DIARY DATES

2001

Rabble Diary 2001

21 January 2001 - Elephant up a Pole Wassail

Although a whole weekend event, the Rabble were only available for the Sunday Wassail. So braving the snow, we (well some of us) joined the dozen or so other sides at the Red Lion in Wolston at 10:15 ish to thaw out and take advantage of the early opening.
There were two venues about 1/4 mile apart, and the Border side managed a few dances at each location but unfortunately, due to the weather, the only audience was generally the next side waiting to dance. (This perhaps wasn't too bad a thing as there were only just enough dancers to make up a set). Our intrepid clog side, plus musician, were able to stay inside the Red Lion as there was enough space for their style of dancing.
Things were a bit better at Ryton Gardens as one of the dance spots was covered (the other wasn't).
Also the lost ? border dancers were waiting (in the warm) and so we were able to perform a few different dances.
At about 2:00 p.m. we all gathered in the orchard and the Elephants, resplendent in their trunks (as in nose extensions, not swimming) wassailed the apple tree. It was all very exciting with singing and dancing and fireworks and shotguns and the local press and TV crew.
It was a pleasant day out and, if invited back for next year, we will try and manage the whole weekend (or so the squire said).

4 February 2001 - Rabble Full Practice

This practice day was identified as where the full repertoire of dances was to be performed in two sessions, as if we were out on a booking. This was to identify weaknesses which may not have been apparent during normal practice.
Full kit was required and a "timed" programme was published in advance so everyone knew what was supposed to happen. This was supplemented on the morning by a list of who was in each dance, when it was know who had actually turned up (very organised).
As it happened everything when very well and even a change of running order, due to a late show from some of the Rapper team, was successfully integrated into the programme. Both the slots ran slightly ahead of schedule and we were rewarded with an early visit to the Pub.
All in we did 17 Border dances, 10 Clog dances, 2 Rapper Sword dances and 1 Tup Play.

16 to 18 February 2001 - Leyland Clog Weekend

Seven of the Rabble attended the Lancashire Wallopers Clog Weekend in Leyland. Two attended the Clog workshops, three the musicians workshop and two the welly (?) dancing workshop.
Everybody enjoyed the event and learnt a bit more about the clog tradition.
The evening ceilidh was well attended and there was a clog dancing showcase. Congratulations to Theresa from the Rabble who, following the clog workshops during the day, danced in public for the first time during the showcase.

Return to Bookings

25 February 2001 - Four Counties Tour

The third annual Four Counties Tour started at the White Swan in Walton-upon-Trent which is in the county of Derbyshire. The pub opened at mid-day and that's when most of the side turned up. The snow forecast for the previous evening wasn't too much of a hazard and it was the ice which was more of a worry. However by the time the dancing started it was all but gone.
Although billed as a Border Tour, there was in fact the normal mix of Sword and Clog as well, and provided a good opportunity for the sword team to get some practice in for DERT 2001; which was the following weekend.
The tour had been advertised in the local press and on the radio and there were quite a few spectators who braved the low temperatures to cheer us on.
A little behind schedule it was off to Clifton Campville and the Green Man and again a few people waiting to watch our spot in Staffordshire.
It was not quite the same story in Warwickshire and the Four Counties (a bit of a give away there) at No Man's Heath where not many from inside the crowed pub braved the biting wind outside to offer support.
The last venue was the Black Horse at Applby Maga in Leicestershire and this was probably the best spot for spectators who were tempted out to watch the dancing in the car park.
Apart from a tumble and a slightly bruised ankle during one dance, everything else went very well and was enjoyed by all who participated.
There may even be another one next Year if Nigel is happy to arrange it.

2 to 4 March 2001 - DERT 2001 at Masham

Not quite such a good result at DERT this year for our Rapper side who were (effectively) defending their Open Own dance title. Unfortunately it wasn't to be 2 years in a row. They competed in two (re-named) categories, Premier Evolved Dance and Premier Traditional Dance and, although getting a good cheer, didn't manage to come away with the trophies.
However, a Ryknild member was seen dancing with rival side Black Swan who did win the Open Evolved Dance, so congratulations are in order there. This is a relatively new side who it's worth keeping an eye on (especially in crowded bars). They can be seen at Sidmouth this year.

17 March 2001 - Team Managers Workshop

Snow the night before didn't deter representatives from 16 sides turning up at the Harbury Junior School in Warwickshire for a workshop on how to go about trying to organise a team.
After a welcome cup of tea there was an introduction by Sally Wareing and Sue Swift who were running the workshop and a few words from Nicola Bouault who had arranged it (and was videoing the whole proceedings).
It was interesting to see how the various sides organised themselves with the Rabble probably having the most officers and assistants !
In the last morning session we were split into two groups and taught two dances by different methods to illustrate the pitfalls.
Lunch was an excellent and substantial buffet in the back room of the local pub and we had to be prised out of there and back to the classroom.
The first session after lunch was to perform the dances we had learnt in the morning in front of the other group !! Let's hope the video doesn't get too wide an audience.
The afternoon was finished off with discussion groups and feedback on various topics associated with fund raising, image, recruiting etc.
The organisers, presenters and hosts, Hareburgh Morris, had obviously put a deal of effort in as the day went off very well.
Perhaps a booklet will be produced on the finding as I'm sure it would be very useful.

Return to Bookings

24 March 2001 - Probus (After Dinner)

Probus is an organisation for retired businessmen and women in Burton-upon-Trent and they had invited us to provide the after dinner entertainment at one of their meetings.
As normal things were running a little late and our 9:00 p.m. slot didn't get started until about 9:45 p.m.
This was to be a potted history of Morris Dancing with a bias towards how even the most upstanding of professional businessperson could easily degenerate in a Morris Dancer.
Colin and Bob were in good form and had even come up with a script, a programme and a pre-start briefing session; sometimes we amaze ourselves, (they even attempted to stick to it as well).
There followed 35 minutes of sword dancing, clog dancing, jigging and Border Morris.
It all seemed to go rather well

23 April 2001 - St Georges Day at Ticknall

Although it was a day early, the Rabble were invited by the Landlord of the Wheel at Ticknall to do some Morris dancing in celebration of St Georges day.
So by about 12:30 p.m. there were quite a few team members, (and a few spectators), in the beer garden at the back of the pub performing, (and watching), Border, Clog and Sword dancing.
The squire had organised another venue, so about 2:00 p.m. we set off down the road to The Chequers. This time it was a bit more exposed and there weren't so many spectators so the repeat show didn't last quite so long and the celebrations were finished by about 3:00 p.m.

4, 5, 6 and 7 May 2001 - Upon-upon-Severn Folk Festival

Despite problems over foot and mouth threatening a complete cancellation, and flooding potentially requiring a change of campsite, the festival actually went ahead as normal, with the only concession being a restriction on the area set aside for tents and caravans.
The Rabble had a good turn out and there were plenty of dancers and musicians for the whole weekend, including Monday, which is usually a bit sparse.
Social events include a barbecue, a formal! cocktail party and a birthday barbecue courtesy of Crook Morris.
Two loudest cheers of the weekend were for Bob when he fell off a scooter whilst "enhancing" a dance and Fiona for an exhibition of Irish dance.
Congratulations to Theresa who earned her "clogs" over the weekend and danced out brilliantly for the first time. This was especially well deserved as our Squire told the audience this was the case just as she was about to perform !

20 May 2001 - Etwall Well Dressing

Traditionally a popular event, this year proven no exception with a good turn out of Rabble members and one ex-member.
Two late slots were allocated and although the 3:30 spot was well attended the 4:30 slot was less so with people either drifting away or already seen the first show.
Nonetheless, a good day out as normal with plenty of opportunity for Border, Clog and Sword.

27 May 2001 - R.N.I.B. Raft race and Gala at Darley Abbey

A new event for the Rabble and, we believe, a new event for Derby.
The Derby Institute for the Blind had arranged a charity raft race on the Derwent with a Gala in Darley Abbey park afterwards.
The Rabble, up for it as usual, entered a raft which had to negotiate a weir and then be paddled about a mile to the finish line. Although our team didn't win, it successfully finished in one piece, unlike some of the opposition.
After the presentation and a celebrity appearance of Gray O'Brian (from Peak Practice and Casualty) the Rabble gave a performance of Clog and Border dancing starting a little before 3:00 p.m. to a respectable crowd.
There were various stalls, displays and rides to browse and a jazz band to listen to, although it all seemed to come to an end quite quickly following our spot.
Aside:- Why do Morris Dancers wear bells? To annoy the blind as well.

10 June 2001 - Radio Rally at Elvaston Castle

This was a return visit to the Elvaston Castle show ground to entertain those who weren't that interested in the many and various stalls containing radio amateur and computer bits and pieces.
Unfortunately it was not possible to fulfil the published programme of three dance spots but the normal turn about of border, clog and sword was performed before and after lunch between the jazz band and the puppeteer. We will have to wait and see if there is to be a third year.

Following the dancing, the team retired to Sawley, and the home of one of the more remote team members, for a barbecue and get together.

17 June 2001 - Lichfield Folk Festival

In past years the Rabble have appeared on the Saturday of the Lichfield Folk Festival and have performed at various locations around the city.
This year it was on the Sunday and only in the market square where we were on at 11:00 following the start of a bike race and a performance by NYFTE.
As there was a good turn out, we were able to perform the normal mix until about 12:00 when it was time for lunch at the Kings Head where, as well as refreshments, there was an impromptu sword dance and a small music session.
A few of the team were not available for the afternoon spot but there were still enough to put on a show until 14:00 when we had to finish.

7 July 2001 - Kingsley Country Fair

Kingsley is a village near Cheadle and the Rabble were invited to do two spots at their Country Fair. There were all the normal type of activities which go with this kind of event, a few vintage cars, a tombola, bouncy castles and a couple of marquees containing the local flower societies.
However, at this fair there was a (very) large roped off grass area where all the performances took place. Although this was OK for the horse riding, it was a little impersonal for most of the other events which were booked, including the Morris Dancing. Despite the borrowed microphone, to allow the (diminishing) crowd to hear, we didn't seem to be able to make much of an impression.
We did our two spots, which included about six border dances and four solo clog dances, and then slipped away for a picnic at a local beauty spot.

20, 21 and 22 July 2001 - Crook Weekend of Dance

Ryknild Rabble were lucky enough to be one of the fourteen sides invited to the Crook Morris 20th Anniversary Celebration Weekend of Dance, which was based at The Lakes School near Windermere and held over the weekend of 20th - 22nd July 2001.
Saturday was a tour of the local villages, so after breakfast, we were whisked away in a fleet of six coaches (with two or three sides per coach) to one of six locations that border lake Windermere.
The tours were cleverly arranged so as the day progressed we moved around the lake with two different coaches turning up at each venue. This provided an opportunity to dance with a variety of sides during the day. A packed lunch was available with a break at about midday to enjoy it.
All coaches were to meet at Lakeside for a finale, but unfortunately the weather, which had been threatening to all day, took a turn for the worst and only a few spots were available between the heavy showers.
The Rabble’s last spot at Lakeside was at a place called Boaters Bar that was living up to its name, as it appeared to be under construction and had a leaky tarpaulin for a roof. They’ll need that boat before very much longer.
The school had to be vacated by 10:30 a.m. on Sunday morning so it was a drizzly pack up and away to Kirkby Lonsdale for a procession and more dancing. Amazingly the weather had brightened up considerably and there was quite a crowd along the procession route from the church to the market square.
Each side had plenty of opportunity to show off to each other and the spectators as there were three ten minute spots each with plenty of time in between for watching, or indeed grab a drink or bite of lunch in the many local pubs and teashops.
The finale was a massed stand with all dancers and musicians participating in a Dorset Four Handed Reel.

7, 8 and 9 September 2001 - York Festival of Traditional Dance

There weren't so many sides as normal at the York Festival of Traditional Dance, but that didn't mean it was any less enjoyable.
Most of the Rabble arrived Friday afternoon and evening to find a strong wind and many hands needed to put up (hold down ?) the tents, which seemed more interested in becoming kites. Another slight problem was that there was a Saturday night "prom in the park" on the same site as us and the organiser didn't appear to know that we were going to be there. However a compromise was reached when he had us fenced us in.
There was a coach arranged for 9:15 a.m. on Saturday morning to take us close to the Guildhall, where there was a procession followed by dancing at various locations around the city.
Fortunately the weather had picked up and the excellent packed lunch was enjoyed "al fresco" in King's square. For the grand finale, all sides danced in front of the Mayoress and Civic party and everyone received a commemorative medal.
A Saturday night barbeque was followed by drinks and a free evening of classical music and fireworks.
Most of us took advantage of the free parking on Sunday morning and the chance for some more dancing in the city centre before a 1:00 p.m. finish.
A most enjoyable weekend, well organised by the local sides.

16 September 2001 - Linton Harvest Festival at the Red Lion

Not a lot of the side could make this booking to celebrate the Harvest Festival in the Red Lion pub at Linton and for once the musicians outnumbered the dancers.
However, the show must go on, so with a neighbouring canine chorus (always off the beat) we managed turn and turn about of solo clogging and (upto) six man border dances.
Although it's guaranteed to lose the audience, eight of them were persuaded to dance Brimfield and had their fertility increased accordingly.
The remainder of the evening was spent in the pub, either in a small session or joining in the auction of the harvest festival bounty.

22 September 2001 - Burton Beer Festival

One of the regular events of the year is the Burton Beer Festival and as normal we were to perform two 20 min. spots punctuated by some jolly tunes on the mighty Wurlitzer organ.
However, there was a rapper tour about the Pubs of Burton where our own side was joined by Mabel Gubbins, a sword side from Oxford, and come the alloted hour they were still engaged in touring (or something).
However, the show must go on, and those of us there managed a few border dances until the rest of them arrived to add some variety at the end of the first slot.
The second half was a lot better with a PA for the music and a good mix of border, clog and the two rapper sides (plus a policeman from Thrales) doing their various things.

27 October 2001 - Halloween at Shugborough Hall

Not knowing quite what to expect, other than it was a Halloween event, we all joined in with the 'SPIRIT' of the event with face paints and scary toys.
With an impressive crowd having been warmed up by other forms of street entertainment, we kept the spectators amused with Peter's banter, dancing with vigor (don't know where he came from), and music from a small but perfectly formed band.
As no-one could remember our usual music to Brimfield, out came 'This Old Man' which with Adrienne's assistance, developed into loud choruses from all the kids sitting in the front row.
Thanks to Ian for this report.

24 November 2001 - Bedworth Folk Festival

An 11:30 a.m. start was very civilised but parking at that time was another matter.
A very popular event with the vast majority of the Rabble attending. Our "official" duties consisted of two 15 min spots in the shopping square and one 15 min spot on the stage at the craft fair. There was unfortunately no Rapper team available but we managed plenty of border dances, a couple of clog dances and at least one Irish dance. As normal we made lots of noise and managed to persuade a few people to watch at each venue.
The remainder of the afternoon was puncuated with visits to the White Swan for refreshment and sessions, informal dance spots around the town centre, taking in a few of the concerts and the craft fair.
After an inexpensive meal at the civic hall, which was the focal point for the festival, those of us that stayed for the evening either went to the main concert or tired ourselves out at the very excellent Peeping Tom Big Band Ceilidh.
A thoroughly enjoyable event which we hope to attend again next year, if they will have us that is.

2 December 2001 - Mabel Gubbins Rapper Tour

Last event of the year was a Rapper tour of Oxford with Mabel Gubbins and four other invited Rapper sides.
The Rabble toured with Stone Monkey and Sister Act (who are not a Rapper side at all, but two sisters performing Irish and percussive dancing). The navigational skills of those on the tour were put to the test around the city streets, which resulted in the fist venue proving difficult to find and a quick about turn needed to eventually locate it. The second pub unfortunately had to be missed out, as children weren't allowed in, so it was an early arrival and extended dancing at the third and final spot.
A good day out an enjoyed by all those from the Rabble who went.

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Last updated on 27/11/2001