PAGE: About Great Alne...Enjoy independently during the Long Weekend: or visit this lovely area when you choose - perhaps select a village B&B.
AMap with Great Alne is below here...then scroll further down this page for - A Village history/and finally - Links..... especially for folk dance & various folk activities around the UK.
Map
HALL : LOCATION : Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial Hall - CLICK : to view as a full page. Leave as mapview - or next, Make the left panel show - then click the green satellite-view box in the panel. For an ENTIRE page display - now click the 3 dots and select - " collapse map legend / panel ".
Useful map tips:Before changing this map scale, the pinHEAD shows the Hall position: the pinpoint where postcode directs most satnavs.
Find the Hall over the hedge ("up") across Spernal Lane - opposite side to where the pinpoint points. The Hall label now shows at most (but not all) "zoom magnifications". Best detail is in a satnav view, then click the + to zoom in. The Hall buildings show clearly, across its own small green. (Two houses stand opposite where Henley Road starts; they were once the Great Western branch Rail Station.) That part of Great Alne towards Alcester in School Lane (past the "Huff Cap") is 20th C. built. The quaint, old part of the village is mainly towards Henley, along Henley Rd; just beyond the delightful small Church of 13th C origin dedicated to St Mary Magdalen. An area very worthy of a visit. ***
Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial Hall - forms a bend in the B4089 - It is behind its own small pleasant green where we often have set up the maypole. To see adjacent bus stop, or to catch the infrequent local bus, see map/walks page.
Feel free to get in touch for directions or advice on public transport / lifts ***
Village history The Hall we use was built - initially with a thatched roof - as a Memorial for the villages of Great Alne & Kinwarton. Its original dedication was to those who lost their lives 1914 to 1918, and who served: (also later for 1939-45). The River Alne is the origin of the village name [pre-dating Doomsday Book] - another village (upstream in the valley) is named Little Alne. A couple of miles downstream is Alcester: the Roman town [Alne-cester], where the Alne river meets the Arrow. (The Arrow flows behind the grounds of Coughton Court NT.).
The Memorial Hall - being used by our Long Weekend now, for well over 30 years - has meant that over these years, we've needed to adapt to many changes which have affected the programme that we can offer, and how we use the hall during Great Alne Long Weekend. Under "News" on this link, see how and why the lovely exposed high rafters and purlins on the interior of the originally thatched roof were eventually required to be strengthened for the heavier tiles, & hidden behind insulation. We too are now tending to sit at a meal for a period to enjoy the hall's heat retention, in between our main need to turn all heat off. We ventilate everywhere that is possible during long periods of the day and evenings, when actively and energetically dancing. We've better anticipated and prevented heat losses as people leave in the evening, and for the last couple of years, have been enabled a little heating (even with having no longer any log fire in the grate) for final "winding down" sessions. See at this link, many other regulars whose venue is the Memorial Hall: and the varied uses for its present facilities. Also, should YOU wish to hire & make use of its modern features, there are details to download a booking form etc. cLICK on Villages of Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial Hall
Various length walks from Great Alne As you enjoy this lovely area, why not seek out a nice B&B in one of the delightful local villages for your next Great Alne Long Weekend. For walking suggestions to explore the area independently, or even during your visit over the "Long Weekend" - Select the Map/Walks page HERE.
*********************************************************************************************************************************** Useful links -cLICK on the WEBSITE LINKS shown BELOW
Information on - almost ALL TYPES of Dancing - throughout the UK - (You can ask to be informed by email fortnightly, of any dance events of your choosing within your own Region) cLICKonAre you Dancing
Information DIARY pages - Dancing Events throughout the UK - You may also use the site to seek regular clubs, callers for dances, bands, festivals etc. Caters mainly for - English (Playford) & English Country Dance. Many Contra & Ceilidh dances too. cLICK on Set and Turn Single
In Moseley, Birmingham UK. Friday Folk. A lively welcoming group. Meet most Friday evenings. Varied kinds of Dancing - mainly english Ceilidh. Just arrive & take part. Plenty of changing of dance partners. Couples and singles are equally welcomed. The MAJORITY of members come without a partner. In a complex website the "Activity Exchange". To check date/location/caller or type of dancing for an evening - cLICKonFriday Folk
In Birmingham UK. Join in lively Scottish Dancing. B'ham branch term-time Beginners’ class, Tuesdays. Selly Oak Methodist Church, Langleys Rd, B29 6HT Term-time dates: Class 7.45-9.45pm: Spring term 2012 – 10 January – 27 March (half term 14 February) Summer term 2012 – 17 April – 22 May. AGM – 29 May. Social dancing, June 12th, 19th, 26th 2012. Those at the Long Weekend may particularly recognise further welcoming faces - Most Tuesdays at the main Langleys Road class also 7.45-9.45pm. Almost all Thursdays: Baille Tartan Club, Dame Elizabeth Hall, Oak Tree La, Bournville B30 1UA 8.30-10.30pm. There are also many more Scottish classes around B'ham (throughout UK too). NB. At Scottish "social dances", they helpfully go over each dance with a quick walkthrough first. cLICK on Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Birmingham
In London UK -Friday Feet. For those wishing to try out, or to begin International Dancing. A small lively group particularly welcoming newcomers at Cecil Sharp House (tube: Camden Town). Anne Leach our vivaceous main 2011International Dance teacher frequently shows dances here. So does very active Pam. (Diminutive in stature only - Pam's life-vocation without one knowing, would not be guessed.) Just ARRIVE and take part. Most Friday Evenings except August, 7.30-9pm. No need to bring along a partner - For more details, phone or - email Caspar on 020 8340 4683. cLICKonFriday Feet
In London UK -Dance Around the World. Much to watch/ try out in this excellent - International Dance (& much more) sampling WEEKEND. A vibrant, lively dancing, viewing and music playing w/e. 20-21st Oct 2012. Considerable choices of dance styles - All at Cecil Sharp House (nearest tube Camden Town). Very moderate prices, primarily because, as at Great Alne, the dance teachers are prepared to give freely of their time in order to dissipate the joys of different kinds of Dance. An excellent culminating Sunday evening dance - An introduction to International and English Country Dancing. Anne Leach our vivaceous main 2011 International Dance teacher and Caspar Cronk are joint organisers. For more details, phone (on 020 8340 4683) or - email Caspar. cLICK on Dance around the World
In London UK -Balkanplus. Take up the generally quite vigorous patterns of Balkan Dancing. Usually 2nd Sats 7.00 to 10pm - in the lower (Trefusis) Hall of Cecil Sharp House (nearest tube Camden Town). Times may vary though, and occasional Special Dance Workshops take place too. cLICK on Balkanplus
In AlcesterWarwickshire, UK. Alcester Contras."American style" Contra Dances. As in USA, there's lots of dance partners there. It's quite usual to change partner after each dance. It's nice if you take-in there just a little food (that's easy to pick-up by hand) for others to share. There's a dance on an occasional Friday most months (not August). Dates and details at website - cLICKon Alcester Contras
At University of Warwick Folk, Coventry. One of the best - a slick rapper team - at festivals, & around the Midlands. And a good Ceilidh Band. Make contact if interested via website. Regular Ceilidhs of great appeal to the youthful and exuberant at Cryfield Sports Pavilion, off Gibbet Hill, Coventry. cLICK on Warwick University Folk Society (Events)
Folk Camps. Week long, and weekend - Active Holidays based in a Village Hall, or a Marquee. Do you enjoy mainly Ceilidh dancing? Camping in a pleasant part of the UK? Making folk music along with others? Generally would you enjoy friendship through making your own entertainment ? They are like a small, very friendly, do-it-yourself Folk Festival. Here's the page - "What Folk Camps are like". cLICKon Folk Camps
Details of an Annual Woodland - Folk Music Camp for the Physically Disabled- each September. A 5 day camp of special interest those physically disabled, thus able to enjoy playing musical instruments together. Many who enjoy being involved in folk music and folk songs, volunteer assistance to make the week possible. (Main participants are wheelchair restricted.) Enjoy making music in a group, and informally singing with others. Early Sept each year. Located at the excellent facilities of Woodlarks near Farnham Surrey UK. cLICK on Woodland Music Camp
Mick Smith Radio. What began as a Leicestershire BBC local Radio Country Music Station survived closure by going on line. There are frequent shows of well presented Country Music. Deservedly it can now be enjoyed worldwide. No ads (except Midland Folk Song Club Dates). Enthusiasts may burn each part onto a 60min blank CD. Details are given of each track played. Click on "Previous Shows" and elsewhere, to explore the extensive archive. cLICK on Mick Smith Radio
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