DIARY DATES
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1999
| Date |
Time |
Venue |
Location |
Guests (of) |
| 9 Jan 1999 |
10:00 to 16:00 |
Coventry |
City Precinct |
Coventry Morris Men |
| 30 Jan 1999 |
20:00 to 23:00 |
Burton on Trent |
Pub and Beer Festival |
Rapper Sword |
| 27 Feb 1999 |
12:00 to 15:00 |
Lullington (start) |
Four Counties Tour |
|
| 1 March 1999 |
20:00 to 23:00 |
Burton-on-Trent |
Devonshire Arms |
Rapper Sword |
| 27 March 1999 |
13:00 to 15:00 |
Alrewas |
About the Village |
Alrewas Arts |
| 27 March 1999 |
20:00 |
Lichfield |
The Guildhall |
Prego Ceilidh |
| 24 April 1999 |
Evening |
Burton-on-Trent |
Town Hall |
Mayors Concert (Clog) |
| 24,25 April 1999 |
11:00 to 16:00 |
Tamworth |
Around the Town |
Tamworth Folk Moot |
| 30 April to 3 May 1999 |
All Weekend |
Upton-on-Severn |
Around the Town |
Riverside Folk Festival |
| 9 May 1999 |
12:00 to 14:00 |
Alrewas |
William IV Pub |
|
| 15 May 1999 |
Lunchtime |
Lichfield |
College |
College Open Day |
| 16 May 1999 |
10:00 to 16:00 |
Etwall |
About the Village |
Well Dressing |
| 1 June 1999 |
20:00 to 22:30 |
Burton-upon-Trent |
Around the Area |
Aussie team |
| 5 June 1999 |
All Day |
Shrewsbury |
Around the Town |
Shrewsbury Morris |
| 19 June 1999 |
All Day |
Lichfield |
Around the Town |
Lichfield Folk Festival |
| 10 July 1999 |
All Day |
Lichfield |
Around the City |
Medieval Market |
| 11 July 1999 |
12:00 to 14:00 |
Alrewas |
Wychnor Hall |
Dance out |
| 18 July 1999 |
12:00 to 14:30 |
Long Lane |
The 3 Horseshoes |
Dance out |
| 4 Sept 1999 |
13:30 to 15:30 |
Dalbury - Lees |
The Village Green |
Fete |
| 10,11,12 Sept 1999 |
All Weekend |
York |
Around the City |
Day of Dance |
| 25 Sept 1999 |
12:00 to 14:00 |
Burton-upon-Trent |
Town Hall |
Beer Festival |
| 26 Sept 1999 |
11:30 to 16:00 |
Burton-upon-Trent |
Bass Museum |
Heavy Horse Day |
| 26 Nov 1999 |
18:30 to 21:00 |
Tutbury |
X-Mas Fayre |
Chamber of Commerce |
| 18 Dec 1999 |
19:30 to 20:00 |
Lichfield |
Guildhall |
Old Rope String Band |
Rabble Diary 1999
9 Jan 1999 - Coventry City Centre
The first outing of 1999 was as guests of Coventry Morris Men on their 49th Annual Sword Tour.
Despite being provided with a map, the meeting venue was not particularly straight forward to
find and three of the Rabble only just made it in time for the warm-up prior to entering the
City Centre.
Three spots were performed before the traditional mid-morning refreshment break with the
two sides doing turns about with a mix of Morris and Rapper/Longsword with the Rabble adding
some clogging.
A Coventry tradition is to dance between the spots (it's more of a jog really with brief pauses
for sticking) and several of the Rabble accepted the invitation to join in. This proved a good
way to keep warm in the bright but cold day.
Following two more spots, a welcome lunchbreak was held at the Flanker and Firkin where everbody
was well fed courtesy of the Coventry Morris bag.
Following a couple of sword spots in the pub, the tour moved on to the Lady Godiva statue and
then back to near the starting point in the lower precint for a finale.
Despite the low temperature, a generous Coventry crowd were always keen to watch and willing
to put a few coins in the bag and apart from one thrown tomato (it really wasn't that bad !)
everybody had a very good day out. You wouldn't believe how difficult it was to find a virgin
in Coventry city centre when required to revive a stunned musician (Stephanie was the nearest
they could get on one occassion !)
Thanks to the Coventry Morris Men for an excellent start to the 1999 season.
Pictures
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31 Jan 1999 - Burton Pub and Beer Festival Tour
By a happy coincident ? the Burton-on-Trent winter beer festival co-incided with the Rabble Burton
sword tour.
For this event we were joined by Stone Monkey, a sword side from Long Eaton, and three quarters
of Cross o'th Hands who provided their music (the fourth quarter was dancing).
An 8 p.m. start at the Cooper's Tavern, where each side performed a few dances in the rather
compact lounge area, was followed by a similar spot at the Roebuck, which happened to be on the
way to the Town Hall and a bit more crowded. Just to make thing interesting a pint seemed to have
found it's way onto the dance area but fortunately there were no casualties.
We were due to perform in the interval at the Beer Festival and quite unusually for this type of
event everything was running to time, even our arrival !
It was free entry and loaned glasses all round, so it took a little effort to assemble the teams
for dancing with all that beer around, this time generally not on the floor.
However, despite terrible acoustics (the music just seemed to disappear) the turns went down very
well with a large crowd assembling for each dance and applauding enthusiatically.
Particularly well recieved was the Stone Monkey's sword dance where one of the team performs a
somersault.
After the interval, we made our excuses and were told on the way out that we had gone down better
than the band.
Returning to the Cooper's Tavern, we were provided with a welcome buffet, courtesy of the landlord,
and although people drifted away from then onwards, there was still time for a session and more
dancing before the evening came to an end.
Pictures
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27 Feb 1999 - Four Counties Border Tour
To brighten up those dreary February days it was decided (by Nigel) that the Border side should
attempt to dance in four different counties in a single afternoon. This was perhaps inspired by
the geography of Lichfield which is not that far away from the intersection of several county
borders.
The event was scheduled for 27 February 1999 and despite careful planning, as the
posters were being distributed it was pointed out by one landlord that his pub wasn't actually
in Leicestershire as advertised ! A quick re-schedule and on-the-fly poster artwork (a biro) and
the tour was back on track.
Front page headlines in the Lichfield Mercury failed to draw the
crowds for the 12:15 p.m. start at the Colvile Arms in Lullington, Derbyshire (we did wonder if
the one lady was a dancers mum).
The second pub, the Green Man in Clifton Campville,
Staffordshire was a bit better supported with a good half dozen spectators enjoying
the 1:00 p.m. spectacular. Also at this location we were joined by a photographer from a local
paper who took quite a few pictures. It was perhaps a good job that the dancing interupted her
otherwise the rest of the afternoon could well have turned in to a mammoth photo shoot (perhaps
she didn't have any other assignments).
The next county was Leicestershire and the Black
Horse pub in Appleby Magna for 1:45 p.m. Despite a good number of regulars inside, very few
braved the elements to watch the dancing out in the car park.
The last county was
Warwickshire and the Bird in Hand pub in Austrey for dancing at 2:30 p.m. The weather, which had
been dry but breezy up to this point, finally broke and we were treated to a rain and hail storm
during the second dance. Fortunately it was over quickly and the small crowd wasn't put off
(it was however true that they all managed to shelter in the pub doorway during the shower).
Despite a few words between the drummer and dancers which resulted in an "interesting" finish
to the last dance, the tour was completed without incident.
A late lunch in the final pub
rounded off a very enjoyable tour and afternoon out.
The pictures that accompany this
report are a visual testimony to this record breaking event.
Pictures
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1 Mar 1999 - Devonshire Arms
The Devonshire Arms in Burton-on-Trent turned out to be a very good venue where there was room
enough to dance many of the Rabble traditions.
In addition to the advertised Rapper Sword and Clog Dancing, the side we able to perform some
solo Morris dances (Jigs), Irish dancing and indeed "Ragged Crow", which is a Border Morris
Dance.
Although just in the one room, the audience grew as the evening progressed and more
and more people came in from other areas of the pub to enjoy the entertainment.
A return
visit later in the year is certainly on the cards.
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27 Mar 1999 - Alrewas Living Art
The children of All Saints School in Alrewas have recently created two "living sculptures"
using willow saplings. Under guidance from Bristol artist Mike Jones they have built one
sculpure at their school and another at Bagnall Lock at the southern end of the village.
To celebrate the event, the children and all those involved, were to process from one sculpture
to the other carrying willow lanterns and Ryknild Rabble were approached to lead the procession
with music and dance
After a quick practice (and shandy) at the Willaim IV pub, we joined the assembled throng at
the school for a 1:00 p.m. start. After several right and left turns onto various roads and what
seemed seemed like 150 times through "Not for Joe" (and a similar amount of sticking) later,
we arrived at the lock and the welcome refreshments offered by the Old Boat pub
As well as the large following entourage, along the whole route there was a scattering of locals
who seemed to enjoy the spectacle.
The afternoon was finished off with several sword, clog and border dances in and around
the pub, although generally in front of a small audience.
Oh, and the weather was marvellous all day
Pictures
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27 Mar 1999 - Prego Ceilidh
Lichfield town hall was the venue for a ceilidh with the popular (sic) French dance band Prego.
(They aren't actually French but play pedominantly French music)
During the interval the Rabble were to provide some distraction by performing clog, sword
and border dancing.
After a short concert, where the band demonstrated their musical prowess,
it was time to be taught a few French dances by caller Julian Burton.
As the majority of the Rabble who were performing also attended the ceilidh, there was a bit of
an exodus to the artistes "dressing room" 10 minutes before our spot but fortunately not so many
as to prevent the dancing from continuing.
The spot consisted of a sword dance, two clog and two border dances all of which
seemed to go down well with the (captive!) audience.
More French dances finished off an
enjoyable evening.
Pictures
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24 April 1999 - Tamworth Folk Moot
The Assembly Rooms in the middle of Tamworth were the focal point for the Folk Moot and it
was here that the Rabble and about another ten Morris sides gathered at 10:30 for an 11:00
start.
The first venue for our group, which also included Black Dog Molly, Three Spires and
an Appalaaaachian side, was outside the Arts Centre where a fairly reluctant crowd had to be
cajoled by Bob to at least be in the same county to watch the dancing.
The Rabble performed the normal mix of Border, Clog and Rapper, although an unusual feature
of the Rapper was Alan snapping his sword just so they didn't have to finish one of the dances.
Tamworth also saw a four woman Clog team and the sporadic appearance of Lynn on violin as
a new Clog musician.
The second spot was at the 1960's style Lower Gungate shopping precinct (where the Appalachian
side decided to set up and stay) and then it was on to the old castle grounds on the edge of a
riverside park. The local press were here and Hannah, Samantha and Sarah managed to get their
photos taken again. (It will be a lot harder getting publicity when they grow up!)
The lunch break back at the Assembly Rooms was followed by a procession from The Holloway, down
by the river(s), back to the Art Centre via the shopping centre. This was enjoyed by
the crowds who all watched the parade go by - I'm sure the fact they had no choice had
nothing to do with it.
The rest of the afternoon followed a repeat of the morning, apart from the slight re-location
near Gungate.
As the afternoon wore on it was apparent that there weren't so many spectators
in the crowd, but this did improve a bit back at the castle for the last spot.
Good weather a fair amount of dancing lead to a very enjoyable day out.
Pictures
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1,2 and 3 May 1999 - Upton-upon-Severn
There was a progressive build up of tents and caravans from about 4:00 p.m. until midnight on
the Friday in readiness for the festival proper which started on Saturday. Although there were
a few events going on in the town, most of the Rabble activity was centered around Colin's
awning where intellectual debate and constructive interchanges occurred until the early hours.
Saturday morning saw a very good turn out of Rabble members (with only about four missing)
for the warm up dances under the bridge and then at the first slot of the arranged programme
outside of the King's Head.
Following a leisurely stroll down to the Swan we managed a few
more dances outside before setting up camp for a few drinks and lunch.
The old church was the
venue for an afternoon spot before we joined in with the "Brighton Camp" massed dance which
finished off the day's programme .(What really finished off the massed dance was the Rabble
turning it into a conga when they got fed up with Brimfield at an ever increasing speed).
An early evening cocktail party and barbecue at the camp site was followed by the majority of
the Rabble enjoying themselves at the ceilidh or attending one of the concerts or sessions.
Best not to mention Audrey's unfortunate mishap at the ceilidh but it's not expected that
she will be trying it again (not until she's practised on a soft surface anyway).
Sunday morning started at the bridge again, with a few less dancers than Saturday, but because
our organised spot was late in the afternoon there was plenty of time to get some dancing in.
A bit later, outside of The Plough, we found ourseleves dancing with Hereburgh Morris who are
from Warwick and
have some Lichfield dances in their repetoire. No more of an excuse than that was needed for
several Rabblers to brush up old techniques and join in; they did very well and a joint
event later in the year was promised
At midday we brought up the rear of the procession from
the sports hall to the King's Head and even managed two different tunes ! However we failed
to provide appropriate music as we passed the mayoress who's name was Flo. (Old Man River,
Bobbing Around ?)
Following lunch we repeated the dance spot at the old church, in
competition with the RBB Band who were in the church yard, and then performed the finale to the
arranged dancing outside the King's Head.
We must have been OK as we were asked to perform
during the break at the evening ceilidh.
So at about 9:15 p.m. we performed a couple of
border and a
clog and sword dance at the Aardvark ceilidh which went down very well.
The evening was
finished off in Colin's awning where sweet harmonies, interwoven melodies and polished arias
could be heard into the early hours.
Monday started the same as the other days with a warm-up
under the bridge but due to a depleted number of Rabble only a few dances were performed before
calling it a day.
A very enjoyable weekend was had by all who attended.
Pictures
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9 May 1999 - William IV Alrewas
Instead of the normal Sunday practice a the Village Hall in King's Bromley, it at the request of
the landlady that we re-locate to the Willaim IV pub in Alrewas for a dance-out (which is where
we go to have a lemonade shandy following the mornings exertions anyway)
As the pub doesn't open until midday, it was also a later than normal start, which was perhaps
a good job as it was the morning after Lynn's party.
Although the crowd wasn't particularly large they did give support to the dancing and we managed
the full catalogue of border dances as well as a couple of clog and sword.
As there was a maypole in the pub garden it just had to be danced around for a finale.
Unfortunately nobody actually knew how to do maypole dancing but that didn't actually prevent
a few intrepids from trying anyway; and although it finished with one less ribbon attached to the
pole then when it started, a sort of dance was actually performed.
Pictures
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15 May 1999 - Lichfield College Open Day
As well as the tombola, bouncing castle, food stalls, sealed knot display, sporting activities
and college course exibitions there was a display of Morris dancing.
The Rabble were booked
as part of the entertainment programme at the college open day with two 1/2 hour dance displays
at 12:00 and 14:00 followed by a session of Irish music.
There was a good turn out for the
border and sword side and both teams were able to get quite a few dances in the first slot.
During lunch at the Queen's Head the Irish (tune) contingent gave us an idea of what was coming
later as they warmed up.
A slightly larger crowd appeared for the 2nd spot and they were
treated to the normal mix of border and sword dancing and nearly witnessed our foreman being
thrown into the pond !
Good weather and a good day out; although perhaps a busman's holiday
for many of the Rabble who's day time jobs are involved with education.(Probably shoudn't
have used a semi-colon in that last sentence).
Pictures
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16 May 1999 - Etwall Well Dressing
Etwall Well Dressing is a regular event for the Rabble and this year was no exception with a
booking for two half hour spots at 14:00 and 15:30.
The first was outside the Frank Whickam
Hall, which is a bit out of the way from the main activities and spectators were by way of
passers-by. However, those that did generally stayed to watch and by the time we'd finished
there was quite a crowd !
The normal turn about of border, clog and sword was the order of
the day, although the single clog dance turned out to be the only one of the event. Aside:- Peter's
explaination of how a Morris dance came to be named after a South American anteater was a work
of supreme oratory genius; (we didn't know what he was on about either). This outing also saw the
welcome ? return of Ian on trombone (rather than his normal melodeon) to add that extra something
to the music.
After the break it was down to the main arena for the second spot. This was
very well attended and an enthusiastic crowd really seemed to enjoy the dancing, especially the
rapper side and their banter.
By this time Jo had managed to borrow some socks and a hat so
didn't stand out so much and was allowed to join in the border dances; just goes to show that
threats and bullying do sometimes achieve results.
Fine weather and a good turn out of Rabble members made for another enjoyable day out.
Pictures
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1 June 1999 - Burton Evening Tour
Molonglo Mayhem Morris from Canberra, Australia had planned for 5 years to attend the "largest
gathering of Morris teams in the world" at Scarborough during the first week of June 1999 and a six man and woman team with two musicans had booked passage and made all the necessary arrangements.
Then it was cancelled.
However, they still came for the reduced programme over the second weekend and stayed with one
of the Rabble until then.
As part of the entertainment arranged to fill in the extra time, there was a barbecue and dance out on
the Tuesday evening.
After a fine al fresco meal at Peter and Di's it was a short walk to the Boathouse and its pleasent setting by the river for both the Rabble and Molonglo to demonstrate their dances.
The Rabble performed their normal routines although there weren't enough of the sword
side available to put on a show.
Molonglo, although billed as a Border side, actually did whatever mixture of styles provided an
entertaining dance, which they always performed with energy and skill.
Their music was provided by two musicians, one on accordian and the other on melodeon and was taken from the traditional tunes familiar to British sides. The Rabble musicians were invited to join in and as they are all posers didn't need asking twice.
The second spot was at the Devonshire Arms nearer the centre
of town and after quick refreshments inside, it was really a repeat performance with the Rabble and
Molongo taking turn and turn about to demonstrate their skills. There was a certain amount of
cultural exchange with Peter joining in for a few on the Aussie dances and a hope that the corks
some of the Rabble had put on their hats made them feel a bit more at home.
After it was too dark for any more dancing, the whole circus moved into the Coopers Tavern next
door for more refreshments and a session before a very enjoyable evening was brought to a close.
Pictures
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5 June 1999 - Shrewsbury Morris Extravaganza
Despite the inital problems with trying to get a team together for the Shrewsbury Morris
Extravaganza, it eventually proved very popular with a very good turn out for the Saturday with
more than a few staying for the whole weekend.
The majority of the team travelled down on
Saturday morning and fine weather and light traffic meant that most were able to take advantage of the free tea, coffee and toast/cereal on offer in the school at Harlescott, which was the base for the whole event.
Following a coach ride into the town centre we were joined by a few more of the Rabble who had made their own way to the starting point at the square.
The Rabble were on tour B with Glorishears from Birmingham and with our "native guide" Marjorie proceeded to the first spot at the Quarry. It wasn't really in a quarry but in a park on the outskirts of town. This venue was probably chosen because as we were fielding the "back row boys" as the main musicians, it was a good opportunity to get warmed up without too many of our adoring public witnessing the spectacle.
Because of the lack of a sword team, it was up to the Border and Clog sides to provide the entertainment, and it was certainly was entertaining to watch the first attempt of Slaithwaite Spa Mill !.
Next it was off to the main square, where following a demonstration by the host sides, our tour was able to perform before the substantial crowd which had gathered.
Lunch was an excellent buffet at the Pig and Truffle pub where there was a competition to collect the most number of cocktail swords and an impromtu demonstration of how to make a Rapper Sword "nut" from cocktail sticks and cocktails swords and plastic forks and lolly sticks.(The lolly sticks actually worked).
After lunch it was back on tour and a short spot inside the Riverside shopping mall where a lot of passing shoppers were enticed into watching the dancing and the antics of Bob with his balloon on a stick. We nearly finished with sixteen up for Ragged Crow until it was realised one of the dancers didn't know it. (Note:- Add this one onto the list for practice on Sunday).
The finale was all the teams congregating in the main square and performing a couple of their best dances in front of the large crowd.
After a coach trip back to the school, some departed whilst others stayed for the evening meal and the Ceilidh.
The weather stayed fine throughout the whole day and there was more than enough opportunity for all of the dances in our repetoire to be performed.
Pictures
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19 June 1999 - Lichfield Folk Festival
Ryknild Rabble are normally represented at the Lichfield Folk Festival and this year was no exception.
The format for the morning dance out was slightly different this year and teams were sent out seperately to make their own timetable and find their own places to dance. Not too bad for the local sides who know their way around, although you don't get the same opportunity to chat with the visiting sides as you do under the normal arrangement.
So between 10:30 and 12:30 at various location in the city centre the local population were treated to a display of border morris as performed by the Rabble.
Following a pleasant lunch in the George IV there was a (sort of) procession upto the cathederal where all side were booked to perform.
Again, this was a bit different from last year and all side made just the one appearance but danced for longer.
By this time Audrey and Ian had arrived, so we were able to increase the type of dancing by one and intersperse a couple of clog dances with the border.
At this venue the audience were treated ? to a full sound system so they could hear the music in all it's glory and we understand Lynn and her amazing bicycle pump could be hear for at least a 1/2 mile radius.
Following the cathederal spot, the Rabble sneaked back down to the city centre and entertained some more lucky shoppers before events came to an end.
A few spots of rain at lunchtime didn't spoil a good day out.
Pictures
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10 July 1999 - Lichfield Medieval Market
A 10:00 start finally saw us processing from the Guild Hall to the cathederal at 10:45. As it was probably the hottest day of the year so far everbody was wilting a bit by the time we got there.
Due to other commitments it was only a scratch side that was able to make this event but we managed to put on a show at each of the designated venues.
The market is certainly a popular day out for the residents of Lichfield and there was no lack of a crowd to watch the dancing at the cathedral and then later in Dam street.
As several of the Rabble are budding Thespians and were performing in a Mysteries play, a quick change was required to enable them to catch the last dance spot.
As it was very hot and sticky all day with no breeze, nobody was too disappointed when it was time to get off home for a shower.
Pictures
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11 July 1999 - Wychnor Hall
Wychnor hall provides a regular, although not frequent, venue for the Rabble where we get a chance to practice in kit in front of an audience.
The event started in the normal fashion with most of the rabble being on BSMT (British Standard Morris Time) which is about 3/4 hour behind BST.
As the dancing got going, more and more dancers turned up until as we approached the first break there were enough that not everybody had to do every dance.
There seemed to be quite a bit of interest from the growing crowd and quite a few were still there when we returned for the second spot,(which was somewhat similar to the first)
It was free beer during the first break and free sandwiches during the second, all of which went down very well indeed.
An even bigger crowd was waiting for the third spot and seemed to enjoy the spectacle of border and clog dancing.
There wasn't much time for chatting at the end because it was barby time at Judy's were more beer was drunk and the Morris world set to rights.
Pictures
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18 July 1999 - The 3 Horsesoes Pub
A slight change of policy concerning Sunday practice found us dancing out at the 3 horseshoes pub in Long Lane near Derby instead of the Village Hall at King's Bromley.
The new plan is to have dance outs every second Sunday to allow practice in kit and in front of an audience (as well as making it a bit more interesting).
The first venue was near the home of the person who suggested this, so who knows, perhaps each team member will arrange something along these lines ?
Following light refreshments on the back lawn we moved around the front of the pub for a display of Border morris, punctuated with a few clog dances performed by Audrey.
Unfortunatety the audience never really materialised with three people, a dog and a skylark being the best we could manage at any one time.
It did make an enjoyable change from the hall and more of the same is planned after the summer break (August).
Pictures
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4 September 1999 - Dalbury - Lees Fete
The Dalbury-Lees fete was a fete in the true meaning of the word. It was on the village green (a rarety in itself) and there were all the activities associated with a traditional village event.
The WI stall selling tea and home made cakes, the (real) craft tent, the hoopla stall, raffles, skittles, bring and buy, tombola, garden plants and old cars to name a few. (Well most of them probably).
Following a brief private practice at the Three Horseshoes, as the Rabble have August off, it was dancing in an area set aside for us in the road next to the green. (It was roped off !) The normal border and clog dancing routines were performed for a appreciative crowd of perhaps 30 people.
A short refreshment break and wander round the fete later and the second half of the dancing was performed to perhaps not quite so many spectators.
A most enjoyable day out was had by all those who went. Every village should have a green and fete with Morris Dancing.
Pictures
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11 and 12 September 1999 - York Day of Dance
For the past 15 years the York City Council has hosted (and sponsored) a day of traditional dance where invited sides perform at various well known locations about the city.
This year there were 20 sides generally from the local area although a few were from further afield, Hertfordshire and Durham.
Most of the Rabble arrived on Friday evening and although not many went to the social gathering, made up for it in the communual tent.
On Saturday morning all the teams on the camp site were bussed into York for a procession and then various tours which took in some of the famous locations. The Rabble were joined by two New Zelanders holidaying in the UK, who admirably contributed to the Rapper and Border dancing after only a brief practice.
Lunch was generously provided at the Bay Horse which was the opposite side of town to Coppergate, where we were last dancing, although this probably allowed the queue for beer to subside a bit by the time we got there. The tours continued in the early afternoon with a swopping around of sides (a good idea) and then a grand finale in front of the Civic Party at St Sampson's Square.
The Rabble were last to dance, just as a rain shower started, but fortunately the mayor had an umbrella and he was still there to hand out our commemerative medals.
The Saturday night social was again followed by singing in the communual tent although someone really needs to make up some song sheets to avoid the first verse / few lines being repeated over and over and over again.
On Sunday we had to make our own way into town although parking was free for the performers. Dancing in St Sampson's square with seating kindly, if not willingly, provided by a local restauranteur was followed by a final gathering outside the Castle Museum.
The Rabble were last on again, but a couple of massed dances at the end allowed a few of the more adventurous Rabble members to slide down the railings of the steps upto the Castle.
A boat trip on the River Ouse to the Bay Horse, and one last dance by the Rabble (our foreman is such a slave driver) finished off a most enjoyable weekend.
Pictures
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25 September 1999 - Burton Beer Festival
The entertainment on Saturday lunchtime at the Burton Beer Festival consisted of the mighty Wurlitzer organ and the Rabble.
The free pint and glass on arrival went down very well as did the changing area. Thank you Burton Beer Festival.
We managed border, clog and sword at this venue in two separate sessions, which all seemed to go down well with the crowd. Beer does help this sort of thing, from both points of view.
As normal, the acoustics in Burton Town Hall were terrible (unless you happen to have a mighty Wurlitzer organ) and even the provision of a PA system did little to help and the music just seemed to disappear as it left the instruments.
A new tactic (for the Rabble anyway) was tried out at this event. Following one of the dances four unsuspecting members of the audience were dragged up to perform the same border dance as they had just witnessed, much to the amusement of their friends.
This however seemed to work very well and the fact that all four gave a good account of themselves perhaps gave potential recruits an idea that it could be for them. Who knows?
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26 September 1999 - Heavy Horse Day
The Bass Museum hosted a Heavy Horse Day where more than 30 horses pulled wagons and carts on a three mile route through the main streets of Burton.
The Rabble were also there, and gave a performance of border and clog by the Coopers shop before the horses assemblied in the arena.
This was just as well because just after we finished the heavens opened and everything not under cover was drenched, (including the horses).
During the lunch break with a free pint, kindly provided by the museum, the rapper side managed to do a dance in between the queue for the bar and the queue for the food.
Whilst the horses were away parading, the Rabble assembled in the arena for a show of border and clog dance which was unfortunately curtailed by the return of the procession.
Most of us stayed to watch the spectacle (or return to the bar for another drink) which was lucky really because the programme and posters actually had us billed as being on after the the parade not during it !
Believe it or not a crowd had actually gathered to watch us perform and were asking when we were going on.
As this was a first, a rapid call to arms provided enough dancers for a repeat border and clog performance.
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26 November 1999 - Tutbury Late Night Shopping
Late Night Shopping at a rather early Christmas Fayre gave the Rabble an excuse for a bit of a dance out and a spot of fund raising in the street of Tutbury.
Due to a slight tactical error, even though the meeting place was outside a pub, drinks were only available if you were ordering a meal ! so we shivered a bit.
After the normal delayed start, it was business as usual with the mix of border and clog dancing in front of a quite reasonable crowd.
Although the main street was closed, this didn't seen to put off several motorists who tried to drive through the set (despite a police presence) and on more than one occasion a musician's road block had to be arranged to preserve dance continuity and artistic integrity. (Say what ? - Ed)
After a break for refreshments it was back for another spot, this time in front of a smaller crowd due to the shops and stalls starting to close.
We finished just about the same time as the last of the shoppers left.
There was a Father Christmas and a band playing carols but it just seemed too early to have a festive atmosphere.
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Last updated on 5/12/1999