In April - come to Great Alne: enjoy more lovely - General International dances from Karin Bellaart. Click each day ABOVE, to see what happens. Book for 2016: Early Bird NOW EXTENDED to 29th March [or drop by and pay for your visit on the day!]
VIEW BELOW - SATURDAY's ORIGINAL PROGRAMME - [ if you wish, you may still Download it: to print 2 pages clickHERE] Click on "arrows expanding a square" icon: bottom RIGHT (as you scroll down). This presents a larger display - But beware unexpected adverts also there - in ......FULL SCREEN.
VIEW SUNDAY's 2016's similar PROGRAMME -[ To Download (print etc) clickHERE]
2017 : Another Brilliant Contra : Nicola Scott will call with Warwick Folk Soc's Contra Band: This is the main Evening Social Dance. The full evening from 7.30pm is £9. For the contra dance, refreshments & Cajun, £7.50 is expected. Flis offers this Late Nite Extra of Cajun. She will give tuition, and play. Please - dancing ladies - join with Flis, & do stay to give this a try.
Plenty is happening, but generally this is a more quiet day - The Monday page.
Last update here was 4/6/16
An EXTRA was on Friday Evening 22nd April Contra in the Memorial Hall: part of -
GREAT ALNE LONG WEEKENDNOT Included in Season Tickets FridayEvening -22nd Apr 7:30 -10:30 :JenMorgan & Warwick Folk Soc Contra Band Part ofGREAT ALNE LONG WEEKENDin the delightful pic Great Alne Memorial Hall:B49 6HL
From here forward - all are Sunday Afternoon Dances at Elmdon Heath C.C. Hall: -
Sun8thMay : EXTRACis Hinkle& The Night Before. EXTRA Sun dance NOT Included in Season Tickets Sun 22nd May-Kathy Anderson (via New England USA) (see Kathy in Atlanta: uTube HERE) & DoubleDichotomy(Mollie&Vic)
Sun5thJune-Adam Hughes & TheEnglishContraDanceBand(Gareth&Linda) For a "tenner", take ''TAK" (new tunes on their brill new CD). Sample/buy: HERE
Sun26thJune-Geoff Cubitt& Warwick Folk Soc Contra Band
AlsoSundays-4thSept-2ndOct-23rdOct-6thNov-4thDec+PARTYon18thDec As far as possible, we stay with these anticipated details - but do make a check - especially on the Brummie Contras website - before depending only on your prompt diary entries. ) Go to Brummie Contras HOME PAGE
Useful tips: Before changing this map scale, the pinhead is the Hall position: the pinpoint where postcode directs most satnavs.
Find the Hall "up" across Spernal Lane from where the pin is shown. 1) click top left [] icon (this brings in the side panel) 2) click green icon now on bottom left (changes map to satellite view) 3) click the right hand satellite picture anywhere (this removes the left panel) 4) click the + to zoom in. The Hall buildings are now clearly shown, across its own small green where Henley Road starts; And opposite two houses that together, had once been the Great Western branch Railway Station. The largely newer part of Great Alne village is in School Lane, past the "Huff Cap" The more quaint, older part of the village is past the Old Station along Henley Road; just beyond the delightful small Church of 13th C origin dedicated to St Mary Magdalen: very worthy of a visit. ***
HALL : LOCATION : Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial Hall - CLICK : to view as a full page map. Leave as map / or click satellite view box in panel. For proper full page - now click the row of 3 dots : select "collapse map legend". For proper full page - click the row of 3 dots : select "collapse map legend".
Great Alne & Kinwarton Memorial Hall - forms a bend in the B4089 - It lies behind its own pleasant green on which we set up the Maypole. Full details for car or rail arrival:& local bus route here:(on MAP.etc page). *** Also feel free to contact us should you need further advice.
Anyone remaining at or staying inside the Hall overnight please contribute: £3 per person per night. (Under 16s free).
*********************************************************************************************************************************** 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
The Memorial Hall - being used by our Long Weekend now, for well over 30 years - has meant that we've needed to adapt to changes which have affected our programme, and how we use the hall during the Great Alne Long Weekend. Under "News" on this link, see how and why the lovely exposed rafters and purlins on the interior of the originally thatched roof were eventually required to be strengthened for the heavier roof tiles, and hidden behind insulation. We also are now tending to sit at a meal for a period to enjoy the heat retention, in between our main need to turn all heat off. We ventilate the hall everywhere that is possible during long day periods, and evenings when we are actively and energetically dancing. Thankfully we have recently better anticipated and prevented heat losses as people leave in the evening, and been able to heat a little (even with having no longer any log fire in the grate) for final "winding down" sessions. See at the link many other regulars whose venue is the Memorial Hall, and the various uses for its present facilities. Also, should YOU wish to hire to use its many modern features, there are details of how to download a booking form etc. cLICK on Villages of Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial Hall
Mick Smith Radio. What began as a Leicestershire BBC local Radio Country Music Station survived closure by going on line. Weekly 2hr show of Well presented Country Music. Deservedly it can now be enjoyed worldwide. No ads (ex Midland Folk Club Dates). The show is divided into two hour length parts in order that enthusiasts may burn each part onto a 60min blank CD. Details are given of each track played. Click on "Previous Shows" to explore the very extensive archive. cLICK on Mick Smith Radio
AMap with Great Alne is here... then more... Enjoy the area independently during the Long Weekend: or visit this lovely area at a time of your choice. Are you from elsewhere in UK: contemplating the Great Alne Long Weekend? Lovely pics of what the surrounding area can offer, WERE on the interesting website of Dansgroep Oostzaan who visited Great Alne in April 2014. View pics by a scroll down their "Member area" after access by way of a "Google" translation HERE... sadly most photos are now removed. can't make translate work on their new website !
AMap and Directions to reach Great Alne are here... ... then suggestions for many local walks, some brief some longer. Enjoy the walks and Spring wild flowers independently over the Long Weekend: or visit this lovely area at a time of your choice. Are you from elsewhere in UK: contemplating the Great Alne Long Weekend? Lovely pics of what the surrounding area can offer, are on the interesting website of Dansgroep Oostzaan who visited Great Alne in April 2014. View pics by a scroll down their "Member area" after access by way of a "Google" translation HERE....
Great Alne Memorial Hall: B49 6HLcauses a bend in the B4089 - set behind its own pleasant green. Opposite its drive-in (on Henley Road leading to Henley in Arden) is the Old Station (now a House: no rail line).
Much will go-on during these: 4 days & 3 evenings. in May 2017 - These are our expected dates: Final confirmation shortly - - in this lovely English Warwickshire Village's Memorial Hall. - Drop by - Be welcomed - whichever day - at ANY time ! Our Catereringlets you enjoy all this without need to prepare sandwiches, or cook at home. Theextended weekend explores varied traditional folk activities & dance from around the world. Welcome to the white and raftered hall in this beautiful English Warwickshire village. We're ALL learners at some activity: Many are experienced in some aspect of dance/music: We have skills to share. Join and participate with us in the dancing, music & song. Pre-book you may - it's a bargain - but you may alternatively visit / pay "on the day" !
The day to day Programme has close similarities from year to year. The Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Monday pages for a few more days, will still read as for Nel's visit in 2015 - until THIS years voluntary teachers can all have their participation confirmed.
(In the SUMMER 2015; at the SIFD Summer School : KARIN was TEACHING IN SWANSEA) - In April - come to enjoy more lovely dances from Karin Bellaart.
Much goes-on during this - last weekend of April - - in a lovely English Warwickshire Village's Memorial Hall. - Drop by - Be welcomed - whichever day - at ANY time ! Our Catereringlets you enjoy all this without need to prepare sandwiches, or cook at home. Theextended weekend explores varied traditional folk activities & dance from around the world. Welcome to the white and raftered hall in this beautiful English Warwickshire village. We're ALL learners at some activity: Many are experienced in some aspect of dance/music: We have skills to share. Join and participate with us in the dancing, music & song. Pre-booking you do not need ! Addition: Chance all to try playing Pan Pipes: 2pm Saturday !
Much goes-on during this - last weekend of April - - in a lovely English Warwickshire Village's Memorial Hall. - Drop by - Be welcomed - whichever day - at ANY time ! Our Catereringlets you enjoy all this without need to prepare sandwiches, or cook at home. Theextended weekend explores varied traditional folk activities & dance from around the world. Welcome to the white and raftered hall in this beautiful English Warwickshire village. We're ALL learners at some activity: Many are experienced in some aspect of dance/music: We have skills to share. Join and participate with us in the dancing, music & song. Pre-booking you do not need ! BUT you MAY wish to - Get a Long Folk Weekend BARGAIN - - our "LATER BIRD" Season Ticket Offer is STILL available ! Because of a late addition of playing Pan Pipes: 2pm Saturday, WE EXTEND LATER BIRD through this MONDAY 18th.
Visits on these days welcomed: Gt Alne 4 day Long Weekend THIS: our Home page. Contact us -HERE
...........................................................................................................FULL SCREEN ^ Friday:Bluebells: Nel's workshop: Breton Sets: meal together & Eve Contra. VIEW ABOVE - FRIDAY's PROGRAMME - or Download: to print etc click HERE
We hope again during the meal, to enjoy pleasant "live" music from Libby Thompson and David McInnes. However, not all wishing to eat prior to the ContraDancemaybeabletoreachGtAlneby6pm If you wish to have a meal/s KEPT HOT for you, then please say on the form WHEN you DO hope to arrive ! You may then still enjoy a reserved cooked meal in the small "Café room", after the Hall tables have been cleared ready for dancing. (NB. Professional catering options have thus far been impractical for our small numbers, and are relatively very costly.)
Last update here was 16/4/16
GoodFridayEvening -25thMar 7:45 - 10:45-JohnMeechan & PortlandDriveDuo -BOURNVILLE EVENINGVENUEat the spectacular pic Friends Meeting House Hall, B 30 1 JT Used by kind permission of Bournville Quaker Meeting.
Second Anniversary Two years ago on Good Friday evening, Bob Morgan called to "Recursion". A superb, lively contra dance ensued in Bournville, Birmingham. The intention: to publicise the Friday Evening Dance at Great Alne Long Weekend. With many Fridays busy with other dancing, the result last year, evolved into 15 "Brummie Contras" danced on Sunday afternoons at a regular dedicated venue.
SUNDAY17thApr -RhodriDavies& Moonlighting (Presenting a yet "new" foursome)
An EXTRA Friday Evening 22nd April Contra in the Memorial Hall as part of - GREAT ALNE LONG WEEKENDNOT Included in Season Tickets FridayEvening -22nd April 7:30 -10:30-JenMorgan & Warwick Folk Soc Contra Band Part of -GREAT ALNE LONG WEEKENDin the delightful pic Great Alne Memorial Hall : B49 6HL
From here forward - all are Sunday Afternoon Dances at Elmdon Heath C.C. Hall: -
Sun8thMay : EXTRACis Hinkle& The Night Before. EXTRA Sun dance NOT Included in Season Tickets Sun 22nd May-Kathy Anderson (via New England USA) (see Kathy in Atlanta: uTube HERE) & DoubleDichotomy(Mollie&Vic)
Sun5thJune-Adam Hughes & TheEnglishContraDanceBand(Gareth&Linda) For a "tenner", take ''TAK" (new tunes on their brill new CD). Sample/buy: HERE
Sun26thJune-Geoff Cubitt& Warwick Folk Soc Contra Band
Sun10thJuly-FrancesRichardson & DoubleDichotomy(Mollie&Vic) AlsoSundays-4thSept-2ndOct-23rdOct-6thNov-4thDec+PARTYon18thDec As far as possible, we stay with these anticipated details - but do make a check - especially on the Brummie Contras website - before depending only on your prompt diary entries. ) Go to Brummie Contras HOME PAGE
The day to day Programme has similarities from year to year. The above pages for a few days will still read as for Nel's visit in 2015 - until most of the voluntary teachers can have their participation slots confirmed - however THIS allows you to read provisional structure of all days for this April's event (Last SUMMER 2015; at the SIFD Summer School : KARIN TAUGHT in SWANSEA)
NB. Our Catereringlets you enjoy all this without need to prepare sandwiches, or cook at home. Theextended weekend explores varied traditional folk activities & dance from around the world.
PROGRAMME for FRIDAY
Saturday 25th April 2015 cLICK- HERE -2 page: Working PROGRAMMEfor mobile phone or to home PRINT or just VIEW PROGRAMME BELOW: p1)Sat morning items and early afternoon p2) Late Afternoon & Evening Programme