Winter Warmer is a fun and friendly folk break to get your year off to a great start! Expect a range of activities – all optional – including dances, dance workshops, music workshops, games, quizzes, singing, craft activities, and hopefully a walk or two, depending on the weather.
You’ll be guided by the Winter Warmer team: Jane and Mark Hunter are your hosts for the event and will lead some fun and games to keep everyone relaxed and entertained; Madeleine Smith – well-known to many as a friendly and knowledgeable caller – will lead the dancing, assisted by David Capron; and musicians Dampiers’ Round (Peter & Moira Gutteridge) will be back, leading music for dancing and also offering workshops for musicians. There will also be opportunities for anyone attending to call a dance or run an activity, if they so wish.
“A friendly relaxed atmosphere, and lots to do – for me, a perfect Winter ‘pick-me-up’” Participant
There will be a range of activities to keep you entertained including daily music and dance workshops, plus afternoon activities and walks for those who want to get out into the fresh air. Dances every evening, with the option for you to play in the band or call a dance should you so wish, before retiring to the bar to enjoy the convivial relaxed atmosphere of the manor.
This break begins with an introductory meeting in the bar at 5pm, before dinner at 6.30pm, which is followed by the Welcome Dance.
Who is Winter Warmer for?
Everyone! The week offers a varied programme including folk dance, music and song, games, quizzes and fun, and all levels of experience are welcome to come and join a fun and sociable winter folk break. Bring instruments if you have them and would like to play.
The Team
We’re sorry that Sue Irving is no longer able to host the Winter Warmer this year due to a change in personal circumstances. She has handed her duties over to Jane and Mark Hunter, who we look forward to working with, but we will miss Sue and hope to see her again soon!
Jane and Mark Hunter
Jane and Mark have been involved in the folk scene for many years as dancers and more recently as callers. They are regular attendees of many folk festivals including Chippenham and Lichfield. They are very involved with their local folk dance club at Sytchampton where they run dance workshops for newer members. They also organise walks, trips and other activities for the club members.
Madeleine Smith
Madeleine learned her art from some outstanding teachers, including Pat Shaw and Ethyl Anderson. She is known for her clear calling and teaching, her sense of fun, and her ability to use her extensive knowledge of country dancing and its historical context to create interesting workshops and dance programmes. As a musician, Madeleine works on the principle that ‘dance is music made visible’, and puts the tune, phrasing and rhythm at the centre of her teaching. She was the recipient of an EFDSS Gold Badge in 2022.
Moira and Peter Gutteridge
Moira and Peter are the Worcester-based dance band Dampiers’ Round, well known at Folk Festivals and Dance events round the country. They will be leading music workshops as well as playing for dancing. Multi-instrumentalists both, they enjoy helping players of all abilities to discover and develop their skills playing together in mixed-instrument ensembles. They will no doubt be helping Sue, Madeleine and David with the fun and games, and lead a walk or two, weather permitting.
David Capron
David is a dance caller from around the Home Counties. He calls a mixed range of dances – a bit of everything, enjoyable for everyone – and is continually adding more dances to his ‘repertoire’. David regularly attends the ‘Linsleighders’ Dance Club in Linslade, Leighton Buzzard, calling dances alongside other club members. He also calls for dance clubs around Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire and Buckinghamshire. He is looking forward to helping make the Winter Warmer as enjoyable as it always has been!