It was only quite late in the Spring, late March if my memory serves me well, that we had an influx of new dancers. Not only did Julia return but we were also joined by Becs, Jake, Dylan, Vicki and Joshua. To be honest it was really rather close to the start of the dance out season to be taking on new dancers but we weren't really in a position to be that choosy; so we hastily taught our recruits a few dances and then we were off.
The summer dancing season was, in my opinion, the best we have ever had in my time with the side. For the most part our dancing ranged from good to excellent. Our newer members grew in confidence as the summer went on and even managed to learn more dances at some of the quieter dance-outs. As mentioned elsewhere our turn out at Rochester was a sight to behold. Sheringham and Folk East seem likely to become regular features of our calendar and our first visit to the Wisset Plough Beer Festival was also a great success.
Inevitably there have been some disappointments along the way. It is a shame that Jake hasn't continued to practise with us after showing a lot of promise in his first season. We have also been sorry not to have seen Paul this autumn although I am pleased that he is enjoying his time with Point Devis; our loss is their gain. Finally it is particularly sad that the enforced change to Thursday practices has meant that founder squire, Jem, hasn't been able to come along this autumn. Perhaps circumstances might change again so that she is able to return in future.
However the side has continued to go from strength to strength. In late September we were joined by William, Oliver, Helena and Aimee. Although Aimee has only been able to come to practices infrequently she is hoping to get back to us a bit more in the New Year. Helena and the twins have both been regular attenders and should hopefully be dancing at the Whittlesey Straw Bear festival in a couple of weeks. Finally we have also welcomed Jon and Roz just in the last month. Jon will be at Whittlesey with Old Glory Molly but Roz is hoping to be able to do a dance or two with us after only a handful of practices. What is more we have had even more enquiries from potential new members!
Watch this space for more news in the New Year, especially concerning the Blaxhall Midsummer Festival.