The scene was set at the Keene Hall, Galleywood, Chelmsford, Essex on
Saturday 4th January for over 100 dancers with eleven former members of
the Group including Robin Slater who had travelled from Heidelberg in
Germany.
The caller was the nationally known and jovial John Chapman from
Stratford-on-Avon who, together with his wife Dee, is celebrating 50
years of calling, and the band the highly acclaimed Iceni Folk from
Colchester. In all twenty one dances featured on the evening's programme
including a circle dance written by John himself, John's Schottishe, to
the Scottish tunes "Right's of Man" and "Chief O' Neill's Favourite"
from Iceni Folk. John also called six square dances in all including
singing calls for 42nd Sreet and Top of the World and patter calls for
Welcome Tonight and Hobo Number 5. Amongst the longways dances enjoyed
were, Indian Queen, Shadrack's Delight and Amy's Harmonium.
In the first half four couples of the Jovial Beggars gave an almost
faultless (Walt's words!) performance of a Playford dance sequence
comprising Lillie Burlero, Lull Me Beyond Thee, Newcastle and Hey Boys
in their "Best" red & black costume. Kate Badrick, a founder member of
the Group, on behalf of the current members presented Walt Tingle with
a wrought iron replica of locked swords, logo of the English Folk Dance
and Song Society combined with initials JB, in appreciation of an
inspired leader and a patient, outstanding tutor of the Jovial Beggars
over 25 years.
The second half included more longways dances in contra and "Beckett"
formation including Bar Harbor, Bucksaw Reel and Cactus Wren which,
incidentally, is the bird that has nested in the cholla cactus in my
brother's Arizona garden. Justine Badrick treated the audience to an
outstanding solo performance of Appalachian clog dancing and the evening
finished with old favourites, Levi Jackson Rag and Devil's Dream. Eric
Manning, Chairman of Chelmsford Folk Dancers on behalf of invited guests,
thanked the Jovial Beggars for sharing the celebrations with them and,
together with John Chapman, wished that the Jovial Beggars long continue
to entertain spectators with traditional English folk dancing.
We deemed the event a huge success in a convivial atmosphere made
possible by brilliant calling, superb music, an excellant feast and
"switched on", enthusiastic dancers. Many thanks to everyone involved.
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