Data (OLDER)

View misnamed : Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial... in a larger map

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More brilliant American Contra - am workshop with Bob Morgan* + an active evening session.
Avant deux Breton Sets. Julian Stanley will lead us in these after lunch.

This WEBSITE is presently undergoing updates -
for April's Long Weekend.
The Programme does have similarities from year to year.
The Saturday, Sunday & Monday pages for a week or so. will first read for Karin Bellaart's visit in 2013 -
until THIS years' voluntary teachers can all have their participation confirmed.

(This SUMMER 2015; at the SIFD Summer School :KARIN IS TO BE TEACHING IN SWANSEA)
To see TIMETABLES WITH OUR MANY VARIED Day / Evening activities, Click on each day:
FRIDAY's events to come : SATURDAY's in 2014 : SUNDAY's in2014 : The quieter MONDAY's events- in 2014

in 2014: It was Ineke van der Hilst's superbly choreographed dances -
This April - come to enjoy yet more lovely dances from Nel.

Click for the workshops etc on the (Sunday and) Monday in April 2012
Displayed next was 2010 April's Monday programme.
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An International Singalong
The finale of Sunday evening for all who may wish to stay up to take part.
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This WEBSITE is presently undergoing its update -
for this April's Long Weekend.
The Programme does have similarities from year to year.
The Friday, Saturday, Sunday & Monday pages will for this month read for Karin's visit in 2013 -
until THIS years voluntary teachers can all have their participation confirmed.
To see LAST EVENT's TIMETABLES WITH MANY VARIED Day / Evening activities, Click on each day:
FRIDAY's events : SATURDAY's events : SUNDAY's events : The quieter MONDAY's events - all in 2014
More time on this last occasion was spent taking part in excellent workshops in the Hall whilst it was wet outside.
in 2014: It was Ineke van der Hilst's superbly choreographed dances -
This April - come to enjoy yet more lovely dances from Nel.

Outside Catering
Amanda is to prepare our Sit down meal on Fri evening.
(Menu choices & £11 prebooking via ALL of the Long weekend see "Early Bird" page)
(To eat during a visit primarily on Friday - book your meal on "Early Bite" page).
Also our less busy, but equally sociable, and chatty sit down occasion on -
Monday Lunchtime -
is similarly catered, and should also please be prebooked via one of these two routes.

Prices for April 2015 :some up,some down cf 2013 &14	Adult	any number of 10-16 yr olds plus 2 adults	Up to 2 (contact if more) aged 10-16 yr + 1 adult	Student / unwaged
"On the Door" ticket prices
Any Full Daytime 9am to 6pm - Sat 25th Sun 26th: Mon 27th. (Less expected for much shorter visits)	£13	£25	£15	£9
Any Full Evening (Fri*, Sat, Sun)	£8.50	£20	£12	£6
Friday Afternoon only*	£6	£12	£6	£5
Friday Afternoon & Evening*	£14	£30	£17	£10
* Tickets to sit at the "meal with bubbly" on Fri eve £9 if paid/ordered in advance. (Turn-up & hope some is left for £10) Please see here for full details: BOOKING SHEET also (Bank transfer or cheque alternatives available.) Please FILL IN & email or ENCLOSE WITH PAYMENT
Save money with a season ticket! Buy early for even greater savings! Covers the whole weekend from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon, excluding meals.
"Early Bird" Season Ticket. COMPLETED FORM IS REQUIRED BY MONDAY 30th March ! Completed form to be received by midnight on Monday 30th March ENCLOSE BOOKING FORM (see Early Bird page) pay promptly please by bank transfer. Or post alternative form to receive cheque by Tues 31st March.	£41	£78	£40	£30
"Later Bird" Season Ticket payment to be received by Monday 21st April Form available later - payment by bank transfer or by cheque.	£45	£84	£44	£35
"On the Door" Season Ticket	£50	£90	£55	£40
For EACH site overnight please add this - (Whether in Caravan, Campervan etc. for each night of any on-site stay outside or in the hall.)	£2.50	£5	£3	£2

Prices for April 2014. (unchanged from 2013)	Adult	any number of 10-16 yr olds plus 2 adults	any number of 10-16 yr olds plus 1 adult	Student / unwaged
"On the Door" ticket prices
Any Full Daytime to 5pm - Sat 26th Sun 27th or Mon 28th	£12	£25	£15	£9
Any Full Evening (Fri*, Sat, Sun)	£8	£20	£12	£5
Friday Afternoon only*	£5	£12	£6	£5
Friday Afternoon & Evening*	£12	£30	£17	£10
* Tickets to sit at the "meal with bubbly" on Fri eve (cost is £11 this year) must be paid for in advance. Please see here for full details. SEE also BOOKING SHEETS (Bank transfer or cheque alternatives available.) TO BE FILLED IN / ENCLOSED WITH PAYMENT
Save money with a season ticket! Buy early for even greater savings! Covers the whole weekend from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon, excluding meals.
"Early Bird" Season Ticket:ENDING. COMPLETED FORM IS REQUIRED BY MONDAY 14th ! A completed form to be received by midnight on Monday 14th April ENCLOSE BOOKING FORM (see Early Bird page) payment promptly required by bank transfer. Or post alternative form to receive cheque by Tues 15th.	£39	£78	£45	£30
"Later Bird" Season Ticket payment to be received by Monday 22nd April Form available later - payment by bank transfer or by cheque.	£44	£84	£50	£35
"On the Door" Season Ticket	£50	£90	£55	£40
For EACH site overnight please add this - (Whether in Caravan, Campervan etc. for each night of any on-site stay outside or in the hall.)	£2	£4	£2	£1

Thanks

Considerable thanks are due to all of the many contributors to each of the annual Great Alne Long Weekends.
Individual generosity has allowed the structure of "open exchange" of music, dance and other activities to continue, and many have freely given much of their time, energy and travel.

- Thanks for 2010 were due to -

Janet Woolbar for selecting a variety of lovely dances and for coming, despite great personal difficulties, to show these so well.
To Dalila Heath for bringing her sunny personality, and more lovely dances, but from Israel and from her Armenian roots.

Especially though, to those who gave much, but were able to be rewarded through participation, rather little.

Most particularly thus thanking -
James Eisner who shared his wonderful skills in leading part song. Staying locally, he brought his wife Louise & little Benjamin.

Sue Rosen for her brilliant calling for the Sunday evening Contra and to Bruce, Meg and all who played in the band.
Then to Pete Grassby for his wonderful music and ace couple dances for Sunday's Late Nite Extra.

Also to Jo & Guy for having so kindly made their home available for two of our teachers to stay.

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We wish to continue our NEW Friday Innovations -
We began with a walk on cLICK FRIDAY - then Dutch Dances - then a sit-down brought-in meal.
An American Contra from Bob Morgan followed (his recent Alcester Contra was brilliant) -
bourées were an LNE finale.

This WEBSITE is being updated for this April's Long Weekend.
The Programme does have similarities from year to year.
To see LAST EVENT's TIMETABLES WITH MANY VARIED Day / Evening activities, Click on each day:
FRIDAY's events : SATURDAY's events : SUNDAY's events : The quieter MONDAY's events - all in 2014
More time on this last occasion was spent taking part in excellent workshops in the Hall whilst it was wet outside.
2015: It will be "hard to follow" Ineke van der Hilst's superbly choreographed dances -
But see us try our best to continue offering different dancing variety of quality.

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Much goes-on each April in this English Warwickshire Village Memorial Hall.
Drop by ! Be welcomed at ANY time !
Pre-booking you do not need !
BUT you MAY wish to GET A BARGAIN -
near the end of this year -
with our "Early Bird" Season Ticket offer.

Evening Dance or Day visits welcomed: Great Alne Long Weekend: Our site's Homepage. Contact us -here.
An early and a later extension of next April's final Weekend.
1pm Friday 24th to late afternoon Monday 27th April 2015.
VISITS at anytime - Next April, try all of our less busy: more quiet Monday.
We always provide a variety of different dancing. Why not -
take the opportunity available shortly to BOOK FOR IT ALL as an "Early Bird".

REPAIRING A DAMAGED FISHNET.
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View the ladies demonstrate the graceful net-repair dance they showed us in Gt Alne Hall -
seen here in Holland on "you tube."

Share lots more dancing NEXT April
At our 4-day-long-weekend 2015 dates are unlikely to other than the -
w/e before Mayday Bank Hol.
C Bert - Zaanse Schans 2010

4 DAYS OF EVENTS.
- 2014 was our 31st year -
- We Welcomed the -
Dansgroep Oostzaan
who shared their dances -
at Great Alne Hall !
A workshop in costume each day !
"Costume Catwalk" Sunday evening !
And their catchy Dutch songs.
View some of their dancing in Holland here on 'you tube'.

C Bert - Zaanse Schans 2010

Tec. INFO This SPECIFIC page shows ONLY on FIRST reaching the website (refresh may not find it) !
Refurn exactly Here? Search again.

Whyever leave dates with "to be announced"? Surely that guy can get a band booked for then! ! ?
A forming-band needs a few opportunities: likewise those "new" callers yet to attain status of recognition. You may reckon - despite life's uncertainties - to know where YOU will be based in 6 or 12 months' time !
Many in full-time education or research are able to plan around FEW such certainties!
May Contra-dancing's versatility continue to unite those thankful that they still are just about able -
with wonderful fresh musical & dance dynamism from some bands/callers yet to become recognised.
And may our brilliant established Contra bands and callers long continue!

GOOD FRIDAY 3rd Apr Bob Morgan with tbc -
SUN 17th May Lisa Heywood & ECDB. -
SUN 28th June Geoff Cubitt & Recursion -
SUN 12th July Frances Richardson & Folkus Pocus -
SUN 6th Sept Lisa Heywood & The Night Before tbc -
SUN 27th Sept Jake Wood & ECDB. -
SUN 25th Oct .... yet to be announced!
SUN 22nd Nov .... yet to be announced!
SUN 20th Dec ..... yet to be announced!
How to enjoy all of these (13) 2015 dances at £6 each? Buy the 2015 Season ticket (at £78) by 2nd Jan.

Why Sunday afternoons ? Easier journey: Time for tea/coffee in lounge / on lawn: Fewer activity clashes. 
Catholic Chaplaincy Hall B15 3QS : Newman House in Harrisons Rd, Harborne.
Brilliant Dancing Space: Plentiful safe car parking: Nice detached lounge by small lawn: Near Bham Uni.
Sample these lively Sunday afternoon (mainly) American Contra Dances. Hot drinks at 2pm & interval.
Aerobic dancing ! Water supplied, but NO mugs/glasses in the hall please ! Bring your own small water bottlei

2015 Brummie-Contra dates:

2015 DIARY dates: FULL LIST - through to Oct - click ABOVE on "Fliers HERE ! " as a printable pdf.

You've MISSED ? - Sunday 30 Nov afternoon:
The popular Rhodri Davies' calling:
(Rhod was calling Zesty Contras the previous weekend at a fully booked Halsway Manor)
The amazing Recursion again - what CAN be better than Grace's uniquely fiery fiddle ??
Brilliantly energetic music was ours for the wonderful first contra for which the duo had ever played.
That was last April.
LAST Sunday afternoon they played their first contra as an awesome foursome! Absolutely BRILLIANT !
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BONUS Chrissie-Dance afternoon: 21st Dec. Latest (7th Dec) poster HERE: Details below.

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At our Contras, you'll often see Recursion playing. Click on the "blue" to enjoy some of their music.
Better still, dance to the brilliant dynamic style of Sam & Grace at our energetic series: Brummie-Contras.
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Temporarily, to check exactly the band/caller for the arranged dates of the Contras.
FOR UPDATED PAGE - Please search again. www.greatalnefolk.org.uk

Teccie INFO This page is updated after the similar one which you FIRST reached at this website. (Refresh may or may not find that page) ! With apologies; several unexpected ongoing changes are needed to seek available bands.
You may wish to check exactly the band/caller for the arranged dates of the Contras.
For these details (and the page you first viewed) - Please search again. www.greatalnefolk.org.uk

The 2nd ace Brummie Contra was Fri. 5th Sept at St Anne's Hall, Moseley.
(After Sidmouth with ECDB) your caller was: cLICK Lisa Heywood of Sheffield Uni,
music: ex Warwick Uni's  cLICK "The Night Before" (Nicky, Alan & Adam)
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30th Nov - Download prepayment form: click HERE
- Then click on your download icon. This opens a fill-in form to give you a discount up to 15th Oct.
Give us no bank details. Contact your bank by phone, visit, or internet. Pay by BACS into our account.
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Some coming may perhaps enjoy a contrasting Dance which they know or like.
To request your favourite “contrasting” dance, state early any preference on the downloaded form.
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19th Oct - Download prepayment form: click HERE
- Then click on your download icon. This opens a fill-in form to give you a discount up to 15th Oct.
Give us no bank details. Contact your bank by phone, visit, or internet. Pay by BACS into our account.
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Some coming may perhaps enjoy a contrasting Dance which they know or like.
To request your favourite “contrasting” dance, state early any preference on the downloaded form.
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Contact us - here.! MORE DANCE TO ENJOY- from Great Alne Long Weekend team: See main website Homepage!
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At Newman Hall B15 3QS - details below, which we hope to use regularly for Sunday afternoon Contras.
A Series of Brummie Contras: American Style.

DISCOUNT - form HERE for early BACS payments.

"On the door" £8.50 (student £6.50) - Prepay EARLY - Get a £2 DISCOUNT ! Form & instructions BELOW.

Download prepayment form: click HERE
- then click on your download icon. This opens a fill-in form to give discounts by 15th Oct.
Give us no bank details. Contact your bank by phone, visit, or internet. Pay by BACS into our account.
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Our callers guide you through dances mainly in American Contra style.
Some coming may enjoy a contrasting favourite Dance.
To request your favourite “contrasting” dance, state any preference on the downloaded form.

"On the door" £8.50 (student £6.50) - Prepay EARLY - Get a £2 DISCOUNT - Form & instructions BELOW.
You are equally welcome with; or to arrive without a dancing partner.
Most contra dancers choose to improve skills by regularly changing dance partners after each one or two dances.
Our callers guide you through dances mainly in American Contra style.

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For our Contras, you'll often see Recursion playing. Click on the "blue" to enjoy some of their music.
Better still, dance to the brilliant dynamic style of Sam & Grace at our energetic series of Brummie-Contras.
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Also for your 2015 DIARY.
Brummie Contra - 2015:
Sunday 25th Jan 2.00pm to 5.30pm.

Caller and Band tbc soon. ***********************************************************

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First Brummie Contra (a week before the 2014 Gt Alne Long Weekend) was in Bournville Birmingham -
Bob Morgan in April gave a lively Evening of
AMERICAN CONTRA with CONTRAST:
calling to the brilliant band “Recursion” (Sam & Grace) on their superb first evening of playing for a Dance.

We WILL put on more of these events !

Keep taking an occasional look at this website!
Share another great "Brummie Contra" soon.

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Next Contra date at B13 8DU: Friday 2nd Jan 2015: St Anne's Hall, Moseley.
But do keep checking this webpage.
We're seeking an advantageous Hall to trial some Autumn Contras on Sunday late afternoons.

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The first (held a week before the 2014 Long Weekend) was in Bournville Birmingham -
Bob Morgan in April gave a lively Evening of
AMERICAN CONTRA with CONTRAST:
calling to the brilliant band “Recursion” (Sam & Grace) on their superb first evening of playing for a Dance.

We WILL put on more of these events !

Keep taking an occasional look at this website!
And share another great "Brummie Contra" soon.

American style Contras in B'ham
We intend these Brummie Contras to be more frequent !
Our next is from 7.30 to 11.00pm on -
Friday 5th Sept at St Anne's Hall, Moseley, B13 8DU:
(where Friday Folk normally meet.) - Our flier is HERE.

Park car on Park Hill (road outside). Walk through lych gate, past prominent church, to hall behind.
your caller is Lisa Heywood of Sheffield Uni,
with music from Warwick Uni's "The Night Before" (Nicky, Alan & Adam)
Early discounted payment by BACS will shortly be available HERE !
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Next Contra date at B13 8DU: Friday 2nd Jan 2015: St Anne's Hall, Moseley.
But do keep checking this webpage.
We're seeking an advantageous Hall to trial some Autumn Contras on Sunday late afternoons.

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The first (held a week before the 2014 Long Weekend) was in Bournville Birmingham -
Bob Morgan in April gave a lively Evening of
AMERICAN CONTRA with CONTRAST:
calling to the brilliant band “Recursion” (Sam & Grace) on their superb first evening of playing for a Dance.

We WILL put on more of these events !

Keep taking an occasional look at this website!
And share another great "Brummie Contra" soon.

Evening Dance or Day visits welcomed: Great Alne Long Weekend: Our site's Home page. Contact us -here.
Offering an early and later extension of April's last Weekend.
1pm Friday 24th to late afternoon Monday 27th April 2015.
VISITS at any time over next year's Long Weekend welcomed -
most especially on our less busy and more quiet Monday.
To see LAST EVENT's TIMETABLES WITH MANY VARIED Day / Evening activities, Click on each day:
FRIDAY 25th events : SATURDAY 26th events : SUNDAY 27th events : The quieter MONDAY 28th events
More time on this last occasion was spent taking part in excellent workshops in the Hall whilst it was wet outside.
2015: It will be "hard to follow" Ineke van der Hilst's superbly choreographed dances -
But see us try our best to continue offering different dancing variety of quality.

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Our musicians on stage - most are members of the cLICK Cole Valley Ceilidh Band - based in the Midlands.
Set-up again when link works !

Evening Dance or Day visits welcomed: Great Alne Long Weekend: Our site's Home page. Contact us -here.
To see the TIMETABLES WITH MANY VARIED EVENTS. Click on each day: (or above).
FRIDAY 25th events : SATURDAY 26th events : SUNDAY 27th events : The quieter MONDAY 28th events

Programme click here for mobile handset / to open in this tab - eg to print at home - or view below -

A slightly gentler, yet active day. Monday 28th
Meet, join and get to know our fellow dancers from Holland. If you're available, share & enjoy this day with us:
Programme click here for mobile handset / to open in this tab - eg to print at home - or view lower down -
Here is our "Early Bite" page to book a discounted Monday daytime and meal.

4 DAYS OF EVENTS.
- 2014 is our 31st year -
- A Special Welcome to -
Dansgroep Oostzaan.
Come to share their dances -
Join us at Great Alne in April.
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A workshop in costume each day !
"Costume Catwalk" Sunday evening !
Try their catchy Dutch songs with us.
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View some dances here on 'you tube'.
C Bert - Zaanse Schans 2010

Evening Dance or Day visits welcomed: Great Alne Long Weekend: Our site's Home page. Contact us -here.
See the TIMETABLE WITH MANY VARIED EVENTS this April by clicking on each day above. (STILL SLIGHTLY PROVISIONAL)

In APRIL, Join in ! come in ! sign in - Participate in a wonderful long weekend !
Monday - Summarising workshops, served lunch - Oversley Wood walk - A special day.

Countryside & surroundings of Great Alne village here in the UK are delightful. Come out - explore :
SAMPLE WHAT WE DO - varied dancing, music, handbells, walking & more.
Map, route directions and an interesting selection of walks are on the MAP - etc page here.
NB. Our Caterering lets you enjoy all this with no need to prepare sandwiches, or to cook at home.

Evening Dance or Day visits welcomed: Great Alne Long Weekend: Here's our site's Contact us etc. page.
Be sure you refresh any page tab of your own, if checking for latest information on this website: and to print off current payment forms.

"Extra-Early BITE" cheque-payment details.
a. Download, print, complete by writing on : CLICK on - Cheque payment BITE BOOKING FORM.
This also incorporates Friday's menu: allowing you to add your choices at Friday and Monday's prepaid hot meals:
together with names of all who are included in your prepayment booking.
Make your cheque payable for the "GRAND TOTAL" to: Great Alne Folk Festival.
b. For confirmation of receipt, please include your clearly legible telephone number and email address.

c. Post cheque and forms to arrive by 1/4/14 to: "Extra-Early BITE"
204 Weoley Park Road,
Selly Oak,
Birmingham
B29 5HD.

(Please note: In the event of unforseen circumstances, these "Early" payments are not normally refundable.
However, the organising committee are generally prepared, if contacted beforehand, to transfer to another
named person; or to carry over the payment to another year.)
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NEW - an EXTRA-Early Bite Payment - up to !st April by:
alternative 1) Bank transfer.
YOU do this yourself in a few days time. First CLICK for your - eeBITE BACS payment form
The form incorporates menus. This allows food choices if intending to be at Friday Eve / Monday Lunch hot meals.
(All explanations are on the form: or first read the BACS page.)
(You send us NO personal bank details whatever.)
You will receive your personal code as an emailed individual reference (eg 00/14 Smith.M).
You refer to this code with the specified part of your name, on arranging your own bank credit transfer (usually by a phone call).
or alternative 2) Cheque.
Print & fill-in the cheque payment form below: post it with your cheque.

Early BITE Payment - up to 17th April is by:
alternative 1) Bank transfer.
YOU do this yourself in a few days time. First CLICK for your - BITE BACS payment form
The form incorporates menus. This allows food choices if intending to be at Friday Eve / Monday Lunch hot meals.
(All explanations are on the form: or first read the BACS page.)
(You send us NO personal bank details whatever.)
You will receive your personal code as an emailed individual reference (eg 00/14 Smith.M).
You refer to this code with the specified part of your name, on arranging your own bank credit transfer (usually by a phone call).
alternative 2) Cheque.
Print & fill-in the cheque payment form below: post it with your cheque.

Why forms used for bank transfer seem somewhat odd on download; & as you fill-in.
The forms thanks to feedback will be improved in an ongoing way. Please report IF you CANNOT OPEN a form.
They may presently seem strange to fill-in, but will hopefully be effective. Constructive suggestion appreciated.
This payment method - an innovation - results in different appearance of the forms on various devices.

To explain further for those perhaps interested - Preparation uses "open" software (Open Office) on a MacBook.
Web-browsers used for this website are "Chrome" & "Safari". A majority of forms are likely to be opened in "Internet Explorer" on
a PC, so conversion into a Microsoft Word 97/2000/XP (.doc) format is presently on trial.
Suggestions of any alternative allowing the form to be readily filled in on a large Android handset would be appreciated,
as would reports of effectiveness of the forms on iPhone and iPad.

"Early Bird" cheque-payment details.
a. Download, print, complete by writing on : CLICK on - The cheque payment BOOKING FORM.
This also incorporates menus: allowing you to add your choices at Friday and Monday's prepaid hot meals:
together with names of all who are included in your prepayment booking.
Make your cheque payable for the "total" to: Great Alne Folk Festival.
b. For confirmation of receipt, please include your clearly legible telephone number and email address.

c. Post cheque and forms before 1/4/14 to: "Early Bird"
204 Weoley Park Road,
Selly Oak,
Birmingham
B29 5HD.

(Please note: In the event of unforseen circumstances, these "Early Bird" payments are not normally refundable.
However, the organising committee are generally prepared, if contacted beforehand, to transfer to another
named person; or to carry over the payment to another year.)
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Early Bird Season Ticket etc Payment Alternatives - by:
alternative 1) Bank transfer.
YOU do this yourself in a few days time. First CLICK for your - BACS payment form
The form incorporates menus. This allows food choices if intending to be at Friday Eve / Monday Lunch hot meals.
(All explanations are on the form: or first read the BACS page.)
alternative 2) Cheque.
Print & fill-in the cheque payment form below: post it with your cheque.

Snap-up a prepaid deal here -
Only if you intend to be Coming for a PART of the Long Weekend.
Discounts here for Early booking of Friday (or part of) / its meal:
or/& here Early booking of Monday / its meal:
or/& also here discount Early booking of Daytime on Saturday:
or/& also here discount Early booking of Daytime on Sunday.

click for Early Bite cheque payment form to complete.
- [ NB. best deal for ALL of the Long Weekend is via Early Bird ] -

A slightly gentler, yet active day. Monday 28th April.
Meet, join and get to know our fellow dancers from Holland. If you're available, please share & enjoy this day out -
It would be good to see more joining our smaller group of dancers and walkers
Here is our "Early Bite" page to book a discounted Monday daytime and meal.

Programme click here for mobile handset / to open in this tab - eg to print at home - else view below -

Sunday: Enjoy fun: also quality in daytime workshops & Evening Dances.
Click under for Fullscreen view. mag-it bottom left. Working Programme Edition. 2 pages Ham Radio contacts today ! tbc See below.
K indicates that food is available ONLY from the Kitchen Door. Eating times to obtain food today, shown in green. This prevents any need to queue or wait.

Saturday 26th April cLICK - HERE - 2 pages: PROGRAMME for mobile phone or to home PRINT
or just VIEW BELOW: p1) Sat morning items and early afternoon p2) Late Afternoon & Evening Programme

TO COME INTO USE VERY SOON - PROBABLY TOMORROW

"Early Bird" details.
1. Download, print, complete this BOOKING FORM which also incorporates menus: allowing you to add choices at Friday and Monday's prepaid hot meals, together with names of all who are included in your prepayment booking.
Make your cheque payable for the "total" to: Great Alne Folk Festival.
2. For confirmation of receipt, please include your clearly legible telephone number and email address.

post to: "Early Bird"
204 Weoley Park Road,
Selly Oak,
Birmingham
B29 5HD.

(Please note: In the event of unforseen circumstances, these "Early Bird" payments are not normally refundable.
However, the organising committee are generally prepared, if contacted beforehand, to transfer to another
named person; or to carry over the payment to another year.)
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A slightly gentler active day. Music, dancing - more. 2013.Monday page.
Previously, rather few of many able to share & truly enjoy this day out have done so -
It would be good to see more taking part on MONDAY 29th April in 2013
Programme click here to open in this tab - eg to print at home - or view below -

cLICK -View the ladies demonstrate their unusual fishing-net-repair dance on "you tube"

We offer a very special welcome to Dansgroep Oostzaan.
A baker's dozen of dancers from North Holland Province in the Netherlands.
- in costume, they will share much traditional (& more recent) Dutch repertoire with us.
cLICK - View the ladies demonstrate their unusual fishing-net-repair dance on "you tube"

cLICK - View the group displaying with traditional dances from the Netherlands.
Join us at Great Alne, to share these - many more dances: and a lot else next April.

The Hall is at the "black eye" not at the "point" of the pin shown here.
Opposite it in Henley Rd is the distinctive Old Station House.
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If you wish; here - Book - a room at Alcester Travelodge Sun £25 overnight, if booked in Jan. -

To see what took place last time - (details of April 2013's event) - cLICK on each -day ABOVE FOR ITS PROGRAMME -

cLICK here on 2013,Saturday etc for now, as a guide to timetabling of the 2014 event next April.

(The What we do page is also useful.)

C 2013 Nicola -

Catching the ribbons in the wind .......

Harmonising with Part Song

cLICK on Balkanplus
Visiting Balkanplus; you are sure to meet with Brian Dowsett who brought our lovely Balkan dances of 2012.
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cLICK on Dance around the World

Inneke will be teaching us some dances of the Dansgroep Oostzaan.
on Friday afternoon

We look forward to making a very special welcome in 2014 for Dansgroep Oostzaan.
- A dozen Dutch dancers from countryside in the Netherlands just North of Amsterdam
- in costume, they will share much traditional (& more recent) Dutch repertoire with us.
cLICK - View the ladies demonstrate an unusually interesting dance on "you tube".
Join us to share this and to dance much more in 2014.

These 2013 details give you presently some guide as to how the 2014 event will be arranged.
(The What we do page is also useful.)
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Detailed Apr 2013 programme: Dance/Song/Activities: click above to view each day.

Some Ideas to Explore -   cLICK onto WEBSITE LINKS as shown BELOW
Should any of these suggested sites for any reason NOT fulfil for YOU what is written "on the can", please contact us back !

To find out more about - International Dancing - throughout the UK -
cLICK on  Society for International Folk Dancing

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)
cLICK on   Are 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 -
cLICK on  Friday Folk

In Birmingham UK. Join in lively Scottish Country Dancing.
B'ham branch term-time Beginners’ class, Tuesdays. Selly Oak Methodist Church, Langleys Rd, B29 6HT
In Term-time the dancers divide -7.45 to 9pm into -
A Beginners Class: and -
An Advanced Class all joining from 9 - 9.45pm in Scottish Social Dancing -

And look out for the occasional special Scottish Ceilidhs !

Those who have been at the Long Weekend may particularly recognise further welcoming faces -
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 (and throughout UK too).
NB. At Scottish "social dances", the method is to helpfully go over each dance with a quick walkthrough first.
cLICK on Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Birmingham

Whilst updating just above, this formatting failure occurred also to 14 links then following on the page.
All the links still work!
A respectable appearance is once more being gradually added as the detail is reinstated both above & below...

At University of Warwick Folk, Coventry. One of the best - a slick Rapper Team - at festivals -
And around the Midlands. Here are some of tomorrow's most lively folk enthusiasts in action today.
They also market a good Ceilidh Band. Make contact if interested via website.
Regular Ceilidhs. Great for the youthful and exuberant. 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".
cLICK on   Folk Camps

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

For - Family Tree - details.
cLICK  to Have Your own Family Tree DRAWN and printed out, onto a large roll, for DISPLAY.

Great Alne - Village Histories.
A potted historical account - cLICK for  Potted History of Great Alne in Warwickshire
cLICK for  History (via Parish Council) of the main buildings of Great Alne in Warwickshire

Excellent historical detail especially of the church - centrally in the older part of the village.
cLICK for  History (via Wiki) of Great Alne in Warwickshire

Superb old photographic record of Great Alne Station (Station House opposite the Memorial Hall)
- And the Alcester Branch line's history.
cLICK for  History of Great Alne Ststion and the Bearley to Alcester line.

The Memorial Hall  - used by our Long Weekend for almost 30 years - we've needed to adapt to many "improvements".
(Many changes have affected our use during the Great Alne Long Weekend: some in rather disappointing ways.)
Under "News" there, see how and why the high raftered interior of the roof was "modernised".
See other regulars whose venue is the Memorial Hall, and the various uses for its present facilities.
Should YOU wish to hire for its many modern features, details of how to download a booking form etc.
cLICK on  Villages of Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial Hall

Mick Smith Radio.
Began as a Leicestershire BBC local Radio Country Music Station - surviving closure by going on line. Weekly 2hr show of Well presented Country Music. Deservedly now enjoyed worldwide. No ads ! (Some Midland Folk Club Dates).
Show usually 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 an extensive Country Show-music archive.
cLICK on Mick Smith Radio
A monthly 2hr Folk Show is also now available, with its own Folk Show-music archive.

In London UK, for those wishing to try out, or to begin International Dancing. A small, lively group -
Friday Feet particularly welcomes newcomers. At Cecil Sharp House (nearest tube Camden Town).
Anne Leach our vivaceous main 2011 International Dance teacher frequently shows these dances.
Just arrive to take part on most Friday Evenings. No need to bring along a partner -
cLICK on Friday Feet

In Alcester UK. "American style" Contra Dancing. Great if you take a partner, but not a requirement. 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 -
cLICK on Alcester Contras

For Family Tree details.
cLICK to Have Your own Family Tree DRAWN and printed out, onto a large roll, for DISPLAY

Great Alne Village History.
cLICK for Early History of Great Alne in Warwickshire

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. Contra Dances. Few Ceilidh dances.
cLICK on Set and Turn Single

In London UK, for those wishing to try out, or to begin International Dancing.
A small, lively group - Friday Feet is particularly to welcome newcomers.
At Cecil Sharp House (tube: Camden Town).
Anne Leach our vivaceous International Dance teacher in 2011 & '12 frequently shows these dances.
Just arrive to take part on most Friday Evenings except August, 7.30 - 9pm. No need to bring a partner.
cLICK on Friday Feet

In Alcester UK. "American style" Contra Dancing. Great if you take a partner, but not a requirement. 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 -
cLICK on Alcester Contras

A range of ... Dancing Opportunities - Then Other Ideas to Explore:
cLICK onto .......... LINKS we recommend from our Website where shown in blue BELOW

Should any of these suggested sites for any reason NOT fulfil for YOU what is written "on the can", please contact us back !

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)
cLICK on Are 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

As well as the above, there will be a full programme featuring favourite items.
If you've missed out on this unique event in previous year, do join us NEXT April.

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Welcome to the white and raftered Memorial Hall of this beautiful English Warwickshire village.
We're ALL learners at some activity!Many are experienced in dance/music.We have skills to share.

This w/end, Join in ! come along ! Participate in a wonderful series of folk events !
We ask though please, that you make at least a small, apt financial contribution !
Fri Eve, Sat & Sunday - wonderful for visitors sampling, as well as for those staying.
Monday - Summarising workshops, served lunch - Oversley Wood walk - A special day.

Countryside & surroundings of Great Alne village here in the UK are delightful. Come out - explore :
Especially lovely in Spring. See how delightful the area is - try some of the suggested WALKS -
SAMPLE over the Long Weekend - varied dancing, music, song, handbells, walking, cycling & more.
Ideas of where to stay when you visit: on the Accomodation page.
Map: route directions (with a selection of interesting local walks) - on the MAP - etc page.
NB. Our Caterering lets you enjoy all this without need to prepare sandwiches, or cook at home.

Much goes-on over this April long w/e. Drop by at ANY time!
Want to come ? Wish to know of something on the Programme?
Over the Long Weekend - try a text to 07725 895 705.

Poor signal at the Hall, but will endeavour to respond.
Pre-booking you do not need !

This COMING weekend. It's our 30th anniversary event.
OK - Spring is late - Cool ! Visit & enjoy what there is at Gt Alne.
Karin Bellaart from The Netherlands - is our main teacher of International Dances.
KARIN's REPERTOIRE from which her dances will be selected, you may view it here.

Karin Bellaart from The Netherlands - was our main 2013 teacher of International Dances.
KARIN's REPERTOIRE from which her dances were selected, you may view it here.

Evening Dance or Day visits welcomed: Great Alne Long Weekend: Our site's Home page. Contact us -here. Do refresh any page tab of your own, as you check for latest information. Look what WE are doing on these sunny bright mornings this weekend & join us.

Another - Friday: Anniversary Year Innovation -
The walk - International Session - then - Our sit-down Roast Meal. - NB You MUST -
- and it's only for this - PREPAY to BOOK YOUR PLACE. Essential £6 beforehand please, to take part.
Also book to share with us this lovely meal prior to Geoff Cubitt's American Evening.
If paying by "Early Bird" (or by "Later Bird") meal payment details are on that page.
Otherwise your form is here to click !

Evening Dance or Day visits welcomed: Great Alne Long Weekend: Our site's Home page. Contact us -here.
Do refresh any page tab of your own, if checking for latest information: and to print off current payment forms.

Hi - JUST until the 25th, you can be an "Later Bird" ? or be a Drop-by casual visitor this coming weekend ?
Still quite a bargain "Later Bird" SeasonTkt for ALL of Gt Alne Long Weekend - details below -
BIRD Booking form here NOW - view form - later choose icon (some variation according to your web browser) to print/magnify.
for Postal address scroll below.
For Early Bird or Later Bird payers, a Friday meal payment option is NOW ON THAT FORM.
Don't miss your discount price.
(This form here allows you separately to pay for Friday's meal if not requiring a season ticket.)
(We hope next years payment method may be similar to that introduced for Eastbourne Folk Festival payments this year)
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OR - if visiting, you're equally WELCOME to come to any part of this long weekend of folk dance, music & song.
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"Early Bird" payment EXTENSION details.
1. Download, print and complete these booking form/s with names of all to be included in your payment.
(To magnify what you see: or to print your copy of the forms - select icons - which here vary according to your web browser.)
Make your cheque payable for the "total" to: Great Alne Folk Festival.
2. For confirmation of receipt, please include your clearly legible telephone number and email address.

post to: "Later Bird"
204 Weoley Park Road,
Selly Oak,
Birmingham
B29 5HD.

(Please note: In the event of unforseen circumstances, this "E or L Bird" payment is not normally refundable.
However, the organising committee are generally prepared to transfer to another named person; or to carry over payment to another year.)
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Do you now wish to be a "Later Bird" before April 25th? or a Drop-by casual visitor during this weekend?
Extended Bargain "Early Bird" SeasonTkt to ALL of Gt Alne Long Weekend (see below: forms ARE HERE).

(Or if visiting, you are equally WELCOME at any part of this long weekend of folk dance, music & song.)
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The bargain "Early Bird" SeasonTkt has its extended PAYMENT DEADLINE to 22nd April !
(Since some got our publicity only now. FORM AND DETAILS ABOVE, for extended offer.)
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To view the detailed programme of dance and activities, click to view each day.

The bargain "Early Bird" SeasonTkt has its extended PAYMENT DEADLINE to 22nd April !
(Since some of our publicity has not reached everyone, we extend the offer.)
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(If you wish, & are early; here - Book - a room at Alcester Travelodge Sun at £21 per night.)

Above is the W/E's Saturday programme -
1) TO VIEW ABOVE (Occasionally this facility appears after some delay,
or it may not work properly on your device on line,
if so please download instead, clicking here.

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Visitors: Molly is wild fun for all, Edmund leads the action in full regalia, accompanied by live music.
A lively rainbow branch of Morris dance. From 1.20pm Sunday. Great to drop into; easy to share in the fun.
Equally interesting for an interest visit is the Maypole dancing before this, and the Handbells afterwards.
Any visitor - especially with interested young children, is likely especially to find joy taking part in these.
Watch your kids enjoy; YOU have a try too ! And eat‐out with us, should you wish !
Based in Cambridge, Edmund Croft dances with Gog Magog Molly. View them at their website 1 & website 2.

Monday's leisurely hour - set aside to sit at tables, usually inside the Memorial Hall.
We enjoy a delicious choice of meal.

Saturday 27th PROGRAMME here - the last weekend in April -
Please remember that the Dance Teachers and many others give freely of their time.
Or click on Fullscreen just below here, to view.
(At the Bottom Left is the icon to magnify your view.) (Problem seeing this? See below.)

James Hobro - It is wonderful to have our originator of part song back gain after several years.
Beginners through to sight-reading singers are welcomed at his excellent leading of Part Song during Saturday.
After your friendly participation: you may share a short performance of the 2-3 songs you've harmonised together (usually in 4 parts).
Should you wish the group to sing your own favourite material, Please now email your precise request details.
here - link to email James.
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There is again some Scandinavian Dancing at Great Alne -
Here are fliers addressed especially to other Scandi dancers.

There is always at Great Alne, several dancers who delight in Scottish Dance.
In 2012, we were privileged to have a Nicola Scott Scottish Evening.
Unfortunately, a Birmingham RSCDS event frequently coincides with our Saturday evening.
However, here are fliers addressed especially to Scottish dancers.
We hope some who enjoy Scottish may sample other types of Dance,
and enjoy Nicola's early Monday workshop.

These 2012 details give you presently some guide as to how the 2013 event will be arranged.
(The What we do page is also useful.)
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Discover what took place - View details of our April 2012 event cLICK on PROGRAMME - (In two parts)

Hi - JUST FOR THIS MONTH, you can be an "Early Bird" ? or a Drop-by casual visitor at the end of April ?
A bargain "Early Bird" SeasonTkt for ALL of Gt Alne Long Weekend (details below: form HERE).

Or if visiting, you are equally WELCOME to come to any part of this long weekend of folk dance, music & song.
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Do you wish to be an "Early Bird" ? or a drop-by casual visitor at the end of April ?
A bargain "Early Bird" SeasonTkt for ALL of Gt Alne Long Weekend (details below: form HERE).

Or if visiting, you are equally WELCOME to come to any part of this long weekend of folk dance, music & song.

You're asked just one price to partake in any whole series of daytime workshops.
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With a philosophy of sharing & dance exchange, we keep our Prices close to those of previous years.
We wish our pricing structure to encourage participation by the younger "folk generations".
We ask an "on the door" increase from £10 (since 2008) to £12 for an entire daytime price,
and directly consequential increases.

We hope next year to provide a small bonus to show appreciation to all who have bought any 2012 Season Ticket.
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.
A bargain "Early Bird" SeasonTkt for ALL of Gt Alne Long Weekend (details below: form HERE).

Or if visiting, you are equally WELCOME to come to any part of this long weekend of folk dance, music & song.

You're asked just one price to partake in any whole series of daytime workshops.

Similarly for an evening. All one price. Workshop before music start-up, through a whole evening's varied dancing.

We hope thus, you will try many kinds of dance. (Do things you've not done before?) Perhaps try making music too.

You may instead drop by even for just one daytime session. (Enjoy some delicious food too.) If you do this, then:

Please come-inside & sign-in. Just make a fair small contribution to our cost of hall hire.
*****************************************************************************************************************************
With a philosophy of sharing & dance exchange, we keep our Prices close to those of previous years.
We wish our pricing structure to encourage participation by the younger "folk generations".
We ask an "on the door" increase from £10 (since 2008) to £12 for an entire daytime price.

2012 Gt Alne Long Weekend began on the Friday Evening with Music/Dance in the Memorial Hall.
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Karin's bright, lively manner is hard to improve on.
We look forward to Karin's visit, bringing another delightful dance selection.

Our self Caterering.
A range of hot food, (+ vegetarian choices), soups, sandwiches/yummy cakes to be available - lunch & evening.
Here soon a few more details of general menu choices Plenty of choice will be available.

Our self Caterering

A range of hot food, (+ a vegetarian choice), soups, sandwiches/yummy cakes to be available - lunch & evening.
You'll soon have more details of general menu choices and a programme.

Last years (unexpected & last-minute) self-catering was in general liked, and approved of.
We will therefore repeat a similar arrangement this year.
We are shortly to announce details of Friday early Evening's more special meal.
Monday is again to feature tables-out in the Hall. Quite small Mon numbers, mean we will not invite outside caterers.

The proprietors of Lakes Bistro, Alcester High St; had catered at Great Alne Long Weekend for 4 years.
We wish Amanda well in recovery from her problems with high blood pressure & diabetes.

Our Superb Caterers!
The proprietors of Lakes Bistro, Alcester High St; have catered at Great Alne Long Weekend for 4 years.
We wish Amanda well in recovery from her problems with high blood pressure & diabetes.

A range of hot food, (+ a vegetarian choice), soups, sandwiches/yummy cakes still available for lunch & evening.
You'll find details of general menu choices in green on the programme page for each day.

Our bargain "Early Bird Season Tkt."for ALL of Gt Alne Long Weekend will be -
AVAILABLE LATER IN 2012 FOR THE 2013 EVENT !
Don't forget to keep an eye on this website !
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[You'll instead be equally WELCOME to drop by for any PART
of the long weekend of folk dance, music & song in 2013.]

[You're then asked one price to take part in a whole series of daytime workshops.]

[Similarly for an evening. All one price. Workshop before music start-up, through an evening's varied dancing.]

We hope thus that you will try out several kinds of dance. ( Do things you've not done before! )
Perhaps try making music too?
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Pfor Great Alne Long Weekend will be similar to those of 2010 (and 2009) -

You are welcome to come along for all, or any part of this long weekend of folk dance, music & song.

You pay one price to allow you to partake in the whole series of daytime workshops.

Similarly in the evenings, there's one price for the music start-up, plus a whole evening's varied dancing.

By pricing thus, we hope you try-out several forms of dance: (something you've not done before?) And perhaps try playing some music too.

You may drop by even for just one session (and enjoy some delicious food too). If you do come, then:

Please also sign-in and volunteer at least a small contribution towards our costs of hall hire.
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Note: YOUR responsibility is for YOUR SAFETY if dancing, walking, cycling etc.
Parental responsibility is for safe, sensible behaviour of YOUR children.

Personal items in the hall. Leave in view in front of the stage, else at the very back of the stage.
Please NOT at the hall sides. A danger for dancers !
Sides of this hall are NOT a safe place for personal items, or to set-up chairs.

Please take back any chair you've used as you get up to leave it.

Do NOT let your bag or chair become an obstacle causing a dancer to FALL!
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Join dance, music, song & more. Share a joyful, active Spring break !
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Much goes-on each April in this English Warwickshire Village Memorial Hall.
Drop by ! Be welcomed at ANY time !
Pre-booking you do not need !
BUT you WILL again be able to: GET A BARGAIN -
with our "Early Bird" Season Ticket offer.
"Early Bird" (details on this site) from December to the end of March for the April 2013 Anniversary Event.

What happens at Great Alne each year?

The extended weekend explores varied traditional folk activities & dance from around the world.

Dance patterns in 2013 hopefully through daisies around the Maypole.
Join to play music, share Song, ring handbells & more.
You can sample a whole range of different kinds of dancing here.
Always with some General International Dancing -
Last April, we also enjoyed the lively rhythms of Balkan Dances Cajun, Scottish -
Then there was French with Pete Grassby with an extra session of Set Bourées -
Not to mention the fun of Border Morris or undoing those patterns plaited around the Maypole.
Join to play music, share Song, ring handbells & more.

Welcome to the white and raftered hall in this beautiful English Warwickshire village.
We're ALL learners at some activity: Many are experienced in dance/music: We have skills to share.

Participate with us in the dancing, music & song.

Evening Dance or Day visits welcomed: Great Alne Long Weekend Here: our website Home page.
A SUPERB APRIL WEEKEND we enjoyed in 2012. Finding little Spring sunshine: LOTS more dancing INSIDE was shared:
- FULFILMENT for those who dropped by for a visit: and for ALL who came to enjoy the long weekend with us !
In two parts - View what were our cLICK PROGRAMME details:

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If you have never visited before -
The Long Weekend Programme at Great Alne has many similarities from year to year -
Discover what took place in April 2011. View the Last Event p1 and Last Event p2 pages above.
So cLICK on these yet awhile during 2012, to see LAST April's day and evening programme details.
These 2011 details give you presently the best guide as to how the 2012 event will be arranged.
(The What we do page is also useful.)
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PROGRAMME - This was the second half of the working programme (and more details for April 10th 2011)

Prices 2012 (Provisional.)
(Fri eve is included this year)

Any Full Daytime to 5pm -
Sat 24th Sun 25th or Mon 26th

Any Full Evening (Fri, Sat or Sun)

Full Season Ticket over the weekend.
(Friday evening through to Mon afternoon)
(Price same as last year - now ALSO includes the Friday night.)

"Early Bird" Season Tkt. paid by 31st March
(Pay by cheque. Form HERE. Names for list, email & telephone contact for confirmation.)
For EACH site overnight please add this- (Whether in Caravan, Campervan etc.
Per person for each night of any on-site stay at the hall.)

Adult

£10

£8

£40

£35

£2 per night

any number of 10-16 yr olds
with 2 adults.

£25

£20

£85

£77

£4 per night

any number of
10-16 yr olds
with 1 adult.

£15

£12

£45

£42

£2 per night

Student / or Unwaged

£7

£5

£35

£23

£1 per night

Monday 30th April 2012 PLAN IT - AND LOOK AHEAD NOW - Take a break.

Why this working Monday in April?

   1) Specialist dancing for YOU!

   2) Space to enjoy the Hall.

   3) Waitress served -
Delicious lunch.YOUR choices.
And lots of time to chat too.

   4) Even if, as in 2010 & 2111, bluebells are before their best during our event, nonetheless
Oversley Wood - our final walk
- unforgettable & enchanting.
A "carpet of white" with Its spectacular wood anemonies.
These were outstandingly beautiful in the late springtime of 2010.
A most lovely bluebell and more wildflower show to look forward to inext April too -

The primroses, orchids and cowslips are there too ! Altogether a Spring experience not to miss.
===================================================================================

Bus 26 from Stratford. NOT on Sundays. NO BUS SERVICES at latest, after about 7pm.
Check internet details. Click on Bus 26 from (& to) Stratford timetable. An extra few OK 26 buses take other routes.
Bus 26 from Redditch (to Stratford) approaching Great Alne via Alcester.
You should get offered a lift back after the Long Weekend.
However, here is the daily service timetable from near the hall to return to Stratford.
Bus 26 departing. Click on Great Alne for Stratford - daily timetable.
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Our pre-Mayday Maypole. Come to tangle with this ace highlight for visitors & kids on Sat & Sun.
Paul has enabled this. He brings along his Maypole for installation on the green.
Sadly, infilling of the architecturally unique high hall roof leaves us now dependent on dry weather for THIS lovely activity (only).

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Handbells. Join to play tunes in the afternoons. Memorable & most popular. With visitors & kids too.
Happening on Sat & Son and on the more gentle Monday afternoon.
Paul instigated this many years ago, bringing along the lovely set of handbells which he skilfully restored.
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Workshops - definite: (Them wot you'll 'av) - Border Morris : International Dances : Balkan Dance : Scottish Dancing : Kentucky Running Set : Bourée, but in a set : The Maypole : Music to take part in playing : Part Song : Handbell Ringing : Walks : Sunday Cycle Ride : * :
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Workshops likely : (Them wot you'll prob'ly 'av an'all) - Cajun : Clog : French style Couple Dancing : Ham Radio : A look at Family Trees : * :

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Our Border Morris is fun for all, Richard leads the action in full regalia, accompanied on accordion by Flis.

This action - near the middle of the day on Sat & Sun is great to drop into, and easy to share.

Any visitor - especially with interested young children, is likely especially to find joy taking part in this..
Watch your kids enjoy; YOU have a try too ! Then eat‐out with us, sharing a healthy varied menu !
A visit from a complete(ly nutty) Border Morris Side is anticipated in 2012.

All Blacked‐up. A great highlight especially for visitors on Saturday and on Sunday.

Our Border Morris is fun for all, Richard leads the action in full regalia, accompanied on accordion by Flis.

This action - near the middle of the day, is great to drop into, and to share with easy participation.

Any visitor - especially with interested young children, is likely especially to find joy taking part in this..
Watch your kids enjoy; YOU have a try too ! Then eat‐out with us, sharing a healthy varied menu !
A visit from a complete(ly nutty) Border Morris Side is anticipated in 2012.
Blacking‐up with burnt cork is a characteristic, striking & longstanding tradition of Border Morris.
(As is its accompanied playful mischief‐making.) Do come along. Participate in the fun!

Julian Stanley will, we trust in 2012, again take us through more Fixed-pattern French Set Bourées.
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Social dancing
There will be social dancing on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings in 2012. Bonus late dances too! Hot drinks are included in the entertainment breaks!
To find out full details, click the Last Event p1or the Last Event p2pages.

Workshops
Workshops in dance, music, song & much more throughout the day on Sat, Sun, & Monday:
- to find out more, have a look at the Last Event p1or Last Event p2pages for the draft Programme.

The different kinds of workshop, right through the daytimes, have variety from year to year.

At popular times, parallel workshops take place while there is dancing in the hall.
You'll find the song group and handbells outside when we're lucky enough to have sunny weather!

Monday in 2010. Workshops, served lunch & walk times 2010.
For interest, LAST year's Monday PROGRAMME - cLICK BELOW on -"Fullscreen" to view it clearly.

Great Alne is VERY SOON Saturday 9th April to Monday 11th April. Information Poster above.
More news snips below… This poster, you may kindly print and use to let others know about the Long Weekend.
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Many thanks if you can print and distribute this, or/& the 2 programme sides (Sat & Sun/Mon) to help our publicity!

PROGRAMME - The working programme here is the final version. (Refresh page.)
For your own copy, click on - "Download File" right below it.
This collects the document to your own computer. You may then print this programme.

No pre-booking is required, you may gladly turn-up at ANY time.
Join in ! come in ! sign in - And please make an apt financial contribution !
Saturday & Sunday - wonderful for visitors sampling, as well as for those staying.
Monday - Summarising workshops, served lunch - Oversley Wood walk - A special day.

Countryside & surroundings of Great Alne village here in the UK are delightful. Come out - explore :
SAMPLE WHAT WE DO - varied dancing, music, handbells, walking, cycling & more. See Activities.
Accommodation Ideas: on the Accom'n/Contact/Links page.
Map, route directions and an interesting selection of walks are on the map/walks page.
Our superb Caterers let you enjoy all this with no need to prepare sandwiches, or to cook at home.
An online menu may be displayed next year.

Great Alne Long Weekend
Programme details for each day are displayed. Do print a copy for yourself. Sat shows p1. Sun shows p2 (plus Monday's details).
Do help our publicity ! Please print, then pass programme around YOUR dance group to show what will take place.

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Linda Moon is unfortunately now unable to take part in the long weekend with us. (The programme has needed to be amended).
We do hope that Linda - a regular contributor for many years - will be back to dance Cajun and more with us next year.
Wishing you well, Linda.
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Wishing to bring a caravan ? Please ring 0121 777 3722. Leave YOUR name/tel if no immediate reply.

PROGRAMME - cLICK on -"Fullscreen" to view clearly. For YOUR own copy or to kindly help publicise please "Print".
Hoping that this working programme will need no more changes. Refresh if necessary.

Tai Chi with Yang, we HOPE we may look forward to enjoying.
Circumstances intervened to prevent us from sharing these last two years, her skills in this lovely ancient Chinese tradition.
Yang is one of the most capable: visually probably THE most stunning practitioner of Tai Chi Kung Fu Sword in the Midlands.
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We survived several very energetic dances from Orsolya Vegh in 2010. Based here in the Midlands, Orsi pronounced (Orshi), originally from Hungary, will share again some of her vibrant, mainly Moldavian/Hungarian dance repertoire.
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Linda Moon will we expect, again spend all of the long weekend with us.
Linda will present more of the many kinds of couple dance in which she specializes. Relax dancing them, and enjoy the mood.
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Do you wish to bring a caravan ? Please ring 0121 777 3722 soon. Leave YOUR name/tel if no immediate reply.

Social dancing
There will be social dancing on Friday, Saturday & Sunday evenings in 2011. Bonus late dances too! Hot drinks are included in the entertainment breaks!
To find out more, click the News page.

Workshops
Workshops in dance, music, song & much more throughout the day on Sat, Sun, & Monday:
- to find out more, have a look at the News page:
- following later will be a draft Programme.

The different kinds of workshop, right through the daytimes, have variety from year to year.

At popular times, parallel workshops take place while there is dancing in the hall.
You'll find the song group and handbells outside when we're lucky enough to have sunny weather!

See the News page for the latest about this April's (bit shorter) Long Weekend of Folk Activities

Monday's gentler active day began with music.

This is everything we did on the Saturday in April 2010 for the Great Alne Long Weekend.

The 2012 News page presently tells most about NEXT April's Long Weekend of Folk Activities

This April's Sat. programme - to be published here soon, will show a similar pattern.
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I want to express my gratitude, and here is a fairly suitable place for me to do this.

My sincere appreciation to you, the other two in our small team who have made the ideas, vision and effort that I have previously put into "Gt Alne" a continuing reality -
And both by your helpful progress, you have rather shamed this often rather slow, inefficiently directed and forgetful old guy.

Thank you Paul for your quietly effective manner, hospitality for your thorough meetings, the ideas you've followed through, and the approaches you have made.
My hat is well removed in acknowledgement !!

Nicola - Thank you so much .
You are always very busy and conscientious in organising elsewhere.
Despite this, you've sorted the finance - produced ace page transfers -
And the helpful design of those cracking little fliers is invaluable too.
You are such an efficient mover-along of what really needs to be done - a brilliant dynamic lady - and if I may say so -
a lovely dancer too!
Aé.

Monday's gentler active day begins with music & song.

Join us to share Sunday's varied activities. Got a bike??
All Blacked Up! BE THERE ! Enjoy Richard - contributing in his full regalia at 12.50. You may join-in without blacking-up!

Monday view workshops, served lunch & walk times.

The perfect opportunity for all to relax and enjoy the company of new found friends.
A leisurely hour set aside to sit at tables, usually inside the Memorial Hall.
We enjoy a delicious meal.
There's great choice costing less than you'd reckon from the quality.
What's more - we're waited-on - and then coffee too.....oo...!

If there was an aspect of any previous Long Weekend that you particularly enjoyed,
or if you wish to contribute activities or ideas, please send feedback or tell André, Paul or Nicola.
AND ESPECIALLY
If you've pictures or video of earlier years, please email to us.
It would be great to include more of these on the website!

Be reminded - Read on - Enjoy again .....

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It will be good in 2012, to hear much more of the musicianship of Olivia and Richard Hunt.
They intend to spend much more time contributing to the event.
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Below - 2009 memories: Great Alne Long-Weekend. Events have similarities from year to year.
(You may wish to view the 2nd of our old websites -cLICK here for our Working Programme of 2009 )
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Prices for Great Alne Long Weekend will be similar to those of 2010 (and 2009) -

You are welcome to come along for all, or any part of this long weekend of folk dance, music & song.

You pay one price to allow you to partake in the whole series of daytime workshops.

Similarly in the evenings, there's one price for the music start-up, plus a whole evening's varied dancing.

By pricing thus, we hope you try-out several forms of dance: (something you've not done before?) And perhaps try playing some music too.

You may drop by even for just one session (and enjoy some delicious food too). If you do come, then:

Please also sign-in and volunteer at least a small contribution towards our costs of hall hire.
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Saturday daytime workshops and Evening Dance.

This is everything we did during all of the Sunday in April 2010 for the Great Alne Long Weekend.
This year's programme - to be published here soon, will show a similar pattern.
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Sunday daytime workshops and Evening Dance.

Here, this is a DATA storage page in case of future use.

Prices 2011 (Provisional. Now requiring Friday evening deletion See instead 2010 prices below!)

2011 (Fri eve is included this year)    Adult a Family Group Student / Unemployed under 16


Any Full Day to 5pm         £10 £22 £7 £4
Sat 24th Sun 25th Mon 26th

Any Full Evening (Fri, Sat or Sun) £8 - £5 £4

Season Ticket
(Fri eve to Mon) £47 £90 £35    £17

Short Season Tkt
(Fri eve to Sun only) £37 £80 £28    £15

For every overnight please add this - £2 £4 £2 free
(Whether in Caravan, Campervan etc.
Per person for each night of any on-site stay at the hall.)

Opportunities for your active enjoyment on Saturday.
All Blacked Up! BE THERE ! Enjoy Richard. Contributing in full regalia at 11.45. You may join-in (without blacking-up!)

Click above on Saturday or Sunday or Monday for each day's programme. And for Prices also.

The News page for now, conveys most about this April. There will soon also be a draft Programme.

Gt. Alne Memorial Hall. An International Dance is explained by Nel from the Netherlands.

We are hoping that Adrian Pointon will return with a new selection of his Israeli Dances.
And we would also welcome Cindy Pointon again to lead Circle Dances.
We hope to hear much more of the playing of Olivia and Richard Hunt in 2011 - with Adrian joining in playing too.

===================================================================================================== Sunday. What's expected to take place in the Memorial Hall
We hope we may enjoy Tai Chi with Yang.

Some spacers -

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a Friday St. George's Evening Extravaganza at Great Alne Memorial Hall in aid of funds for the Hall itself.
(Details )

Great Alne Memorial Hall is behind the green, & opposite the Old Station House which is "Pinned" on the map below.

On + or - cLICK on the MAP.

To return to the top of THIS page - CLICK here This one can be copied - free of any link.

To receive by email updated information prior to this annual April event - please complete this:

cLICK here on 2013,Saturday etc for now, as a guide to timetabling of the 2014 event next April.

Harmonising with Part Song

Monday 30th April 2012 PLAN IT - AND LOOK AHEAD NOW - Take a break.

Great Alne Memorial Hall is behind the green, & opposite the Old Station House which is "Pinned" on the map below.