FIDDLESTICKS
NORTH WEST CLOG DANCERS
Fiddlesticks News
March 2010 - New Programme coming soon
June 21st 2008 - Fiddlesticks 25th Birthday Party
September 26th 2007 - Tribute to Brenda McFadyen
Click here to visit the News Archive.
March 2010 - New Programme coming soon
Spring must be here soon! We are looking forward to a new season's dancing. Watch out for our summer programme coming soon.
June 2008 - Fiddlesticks 25th Birthday Party
A great time was had by all. A huge thank you for all the morris sides that attended our day and to everyone who contributed to making the day such a success. For some pictures of the day, visit our Birthday page.
September 26th 2007 - Tribute to Brenda McFadyen
The founding member of Fiddlesticks, Brenda McFadyen, died in August at the young age of 63. Our longest serving member, Susan Holt, gave this tribute to Brenda at the wake following the funeral.
“If it wasn’t for Brenda, Fiddlesticks would not exist. She had the inspiration to form a women’s Morris side after a men’s side had been formed to dance a Harvest Festival in Swardeston where Phillip was vicar. So, in January 1983 Fiddlesticks was formed with 9 enthusiastic villagers.
“Fiddlesticks became a great success due to the enthusiasm of Brenda as the driving force, leading the side for an amazing 11 years– this must be a record!
“Brenda used her contacts in the media to keep a high profile for Fiddlesticks, organising TV and radio appearances over the years.
“Fiddlesticks continued to meet in Swardeston village hall until the hall committee decided to refurbish, carpeting the floor and leaving only a small dance floor in the centre. We may not dance with hugely wide sets, but even we could not squeeze onto the remaining space, so we decamped to the big city where, still under Brenda’s leadership, we continued to flourish.
“Brenda continued as Squire until 1994, a record 11 years – no-one else has managed more than 3! She could now enjoy the dancing and friendship of the side without the responsibility. However she was not one to shirk responsibility and in 2003 to mark our 20th anniversary she once more took on the role of Squire and organised a wonderful dancing tour of northern France, based in Rouen. This started the now traditional Whit tour.
“Brenda always danced with vigour and enthusiasm, showing up some of the younger dancers with her high knees and energetic stepping. She was a wonderful mentor for new dancers, taking time to get to know them, ready with encouragement and praise, making them feel part of the Fiddlesticks family. She was always there for all her friends, if anyone had problems Brenda would be there to offer support. She would always go that extra mile to be there for her friends.
“Next year is our 25th anniversary and not only will we celebrate 25 years of Fiddlesticks, we will also be celebrating Brenda, giving thanks to her for her inspiration in forming the side.”
By Sue Holt
At the wake, Fiddlesticks performed two of Brenda’s favourite dances, both of which she danced on her last appearance with Fiddlesticks on 18th June at the Maid Marion pub in Norwich. These were Newton le Willows, which Brenda loved, followed by The Rose, which is our traditional end of performance dance and which we danced as a farewell to Brenda.