Join us for a long weekend of beautiful, lively & interesting English country dancing from the 17th & 18th centuries as published by John Walsh. Walsh was a music publisher who stepped in to the niche left by John Playford & sons at the end of the 17th Century, becoming the main publisher of Country Dance books of the period.
There will be morning workshops to explore some less familiar dances, & opportunities to have a good sing with Julie Kimber Nickelson. Afternoons are free to enjoy the Manor or explore the lovely area of West Somerset.
Evening dances include a friendly ‘Meet & Greet’ dance on Friday, a Saturday night Assembly Dance (bring a costume if you have one) with a Ceilidh to round things off on Sunday. All this to fine music from Meter Rite to lift your feet & your spirits!
“A very friendly and enjoyable week.” Participant
Who’s it For?
Dancers of all levels of experience, beginners are welcome.
The Team
Margaret Thomas (host & caller), has led the Summer Days week at Halsway for a number of years. Because of proposed restoration works at Halsway during July, the ‘week’ has switched to a Bank Holiday Weekend for 2018. Margaret combines a great love of folk dance with a knowledge of Halsway and the surrounding area, making sure all guests have an enjoyable time both on and off the dance floor.
Bob Morgan (guest caller), is an expert and friendly folk dance caller and teacher. Having started out in 2006 with Sheffield University Ceilidh Society he is now a nationally known caller for ceilidhs, contras and Playford dances aided and abetted by various musicians and bands.
Julie Kimber Nickelson (song-leader) is the granddaughter of the great concertina player William Kimber, who inspired Cecil Sharp to begin his song and dance collecting journeys. The Kimber family have had a significant impact on the folk and Morris traditions of Oxfordshire, and are still making a contribution to the living and evolving musical traditions of the area.
Meter Rite are Linda Byrt (fiddle) and Maureen Knight (piano). They play a range of dance music for evening dances and local clubs, and particularly enjoy seeing Playford dancers respond to our playing. This will be their third Summer Days!
