sue Stapleton from Irish tunes from Liverpool.
  • (The) bonny lad & the bonny lass by John & William Neal 1726
  • Giant Steps a June Jones 4 couple dance to the tune ‘Blind Mary’ played on the Irish Harp.
  • Season of Mists a longways dance.
  • The Princess Royal a longways dance by Pat Shaw.
  • Shandy Hall a 4 couple dance with circles & half stars.

24.03.23 some more of John’s Birthday choices.

  • Criss Cross Jig a 5 couple dance.
  • Nonesuch 2 a longways dance.
  • Trip to Bavaria see 3.03.23.
  • Peace be with you a contemporary longways dance by Fried de Metz Herman.
  • Fourpence Halfpenny Farthing a traditional longways dance from 1709.
  • Dancing with Friends see last week.

31.03.23 still more of John’s choices…

  • Frances Ann’s Delight by George Middleton 1975 for his wife Frances Ann!
  • (the) Italian Disappointment a longways dance pub. Neal 1726.
  • Marching to Praetorius a Gary Roodman 2 couple dance 1996.
  • Indian Princess a Colin Hume 1984 longways dance. Danced to the tune of the Indian Queen.
  • Upton Priory a 4 couple waltz time dance.
  • Nampwich Fair a longways dance Playford 1726.

There will be no dancing next week as it’s Good Friday

Dances in February

Correction from 6.01.23. Floss Galliard should read Slof Galliard. (a Morecambe and Wise moment, all the right letters, in the wrong order!)

3.02.23

  • Brighton le Sands a June Jones longways dance x2. People always ask, ‘Where is Brighton le Sands?’ x2

It is between Blundellsands to the North, Waterloo to the South and Gt. Crosby to the East.

  • Valentine’s Day a longways dance called by Elfrida in preparation for 14th. pub. 1670 Playford. x2
  • Up to no Good another June Jones 3 couple dance. 1st. version.
  • No Taxes from 1791.
  • A Lady remembered a longways dance remembering all former dancers who have ‘passed on’.
  • Gasconne a longways dance from 1706 with interpretation by Pat Shaw.

10.03.23

  • Portsmouth a longways dance from 1701.
  • Roll the Line a longways dance with some ‘travelling’.
  • Harvest Reel a 3 couple dance x2.
  • Diamond Diversion unsurprisingly, in Diamond formation for 4 people.
  • Morrison’s Reel a 5 couple longways  dance. x2
  • Nampwich Fair a longways dance pub. Playford 1726, interpretation by Pat Shaw 1964.

17.03.23 some of John’s Birthday choices.

  • (The ) Farmer’s Joy a Joseph Pimentel longways dance.
  • Two’s Lead a longways dance.
  • D’e’il Take the Warr a 3 couple dance from 1721.
  • Triplicate danced with 3 in a line, choreography Peggy Roe.
  • New German Waltz a longways dance.

24.02.23

  • The Spaniard a longways dance 1777.
  • Zephyrs and Flora  a longways dance from the Walsh collection 1715.
  • (The) Slof Galliard a Pat Shaw dance 1975 for 4 couples.
  • Homebound Duet a 2 person dance by Judy Keeling 2020, to the tune Elizabeth.
  • Pilgarlic a 3 couple dance from 1751.
  • Comical Fellow always a favourite longways dance with clapping. pub. Thompson 1776.

January - Welcome to the New Year dances

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL OUR DANCERS. 

6.01.23

  • Gasconne from 1710 with an interpretation by Pat Shaw. A longways dance.
  • Homebound a dance compiled during lockdown by Judy Keeling, a duet in diamond formation with ‘Petronella turns’.
  • Floss Galliard a 4 couple dance x2.
  • Nonesuch from 1615 Playford “Both these dances are not danced enough” June’s quote. Another 4 couple dance x2.
  • Two’s Lead a longways dance.
  • The Comical Fellow always a favourite longways dance.

13.01.23

  • The Maid peeped out the window OR the Friar in the well, a 1650 longways dance.
  • Chelsea Reach a 1657 Playford style dance in square formation with some J.J adaptation.
  • Consequences a 4 couple dance.
  • Broom the Bonny Bonny Broom a 1651 Playford dance longways formation. x2.
  • Delia a 3 couple dance choreography & music by Ellen Taylor x2.

20.01.23. Liz’s Birthday choices.

  • Mendocino Redwood a contemporary longways dance by Mary Devlin, Bob Fraley & Elizabeth Zekley from 2005. Tune Woodlands Walk.
  • Handel with Care a 2 couple dance circle formation. By Gary Roodman 1992 with music the Bouree from Handel’s Water Music.
  • Winter in Brasstown a longways Philippe Callens dance 2004. ( Rather a lot of turning)
  • one of Geraldine’s requests. Marching to Praetorius another Gary Roodman 1996 dance for 2 couples in circle formation.
  • Sir Watkins jig a 3 couple Traditional dance from 1750.
  • Mile of Smiles another longways contemporary dance by Joseph Pimentel with the tune by Dave Wiesler.

27.01.23

  • Monday Night a longways dance.
  • Pandemonium another longways dance x2.
  • Belle of Amherst a 3 couple dance by Gary Roodman x2 another of Liz’s birthday choices, looks lovely but tricky & not universally enjoyed! x2
  • Tipu Sahib a longways dance we haven’t danced for a while, in waltz time but quite nippy. x2
  • Fourpence Halfpenny Farthing a 1709 longways Playford dance.