STORIES AND PICTURES FROM OUR GROUP
Click on the year to find out what happened, and maybe see some pictures.
Click on the year to find out what happened, and maybe see some pictures.
2024
Grimley Peace Hall September 13th -15th
The meet at Grimley Peace Hall, Sinton Green, proved to be another excellent Midland’s meet, with Noreen and Bob doing a great job as stewards.
On Friday afternoon we had tea, coffee and biscuits in the hall, followed by supper and an evening of dancing and spots around the room.
On Saturday morning, we had refreshments in the hall, and following a break for lunch, we had crafts and an impromptu music get together. The evening commenced with a shared supper - what an impressive range of food and desserts! This was followed by a wonderful evening with Noreen as MC, and Vanessa leading an excellent band. Noreen and Bob presented a quiz based on giving the 1972/1974 prices of various items, with its magnificent prize won by June and Jeff.
On both evenings. Wendy, John and Gay were excellent callers, and in between dances we had some great spots with Bertie and the Fabulous Bertie Boys and Girls, Mark and Bob performing a hilarious song about an Ostrich (I’ll leave that up to your imagination), Pauline doing a lovely rendition of ‘Lord of the Dance’, Chris singing an amusing song about Old Ladies, and many more excellent spots too numerous to mention.
All in all, another great meet.
Jeff
Thanks to June for the photos
The meet at Grimley Peace Hall, Sinton Green, proved to be another excellent Midland’s meet, with Noreen and Bob doing a great job as stewards.
On Friday afternoon we had tea, coffee and biscuits in the hall, followed by supper and an evening of dancing and spots around the room.
On Saturday morning, we had refreshments in the hall, and following a break for lunch, we had crafts and an impromptu music get together. The evening commenced with a shared supper - what an impressive range of food and desserts! This was followed by a wonderful evening with Noreen as MC, and Vanessa leading an excellent band. Noreen and Bob presented a quiz based on giving the 1972/1974 prices of various items, with its magnificent prize won by June and Jeff.
On both evenings. Wendy, John and Gay were excellent callers, and in between dances we had some great spots with Bertie and the Fabulous Bertie Boys and Girls, Mark and Bob performing a hilarious song about an Ostrich (I’ll leave that up to your imagination), Pauline doing a lovely rendition of ‘Lord of the Dance’, Chris singing an amusing song about Old Ladies, and many more excellent spots too numerous to mention.
All in all, another great meet.
Jeff
Thanks to June for the photos
Shatterford One Day Meet August 3rd
An experiment holding a one day meet in Summer. Much appreciated by the 16 people there, but as expected others were widely distributed around the country. Janine and Gay were our able stewards. The numbers allowed us to have our sumptious shared meal without having to extricate the trestle tables from under the stage.
We still had a full evening of music, song and dancing with a live band. You needed a note from your mother to be excused from dancing (forgeries not allowed). When the number of dancers increased to 10, the band had to sacrifice two members!
The evening was brought to a close by the massed string band "organised" by Jeff.
(Interim report by Colin)
An experiment holding a one day meet in Summer. Much appreciated by the 16 people there, but as expected others were widely distributed around the country. Janine and Gay were our able stewards. The numbers allowed us to have our sumptious shared meal without having to extricate the trestle tables from under the stage.
We still had a full evening of music, song and dancing with a live band. You needed a note from your mother to be excused from dancing (forgeries not allowed). When the number of dancers increased to 10, the band had to sacrifice two members!
The evening was brought to a close by the massed string band "organised" by Jeff.
(Interim report by Colin)
Clows Top Victory Hall 19th - 21st July
Another successful meet at a new venue to us, Clows Top Victory Hall.
Mark and Daphne did a sterling job with 15 units including newcomers, Steve, Jo and Cam from Worcester and Noel and Pauline from South Wales.
The weekend kicked off with most people getting together for an evening meal on Friday night followed by an informal sing around and dancing with Mark as MC. Is there no end to his talents?
On Saturday morning after coffee and the important collection of camping fees, people pursued various activities. Some of the crafters were making ingenious playing card holders out of old CDs, whilst musicians were taking the opportunity to get in some practice, possibly preparing for their evening spot. Others ventured off site, taking advantage of the local bus into Tenbury Wells.
We all met up again for a shared supper at 6.30 followed by a more formal evening of entertainment with spots and dancing and the 'String Ensemble' managing a couple of numbers. Colin took the helm as MC and kept the evening flowing with a good mix of music, song and dance. Our newcomers joined in, with Steve on Ukulele and Pauline with a chorus song. A small but talented band, led by Ann, provided live music for the dancing on both evenings. Mark and Daphne presented us with a quiz, the theme of which was ‘All Things Associated with July’. Joint winners were the teams of Tim & Ann, Jo,Steve & Vanessa with 29 points each.
On Sunday morning we all met up for a final tea, coffee and chat before going our separate ways. Well done Mark and Daphne for making it a most enjoyable meet.
Bill Hughes
Another successful meet at a new venue to us, Clows Top Victory Hall.
Mark and Daphne did a sterling job with 15 units including newcomers, Steve, Jo and Cam from Worcester and Noel and Pauline from South Wales.
The weekend kicked off with most people getting together for an evening meal on Friday night followed by an informal sing around and dancing with Mark as MC. Is there no end to his talents?
On Saturday morning after coffee and the important collection of camping fees, people pursued various activities. Some of the crafters were making ingenious playing card holders out of old CDs, whilst musicians were taking the opportunity to get in some practice, possibly preparing for their evening spot. Others ventured off site, taking advantage of the local bus into Tenbury Wells.
We all met up again for a shared supper at 6.30 followed by a more formal evening of entertainment with spots and dancing and the 'String Ensemble' managing a couple of numbers. Colin took the helm as MC and kept the evening flowing with a good mix of music, song and dance. Our newcomers joined in, with Steve on Ukulele and Pauline with a chorus song. A small but talented band, led by Ann, provided live music for the dancing on both evenings. Mark and Daphne presented us with a quiz, the theme of which was ‘All Things Associated with July’. Joint winners were the teams of Tim & Ann, Jo,Steve & Vanessa with 29 points each.
On Sunday morning we all met up for a final tea, coffee and chat before going our separate ways. Well done Mark and Daphne for making it a most enjoyable meet.
Bill Hughes
Rowington 14th-16th June
A very enjoyable meet was held at Rowington village hall, ably stewarded by Beth and Bill (although they did warn us that it always rains when they steward, and we did have several showers including hail!). 20 units attended and were well sited on hard standing, with one tent on the grass. Some people visited the nearby NT properties before or after the meet or even walked to the closest during.
On Friday evening many of us brought our evening meals into the hall to have a good social time and catch up with old friends. This was followed by an informal ‘round the room’ session. The scratch band played for dancing and we had a good variety of song and music spots.
During the day on Saturday, most people stayed on site due to the weather. There were impromptu music get togethers, with concertina players in one corner of the hall, ukulele tuition in another room, singers/musicians sharing their songs and tunes. Those doing the jigsaw and craft activities had background music to entertain them. (I think they appreciated this…)
Saturday evening brought the shared supper – as usual there was a great variety of food, and plenty of opportunity for seconds! Some excellent home-made items, particularly the cake, flapjacks and John’s famous trifle. We then had the quiz answers – a challenging one involving film titles from emojis. Some answers were straightforward but others more obscure.
Beth was MC for the evening’s entertainment and again we had a good mix of dances and spots. The scratch band did their best to keep up with the callers and dancers (Gay keeping us all on track if things went awry). We were all entranced by Roy’s granddaughters, who did beautiful solo dances in their ballet costumes. Bertie and the Bertie boys (and "Babes") are always good value, and Jeff’s massed ranks of ukulele and guitar players outnumbered the remaining audience. A good time was had by all!
The sun was finally shining on Sunday morning as we had our final coffee get together and then headed off home. Another excellent weekend – thanks to everyone for their contributions.
Julia Davies
A very enjoyable meet was held at Rowington village hall, ably stewarded by Beth and Bill (although they did warn us that it always rains when they steward, and we did have several showers including hail!). 20 units attended and were well sited on hard standing, with one tent on the grass. Some people visited the nearby NT properties before or after the meet or even walked to the closest during.
On Friday evening many of us brought our evening meals into the hall to have a good social time and catch up with old friends. This was followed by an informal ‘round the room’ session. The scratch band played for dancing and we had a good variety of song and music spots.
During the day on Saturday, most people stayed on site due to the weather. There were impromptu music get togethers, with concertina players in one corner of the hall, ukulele tuition in another room, singers/musicians sharing their songs and tunes. Those doing the jigsaw and craft activities had background music to entertain them. (I think they appreciated this…)
Saturday evening brought the shared supper – as usual there was a great variety of food, and plenty of opportunity for seconds! Some excellent home-made items, particularly the cake, flapjacks and John’s famous trifle. We then had the quiz answers – a challenging one involving film titles from emojis. Some answers were straightforward but others more obscure.
Beth was MC for the evening’s entertainment and again we had a good mix of dances and spots. The scratch band did their best to keep up with the callers and dancers (Gay keeping us all on track if things went awry). We were all entranced by Roy’s granddaughters, who did beautiful solo dances in their ballet costumes. Bertie and the Bertie boys (and "Babes") are always good value, and Jeff’s massed ranks of ukulele and guitar players outnumbered the remaining audience. A good time was had by all!
The sun was finally shining on Sunday morning as we had our final coffee get together and then headed off home. Another excellent weekend – thanks to everyone for their contributions.
Julia Davies
May 17th 19th Fillongley – Stewards June and Jeff.
The annual boules meet at Fillongley was another successful Midland meet. It was lovely to welcome some people for their first meet and also those joining from other areas.
Marion, a Midland weekend first timer, wrote -
Couldn't believe that as a new Folk Group member (this was only my third meet), I was welcomed at the gate with a "Hello Marion." The entertainment was non stop full of food, dancing, song and music not forgetting Boules in the Jungle. This was a new style game as the grass, supposedly mowed, was actually calf high in places and seemed to get longer as you watched. The eventual winners, and Intrepid explorers, were Pam and Roger Biggs. 40 people took part and all managed to find their way back to their vans. It was a lovely weekend and, except for one session, the rain managed to stay away. Roll on my fourth meet, can't wait!
The annual boules meet at Fillongley was another successful Midland meet. It was lovely to welcome some people for their first meet and also those joining from other areas.
Marion, a Midland weekend first timer, wrote -
Couldn't believe that as a new Folk Group member (this was only my third meet), I was welcomed at the gate with a "Hello Marion." The entertainment was non stop full of food, dancing, song and music not forgetting Boules in the Jungle. This was a new style game as the grass, supposedly mowed, was actually calf high in places and seemed to get longer as you watched. The eventual winners, and Intrepid explorers, were Pam and Roger Biggs. 40 people took part and all managed to find their way back to their vans. It was a lovely weekend and, except for one session, the rain managed to stay away. Roll on my fourth meet, can't wait!
EVESHAM Midland Easter replacement
29th March-2nd April
Could be described as the Phoenix meet, risen from the cancelled Easter meet or perhaps Atlantis from the sea?
Impressions of the Midland Easter Meet.
What a fantastic time considering we had been planning for two years and we had to condense the usual 200+ units into 68.
Although it wasn’t our fault (the weather made the field unusable) I would still like to apologise to all those members whom we couldn’t accommodate.
That said we managed workshops of glass painting, encaustic art, friendship bracelets, decoupatch, book covers and cute egg cosies. We had Tai Chi, Club, Morris and evening dances. Singing was catered for with shanties, unison in harmony, skiffle and evening singarounds.
We had a music session, two styles of ukulele playing and beginners’ concertina.
Friday night was a social occasion, meet and greet with a singaround interspersed with dancing.
On Saturday and Sunday we separated into different groups but all came together on Monday for the showcase and display of crafts.
I could mention names but what an amazing Midland Committee and friends I had backing me. I might have been at the helm but what a crew!
Will I go down in folk group history like one of Henry V111’ wives – did 2014, had 2020 and 2021 cancelled, did 2022 and quartered 2024 and ran out of biscuits. So don’t ask me again to run anEas ter Meet, I might just be the jinx!
Gay.
Report on the Easter Meet with the Midlands
Good Morning Gay & Bob, well its just about still morning….we overslept, forgot we had not altered the clocks at home!
Just to say a big thankyou to you both for forging ahead to save Easter, we are aware of how much extra work it took to re organize and thank you both very much also all your ‘worker busy bees’ who withou them it could not have happened (don’t have all their individual email addresses).
As everyone who was there knows it was a huge success and I just hope you manage to cover the costs it incurred.
Well done Midlands….brilliant
Rosemary & Dave
29th March-2nd April
Could be described as the Phoenix meet, risen from the cancelled Easter meet or perhaps Atlantis from the sea?
Impressions of the Midland Easter Meet.
What a fantastic time considering we had been planning for two years and we had to condense the usual 200+ units into 68.
Although it wasn’t our fault (the weather made the field unusable) I would still like to apologise to all those members whom we couldn’t accommodate.
That said we managed workshops of glass painting, encaustic art, friendship bracelets, decoupatch, book covers and cute egg cosies. We had Tai Chi, Club, Morris and evening dances. Singing was catered for with shanties, unison in harmony, skiffle and evening singarounds.
We had a music session, two styles of ukulele playing and beginners’ concertina.
Friday night was a social occasion, meet and greet with a singaround interspersed with dancing.
On Saturday and Sunday we separated into different groups but all came together on Monday for the showcase and display of crafts.
I could mention names but what an amazing Midland Committee and friends I had backing me. I might have been at the helm but what a crew!
Will I go down in folk group history like one of Henry V111’ wives – did 2014, had 2020 and 2021 cancelled, did 2022 and quartered 2024 and ran out of biscuits. So don’t ask me again to run anEas ter Meet, I might just be the jinx!
Gay.
Report on the Easter Meet with the Midlands
Good Morning Gay & Bob, well its just about still morning….we overslept, forgot we had not altered the clocks at home!
Just to say a big thankyou to you both for forging ahead to save Easter, we are aware of how much extra work it took to re organize and thank you both very much also all your ‘worker busy bees’ who withou them it could not have happened (don’t have all their individual email addresses).
As everyone who was there knows it was a huge success and I just hope you manage to cover the costs it incurred.
Well done Midlands….brilliant
Rosemary & Dave
ASTLEY
8th-10th March
Our first outing this year was to join the Midland Section of the FSDG in a beautiful village not far from Stourport on Severn. We were warmly welcomed by the stewards who quickly got us to our spot for the weekend. A hot drink was also ready in the beautiful village hall.
Friday evening we had a bring your own dinner to eat together, this was something we hadn’t done before, but it was a great icebreaker rather than sitting on your own in the caravan. The stewards gave out a quiz for us to complete with answers given at the later tea break. The evening’s entertainment was a bit different to our usual section, they had a scratch band to play the dances. Each expertly called dance was interspersed by two floor spots.
Saturday morning began with tea , then until their AGM began; musicians got into huddles for jamming sessions, some craft work was shared between other groups, whilst the remainder spent the time catching up.
Dinner was a shared table with lots of various dishes, it always amazes me how very little is duplicated. Another quiz was provided. The entertainment followed the same pattern.
Sunday morning came round far too quickly. We finished with coffee before departure before noon.
We were warmly welcomed and by the end of the weekend we felt we had made many new friends. We will definitely go out with them again.
SHATTERFORD Village Hall
Winter Day Neets, 20th January and 17th February
These were a new departure for Midland group, an idea which we had decided to try for a number of reasons. Firstly, we felt it seems to be a very long time between our final meet of the year at Astley in November and the first of the year in March, and secondly because we have had to give up using Shatterford for our regular meets, as there are issues with getting caravans onto the site, but really wanted to continue to use the hall in some manner.
We were lucky with the weather for both ‘day meets’, which were well attended with more than 30 participants on each occasion. The first, with a theme of New Year, was hosted by Colin and Julia and was their first experience of hosting. It was a busy afternoon with a music session and a craft group, who were doing threading cards under the tutelage of Julia. Other people just enjoyed the opportunity to sit and chat. We were pleased to welcome several people who were joining us for the first time. In the evening, we had a lovely, shared supper followed by music and dancing with Colin doing a marvelous job as MC and with sufficient musicians to have a band for the dancing. There was also a quiz with questions based around the New Year theme, the prize for which was a rather wonderful red sequined top hat. Well done Colin and Julia on a very successful afternoon and evening.
Our second day meet was hosted by Gay and Val, with a Valentines theme. We were pleased to welcome back the people who had joined us for the first time at the previous ‘day meet’, who had since become members of the Midland folk group. There was again an afternoon of music and song, a craft group with June explaining how to create boxes from pretty card and a determined group working hard to complete a 500-piece jigsaw in the short time available. Our usual shared supper followed, with another wonderful selection of food, followed by a tricky Valentines quiz with Val as the quizmaster. Gay was our excellent MC for the evening of music and dancing and again we had a band for the dancing.
Both of our ‘day meets’ were felt to have been a tremendous success, and I am sure they will become a regular event in our calendar.
Beth Hughes
8th-10th March
Our first outing this year was to join the Midland Section of the FSDG in a beautiful village not far from Stourport on Severn. We were warmly welcomed by the stewards who quickly got us to our spot for the weekend. A hot drink was also ready in the beautiful village hall.
Friday evening we had a bring your own dinner to eat together, this was something we hadn’t done before, but it was a great icebreaker rather than sitting on your own in the caravan. The stewards gave out a quiz for us to complete with answers given at the later tea break. The evening’s entertainment was a bit different to our usual section, they had a scratch band to play the dances. Each expertly called dance was interspersed by two floor spots.
Saturday morning began with tea , then until their AGM began; musicians got into huddles for jamming sessions, some craft work was shared between other groups, whilst the remainder spent the time catching up.
Dinner was a shared table with lots of various dishes, it always amazes me how very little is duplicated. Another quiz was provided. The entertainment followed the same pattern.
Sunday morning came round far too quickly. We finished with coffee before departure before noon.
We were warmly welcomed and by the end of the weekend we felt we had made many new friends. We will definitely go out with them again.
SHATTERFORD Village Hall
Winter Day Neets, 20th January and 17th February
These were a new departure for Midland group, an idea which we had decided to try for a number of reasons. Firstly, we felt it seems to be a very long time between our final meet of the year at Astley in November and the first of the year in March, and secondly because we have had to give up using Shatterford for our regular meets, as there are issues with getting caravans onto the site, but really wanted to continue to use the hall in some manner.
We were lucky with the weather for both ‘day meets’, which were well attended with more than 30 participants on each occasion. The first, with a theme of New Year, was hosted by Colin and Julia and was their first experience of hosting. It was a busy afternoon with a music session and a craft group, who were doing threading cards under the tutelage of Julia. Other people just enjoyed the opportunity to sit and chat. We were pleased to welcome several people who were joining us for the first time. In the evening, we had a lovely, shared supper followed by music and dancing with Colin doing a marvelous job as MC and with sufficient musicians to have a band for the dancing. There was also a quiz with questions based around the New Year theme, the prize for which was a rather wonderful red sequined top hat. Well done Colin and Julia on a very successful afternoon and evening.
Our second day meet was hosted by Gay and Val, with a Valentines theme. We were pleased to welcome back the people who had joined us for the first time at the previous ‘day meet’, who had since become members of the Midland folk group. There was again an afternoon of music and song, a craft group with June explaining how to create boxes from pretty card and a determined group working hard to complete a 500-piece jigsaw in the short time available. Our usual shared supper followed, with another wonderful selection of food, followed by a tricky Valentines quiz with Val as the quizmaster. Gay was our excellent MC for the evening of music and dancing and again we had a band for the dancing.
Both of our ‘day meets’ were felt to have been a tremendous success, and I am sure they will become a regular event in our calendar.
Beth Hughes
Our History and earier meet reports
