FIDDLESTICKS
NORTH WEST CLOG DANCERS
News Archive (1 of 2)
January 10th 2005 - Tsunami EDP/UNICEF appeal
December 13th 2004 - Christmas Party Caption Competition
April 21st 2004 - Easter Monday in Southwold
10th January 2005 - Tsunami EDP/UNICEF appeal
Fiddlesticks were very pleased to be invited to peform at the "Drop in the Ocean" ceilidh at St Andrew's Hall on Saturday 8th January. This fund-raising event raised over £13,000 for the EDP/UNICEF appeal for the people of south east Asia affected by the tragic events of December 26th.
Despite the fact that the organisers had a scant two weeks to make all the necessary arrangements and publicise the event, the evening went incredibly smoothly and was attended by over 1,000 dancers, singers, and musicians.
Once more Fiddlesticks acquitted themselves well, in front of their largest audience yet, and kept the interest of the crowds even when the lights were turned on!
All credit to Squire Nightingale who coped admirably with last minute changes to the running order, the dancers available, and the length of time we had to perform.
…and excellent foresight by Joan and Linda (1) for deciding that all our various accroutements should be available - just in case!
13th December 2004 - Christmas Party Caption Competition:
Visit the ever popular Fiddlesticks Caption Competition!
21st April 2004 - Easter Monday in Southwold:
"I’d just arrived home from a 4 hour journey on the motorway, following a gruelling weekend of partying and family visits in Sussex and Dorset. As soon as I saw on the answerphone that the Squire had rung at 9.40pm, on the evening before we were due to dance out, I knew it had to be bad news……….. it was, she was ill and would not be dancing the next day. That, combined with the fact that the Foreman was off on holiday in sunny parts, and now we were down to only 9 dancers, meant I had only 1 course of action open to me – yes PANIC!! However, after a mercy dash by the Squire’s husband first thing next morning, delivering the garlands, and more importantly, the clipboard of essential information, there was to be no looking back!! We had some excellent dancers, we’re a good team, and everything would be alright!!
"Fortunately, we were being joined by Point Devis, a neighbouring side from Middleton, Suffolk, so, as we took dance and dance about, at least it gave thinking and breathing time. We assembled in the Market Place for an 11.00am start, and opting for a safe opener, Churchtown it was!! However, as the day progressed, we became more daring, dancing a very passable Portland Hill at the Red Lion.(It was here that I discovered that it is possible to rant uphill, backwards!!) Confidence boosted, we decided to give “Clitheroe” its first ever public airing. Strangely, it was an old secure favourite, Newton le Willows, that was our undoing!! Not to be daunted, we held a quick post mortem, and danced it again, this time faultlessly, at the next pub, the Nelson. It was here that we stopped for excellent refreshment of sandwiches and chips. Oh, and the odd glass or two of Adnams!!
"What better way to wash and shake this lunch down, than by dancing outside the wonderful tea bar on the prom., preceded, of course, by a most welcome mug of tea. By this time, an unforecast sun was shining, and I almost began to enjoy the day! From here, and I must thank the side for indulging me in a whim, we processed along the prom towards the pier. All was going well until the prom unexpectedly narrowed, giving us the necessary and welcome excuse to stop! It seemed a long walk back to collect our possessions, before walking sedately to the end of the pier for the last dance of the day. A first, I believe, dancing on the pier, and at least we did not compete with the Punch and Judy man! The only distraction from our dancing here, was the marvelous water feature/clock, and John made us all stop dancing to watch the man taking his trousers down at 4.00pm (If you haven’t seen this “rude” timepiece, its well worth a visit!)
"So, with aching feet and legs, and cold fingered musicians, we made our various ways home. Another good day in Southwold, and honour upheld. It had been fun to join Point Devis, who looked splendid in their new kit: we had (mostly) danced well; the musicians, looking striking in their black outfits and hats had done us proud. We had had good audiences, good weather, good company. Who could want more?? On the way home, it started to rain. I didn’t care – I was going to spend the evening in front of the fire with a good book………………………………."
By Kay Nightingale