SCROLL DOWN TO READ ABOUT ALL OUT MEETS IN 2016
SHATTERFORD
19th - 21st FEBRUARY 2016 Photographs
Our first meet this year was brilliant, stewarded by Mark Burton and his family, It was the best I have been to so far. Thanks for the delicious selection of soups from TC and Julie Eaton to welcome us all on Friday evening, and pancakes on Saturday night with yummy maple syrup filling. These were produced with help from John Jackson.
The music was a brilliant, varied and entertaining programme peppered with various jokes and limericks. My personal favourite item was Amy's dance and the way it was choreographed by dad, Mark. I' m looking forward to seeing the final finished product.
Following the weekend raffle there was an amusing ‘mini car auction' which raised £2.01 was won by young mandolin player Lisa.
Kevin Dempsey, who was welcomed as a newbie to the group this weekend promises to be a very helpful and active member as he enthusiastically joined myself and Martin very ably with his ukulele and also took part on the dance-floor.
The line dancing was great fun and even those, like me, who were forced to remain seated due to disabilities managed to take part.
We all had a good time and the next meet is at Rowington, 4th -6th March
Jill Peer
19th - 21st FEBRUARY 2016 Photographs
Our first meet this year was brilliant, stewarded by Mark Burton and his family, It was the best I have been to so far. Thanks for the delicious selection of soups from TC and Julie Eaton to welcome us all on Friday evening, and pancakes on Saturday night with yummy maple syrup filling. These were produced with help from John Jackson.
The music was a brilliant, varied and entertaining programme peppered with various jokes and limericks. My personal favourite item was Amy's dance and the way it was choreographed by dad, Mark. I' m looking forward to seeing the final finished product.
Following the weekend raffle there was an amusing ‘mini car auction' which raised £2.01 was won by young mandolin player Lisa.
Kevin Dempsey, who was welcomed as a newbie to the group this weekend promises to be a very helpful and active member as he enthusiastically joined myself and Martin very ably with his ukulele and also took part on the dance-floor.
The line dancing was great fun and even those, like me, who were forced to remain seated due to disabilities managed to take part.
We all had a good time and the next meet is at Rowington, 4th -6th March
Jill Peer
ROWINGTON
4th - 6th MARCH 2016 Photographs
Rowington is a lovely site and a really nice hall. John and Jo had laid on teacakes to toast with butter, jam and cream. Our new member, Kevin, even brought whisky marmalade! I was MC on Friday - an easy task with a party atmosphere.
There were two walks on Saturday morning. Some of us went geocaching and some walked along the canal. Later, in the afternoon we had a leisurely song and music session. In the evening, after a fantastic spread of cheeses and a variety of wines, Liz had to get us moving for dancing and spots.
Sunday was our AGM and members were treated to soup and pizzas between meetings. A very enjoyable weekend.
Thank you Jo and John.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
4th - 6th MARCH 2016 Photographs
Rowington is a lovely site and a really nice hall. John and Jo had laid on teacakes to toast with butter, jam and cream. Our new member, Kevin, even brought whisky marmalade! I was MC on Friday - an easy task with a party atmosphere.
There were two walks on Saturday morning. Some of us went geocaching and some walked along the canal. Later, in the afternoon we had a leisurely song and music session. In the evening, after a fantastic spread of cheeses and a variety of wines, Liz had to get us moving for dancing and spots.
Sunday was our AGM and members were treated to soup and pizzas between meetings. A very enjoyable weekend.
Thank you Jo and John.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
CUTNALL GREEN
15th - 17th APRIL 2016 Photographs and some Video
The April Meet at Cutnall Green proved to be a very nice venue which hopefully we can use again. Gay and Allan were stewards and everyone arrived in party mood to celebrate Allan’s 70th birthday.
Friday – soup made with produce from Mervyn and Margaret’s garden and Gay’s delicious meat and veg. We had visitors from Kettering, Lancashire and Sidmouth adding lovely songs and music to the mix of regular talent.
Saturday saw early risers waking to huge flakes of snow covering the site. It soon cleared and the sun shone. Some went geocaching, cycling or walking/birdwatching on the Monarch’s Way. In the afternoon we had a ladies sewing circle accompanied by songs and tunes!
More visitors arrived in the evening to celebrate with Allan, a great American supper, birthday cake and wine. Then followed a good number of spots and dances in fine form.
Sunday the sun shone as we said our farewells. A great time had by all, a fine community spirit, everyone having a chance to contribute in their own way whether setting up, making tea, performing or joining in. Allan had a send off into his next decade in fine style.
Pauline
15th - 17th APRIL 2016 Photographs and some Video
The April Meet at Cutnall Green proved to be a very nice venue which hopefully we can use again. Gay and Allan were stewards and everyone arrived in party mood to celebrate Allan’s 70th birthday.
Friday – soup made with produce from Mervyn and Margaret’s garden and Gay’s delicious meat and veg. We had visitors from Kettering, Lancashire and Sidmouth adding lovely songs and music to the mix of regular talent.
Saturday saw early risers waking to huge flakes of snow covering the site. It soon cleared and the sun shone. Some went geocaching, cycling or walking/birdwatching on the Monarch’s Way. In the afternoon we had a ladies sewing circle accompanied by songs and tunes!
More visitors arrived in the evening to celebrate with Allan, a great American supper, birthday cake and wine. Then followed a good number of spots and dances in fine form.
Sunday the sun shone as we said our farewells. A great time had by all, a fine community spirit, everyone having a chance to contribute in their own way whether setting up, making tea, performing or joining in. Allan had a send off into his next decade in fine style.
Pauline
ASTLEY
29th APRIL - 3rd MAY 2016 Photographs and some Video
The Midland Folk Group celebrated their 50th Anniversary by having a Golden Theme weekend between 30 April – 2 May 2016.
The weekend started with our usual home made soup, made by members of the group, and rolls on Friday, it was great to see so many faces who have not been able to attend regularly due to ill health or other commitments and to welcome members who have never been to a folk group before but see how much fun we have and hopefully will join us again.
It was great to see Sarah Perry, The Chairman of the Folk Group Section join us for the weekend with other area groups joining in our celebrations. We were all able to catch up on all the latest news before John, our MC for the evening, organised wonderful entertainment from our visitors from other areas and Midland. Saturday was busy decorating the hall , buying food and drink, ready for our great Golden Theme Evening.
What a great job Mark and Kevin did in the kitchen all afternoon, cooking all the food for us to enjoy later, all hands on deck to lay the tables with what I can only describe as a wonderful banquet.
Almost everyone wore something gold and the evening started with a toast and speech from Gay who then let one table at a time go for food due to our numbers, over 70 members and visitors, (a great turnout), good idea Gay.
The cake was cut by the longest serving member (Pam) and the youngest member (Molly Burton), it was a very nice cake.
Gay was MC for the evening. Plenty of entertainment throughout the evening from singers, musicians, dancing and recitals, we have so many talented members in the folk group. During the evening past and present Chairmen were thanked for all their hard work and remembered those that are no longer with us.
A great evening full of memories and fun.
Mark was MC Sunday evening after we had an American Supper, another banquet, well done everyone in contributing to a wonderful spread. Mark organised the evening well with again so many talented members dancing, playing instruments, singing and telling jokes. Monday afternoon was home time and was sad the weekend had come to an end.
Thank you to everyone who attended over the weekend because without you we would not have had such a fantastic 50th Anniversary.
Teresa Burton (TC)
29th APRIL - 3rd MAY 2016 Photographs and some Video
The Midland Folk Group celebrated their 50th Anniversary by having a Golden Theme weekend between 30 April – 2 May 2016.
The weekend started with our usual home made soup, made by members of the group, and rolls on Friday, it was great to see so many faces who have not been able to attend regularly due to ill health or other commitments and to welcome members who have never been to a folk group before but see how much fun we have and hopefully will join us again.
It was great to see Sarah Perry, The Chairman of the Folk Group Section join us for the weekend with other area groups joining in our celebrations. We were all able to catch up on all the latest news before John, our MC for the evening, organised wonderful entertainment from our visitors from other areas and Midland. Saturday was busy decorating the hall , buying food and drink, ready for our great Golden Theme Evening.
What a great job Mark and Kevin did in the kitchen all afternoon, cooking all the food for us to enjoy later, all hands on deck to lay the tables with what I can only describe as a wonderful banquet.
Almost everyone wore something gold and the evening started with a toast and speech from Gay who then let one table at a time go for food due to our numbers, over 70 members and visitors, (a great turnout), good idea Gay.
The cake was cut by the longest serving member (Pam) and the youngest member (Molly Burton), it was a very nice cake.
Gay was MC for the evening. Plenty of entertainment throughout the evening from singers, musicians, dancing and recitals, we have so many talented members in the folk group. During the evening past and present Chairmen were thanked for all their hard work and remembered those that are no longer with us.
A great evening full of memories and fun.
Mark was MC Sunday evening after we had an American Supper, another banquet, well done everyone in contributing to a wonderful spread. Mark organised the evening well with again so many talented members dancing, playing instruments, singing and telling jokes. Monday afternoon was home time and was sad the weekend had come to an end.
Thank you to everyone who attended over the weekend because without you we would not have had such a fantastic 50th Anniversary.
Teresa Burton (TC)
WILMCOTE - The Holding Stables
13th - 15th MAY 2016 Photographs and some Video
Well, what a weekend! The weather was glorious, the field as usual was in pristine condition. 9 units came... We provided tea and coffee on arrival, followed by a leisurely afternoon outside our van. The room in the Social was booked for the Saturday only, but most of us were welcomed over for a drink on Friday in the bar at about 7.30, we played darts and pool followed by a sing-along.
Saturday was another glorious day with Gaynor geocaching while others went for a short walk, Stan walked into Stratford; the remainder of us took advantage of the weather and just lazed around in the sunshine.
Pauline held a workshop in the afternoon for creative writing and poetry, it was a huge success and another is hoped for in the future, later we were entertained with examples of poems and rhymes produced from the session.
There was music practise on the field followed by the evening entertainment, again at the social club. The evening started with our usual American supper, a great selection of food with plenty to go round. Gaynor was MC for the evening with a fabulous selection of tunes, verses and dances.
It was nice to see John and Wendy Collins, George, and also John and Barbara, who we don’t see as often as we would like.
Sunday, we had coffee morning on the field as usual, followed by everyone doing their own thing, great weekend lots of fun, everyone looking forward to Upton.
Mick and Jude Jones
13th - 15th MAY 2016 Photographs and some Video
Well, what a weekend! The weather was glorious, the field as usual was in pristine condition. 9 units came... We provided tea and coffee on arrival, followed by a leisurely afternoon outside our van. The room in the Social was booked for the Saturday only, but most of us were welcomed over for a drink on Friday in the bar at about 7.30, we played darts and pool followed by a sing-along.
Saturday was another glorious day with Gaynor geocaching while others went for a short walk, Stan walked into Stratford; the remainder of us took advantage of the weather and just lazed around in the sunshine.
Pauline held a workshop in the afternoon for creative writing and poetry, it was a huge success and another is hoped for in the future, later we were entertained with examples of poems and rhymes produced from the session.
There was music practise on the field followed by the evening entertainment, again at the social club. The evening started with our usual American supper, a great selection of food with plenty to go round. Gaynor was MC for the evening with a fabulous selection of tunes, verses and dances.
It was nice to see John and Wendy Collins, George, and also John and Barbara, who we don’t see as often as we would like.
Sunday, we had coffee morning on the field as usual, followed by everyone doing their own thing, great weekend lots of fun, everyone looking forward to Upton.
Mick and Jude Jones
BROMSBERROW
25th - 31st MAY 2016
Invite from the South West
This was a 5 day meet hosted by the South West. Lovely walks from site, not far from the market town of Ledbury. This was also the Midlands first visit to this beautiful hall. The meet was stewarded by Alison & Andrew Ramsay - Beattie.
There was a selection of crafts in the afternoon followed by the usual dancing and spots in the evening. There were different workshops each day and several callers for the dances, each offering a good selection of dances.
A great weekend and a big thank you to the South West for inviting us.
Mick and Jude Jones
25th - 31st MAY 2016
Invite from the South West
This was a 5 day meet hosted by the South West. Lovely walks from site, not far from the market town of Ledbury. This was also the Midlands first visit to this beautiful hall. The meet was stewarded by Alison & Andrew Ramsay - Beattie.
There was a selection of crafts in the afternoon followed by the usual dancing and spots in the evening. There were different workshops each day and several callers for the dances, each offering a good selection of dances.
A great weekend and a big thank you to the South West for inviting us.
Mick and Jude Jones
SHIPSTON ON STOUR
22nd - 24th JULY 2016 Photographs and some Video
We had twelve units out this weekend at Sheldon Bosley Hub in Shipston, including Stella and Mark from Wessex and didn't we pick the weather. We enjoyed a sing around with a bit of dancing on Friday MC'd by Don. Saturday was beautiful too and we set up our Bring And Buy stalls. I think it involved bartering as well! Several of us went geocaching and some set off for liquid refreshment in Shipston.
The evening was hosted by Mark our Vice Chairman and we had a session to finish the night. Next day we had coffee on the terrace followed by a play around. Two of our visiting members, Ray and June, line danced to our waltzes. Thank you to Barbara and Tony for stewarding and for the cakes and scones!
Gay Butler (Chairman)
22nd - 24th JULY 2016 Photographs and some Video
We had twelve units out this weekend at Sheldon Bosley Hub in Shipston, including Stella and Mark from Wessex and didn't we pick the weather. We enjoyed a sing around with a bit of dancing on Friday MC'd by Don. Saturday was beautiful too and we set up our Bring And Buy stalls. I think it involved bartering as well! Several of us went geocaching and some set off for liquid refreshment in Shipston.
The evening was hosted by Mark our Vice Chairman and we had a session to finish the night. Next day we had coffee on the terrace followed by a play around. Two of our visiting members, Ray and June, line danced to our waltzes. Thank you to Barbara and Tony for stewarding and for the cakes and scones!
Gay Butler (Chairman)
HANLEY SWAN
5th - 7th AUGUST 2016 Photographs
Bonjour Hanley Swan! Our French week-end began with a sing around on Friday evening when we met some new members. Later we enjoyed a selection of cakes to complement our tea/coffee break.
On Saturday after a relaxed coffee morning on the field in glorious sunshine some ladies made paper hedgehogs (or should I say herrison) under Gay’s supervision. Great fun. There was an Art Exhibition in the village hall where Jill was showing her work and we were able to meet some of the artists. Over 100 paintings were on display using different mediums and we were invited to select a favourite which wasn’t easy as the standard was extremely high! The fun continued with our annual Boules tournament. Stan paired the entrants and the coveted trophy complete with an onion was won by Mark!
We continued our French theme in the evening when several members dressed in costume and where Eve wore garlic ear rings. Not a vampire to be seen… We enjoyed French bread, cheese and pate with tea/coffee or the obligatory wine. Rob was our MC and we had several dances and spots.
Thank you everyone for celebrating my birthday weekend with me and to Gay and Allan for stewarding. Great weekend. See you soon.
Noreen Small
5th - 7th AUGUST 2016 Photographs
Bonjour Hanley Swan! Our French week-end began with a sing around on Friday evening when we met some new members. Later we enjoyed a selection of cakes to complement our tea/coffee break.
On Saturday after a relaxed coffee morning on the field in glorious sunshine some ladies made paper hedgehogs (or should I say herrison) under Gay’s supervision. Great fun. There was an Art Exhibition in the village hall where Jill was showing her work and we were able to meet some of the artists. Over 100 paintings were on display using different mediums and we were invited to select a favourite which wasn’t easy as the standard was extremely high! The fun continued with our annual Boules tournament. Stan paired the entrants and the coveted trophy complete with an onion was won by Mark!
We continued our French theme in the evening when several members dressed in costume and where Eve wore garlic ear rings. Not a vampire to be seen… We enjoyed French bread, cheese and pate with tea/coffee or the obligatory wine. Rob was our MC and we had several dances and spots.
Thank you everyone for celebrating my birthday weekend with me and to Gay and Allan for stewarding. Great weekend. See you soon.
Noreen Small
NATIONAL FEAST OF LANTERNS
25th - 30th AUGUST 2016
The NFOL was held at Malvern Three Counties Showground this year so it was a good opportunity for Allan and me to go and see what it was all about.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
25th - 30th AUGUST 2016
The NFOL was held at Malvern Three Counties Showground this year so it was a good opportunity for Allan and me to go and see what it was all about.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
SINTON GREEN
9th - 11th SEPTEMBER 2016 Photographs and some Video
Fifteen units came to Sinton Green which was more than last year. Ivan came with a long pole for damson picking but he must have left some as Judy and Stan still managed to pick two basketfuls on Saturday. We had soup and rolls on Friday followed by a sing a-round and a social chat. Next day was drizzly so some of us went to the Bromyard Festival for a few hours, some formed a Sinton Green Folk Band ready to play in the evening and we had a small turn out for a ukulele session.
We had an excellent American Supper with plenty of variety and that was followed by dancing and spots in the evening with MC Dave keeping events going.
Sunday was much better weather and after the Committee Meeting we sat outside for our coffee break. Later we had a craft session run by Rosemary and archery with Dave which, those of us that attended, really enjoyed. Glen and Mandy went out on their bikes. During the Committee Meeting Mark our Vice Chair produced a box of goodies intended to keep all our and your youngsters entertained so thanks to the Burton family for that. Thanks also to Rosemary and Dave for stewarding. ( We also feel you are part of Midland!)
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
9th - 11th SEPTEMBER 2016 Photographs and some Video
Fifteen units came to Sinton Green which was more than last year. Ivan came with a long pole for damson picking but he must have left some as Judy and Stan still managed to pick two basketfuls on Saturday. We had soup and rolls on Friday followed by a sing a-round and a social chat. Next day was drizzly so some of us went to the Bromyard Festival for a few hours, some formed a Sinton Green Folk Band ready to play in the evening and we had a small turn out for a ukulele session.
We had an excellent American Supper with plenty of variety and that was followed by dancing and spots in the evening with MC Dave keeping events going.
Sunday was much better weather and after the Committee Meeting we sat outside for our coffee break. Later we had a craft session run by Rosemary and archery with Dave which, those of us that attended, really enjoyed. Glen and Mandy went out on their bikes. During the Committee Meeting Mark our Vice Chair produced a box of goodies intended to keep all our and your youngsters entertained so thanks to the Burton family for that. Thanks also to Rosemary and Dave for stewarding. ( We also feel you are part of Midland!)
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
COLWALL
30th SEPTEMBER - 2nd OCTOBER 2016 Photographs
This was a new venue for us and it is in a beautiful part of the country, just below the Malvern Hills.
On Friday Gaynor and Shen provided tasty home made soup which was followed by cakes to start this friendly weekend. Gaynor organised the evening session of dancing and spot turns.
There is a handy bus service from the site and on Saturday some members caught the bus into Ledbury. Despite the drizzly weather others took the short walk to the local church. We were glad the hall was available all day and we made good use of it with crafts and music sessions in both the hall and side room. Several members tried their hand at encaustic art and some made prick and stitch cards.
After a sumptuous American Supper Bob Small was MC for the evening of social dances and song spots, including an hilarious version of "Allouette".
Geocaching Sunday dawned beautiful and sunny, so after mid morning tea and biscuits two members took advantage of the weather to go geocaching whilst others sat and enjoyed the sunshine. A picnic lunch in the car park put the final touch to the weekend before heading for home.
Thank you to Margaret and Mervyn for stewarding.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
30th SEPTEMBER - 2nd OCTOBER 2016 Photographs
This was a new venue for us and it is in a beautiful part of the country, just below the Malvern Hills.
On Friday Gaynor and Shen provided tasty home made soup which was followed by cakes to start this friendly weekend. Gaynor organised the evening session of dancing and spot turns.
There is a handy bus service from the site and on Saturday some members caught the bus into Ledbury. Despite the drizzly weather others took the short walk to the local church. We were glad the hall was available all day and we made good use of it with crafts and music sessions in both the hall and side room. Several members tried their hand at encaustic art and some made prick and stitch cards.
After a sumptuous American Supper Bob Small was MC for the evening of social dances and song spots, including an hilarious version of "Allouette".
Geocaching Sunday dawned beautiful and sunny, so after mid morning tea and biscuits two members took advantage of the weather to go geocaching whilst others sat and enjoyed the sunshine. A picnic lunch in the car park put the final touch to the weekend before heading for home.
Thank you to Margaret and Mervyn for stewarding.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
SHATTERFORD
25th - 27th NOVEMBER 2016 Photographs
What a wonderful weekend to finish our 2016 season. We had seventeen units out. On Friday we had pumpkin and apple soup or Mediterranean vegetable soup with rolls followed by cake. Stan was our MC for Friday and we had an evening of dancing and singing. On Saturday we laid out a variety of crafts which went on all day. There were Christmas tree cards, Christmas wreathes made of rags, laminated leaf mats, origami boxes, folded paper hedgehogs and encaustic art. Later in the afternoon we had a music session and a “girl” band practice. Judy and I provided jacket potatoes to add to the sumptuous American supper. Jill, our MC for the first time, kept the pace up with spots, songs, folk and line dancing. Our thanks go to Judy and Stan for stewarding and working so hard to make it such an enjoyable weekend.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
25th - 27th NOVEMBER 2016 Photographs
What a wonderful weekend to finish our 2016 season. We had seventeen units out. On Friday we had pumpkin and apple soup or Mediterranean vegetable soup with rolls followed by cake. Stan was our MC for Friday and we had an evening of dancing and singing. On Saturday we laid out a variety of crafts which went on all day. There were Christmas tree cards, Christmas wreathes made of rags, laminated leaf mats, origami boxes, folded paper hedgehogs and encaustic art. Later in the afternoon we had a music session and a “girl” band practice. Judy and I provided jacket potatoes to add to the sumptuous American supper. Jill, our MC for the first time, kept the pace up with spots, songs, folk and line dancing. Our thanks go to Judy and Stan for stewarding and working so hard to make it such an enjoyable weekend.
Gaynor Butler (Chairman)
