PORTLAND DRIVE DUO - our MUSICIANS.
Elaine Meechan & Brian Stone
Elaine Meechan & Brian Stone
First dance of 2018 !
A tot of bubbly to toast New Year !
at this Sunday-afternoon-Dance
Caller Jen Morgan !
A tot of bubbly to toast New Year !
at this Sunday-afternoon-Dance
Caller Jen Morgan !

Sat-eve-special Brummie Contra 10th Nov '18 |
|||
A Saturday-night Brummie Choccie Contra NB. Date is in 2018 at the Bournville Quaker Hall |
The Caller - | Musicians | Saving £1.50 ENDS at Midnight on |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday 10th November 2018 7.30pm at the Cadbury-built Quaker Hall, Bournville. |
Caller may originate from USA or/& be based in Edinburgh - tbc. |
Contra-Alt-Delete. Brilliant : Lichfield '15 & Sidmouth '17, Nicci, Grace, Sam &Oz. Sam & Grace played excellently to be the Band for the Very First Brummie Contra with Caller Bob Morgan, Good Friday in April of 2014. |
Wednesday 7th Nov 2018. |
Very Many THANKS -
To every one of the Superb Contra Band Players and Brilliant Callers we've had at "Brummie Contras". Genuine generosity on their parts - almost without exception - enabled the 1st two years of lively "Brummie Contras” to become gradually
better-known by more dancers without the disincentive that a high door price brings.
£1 more is now to be requested at the door (£2 when callers are from USA).
Our responses need more genuinely to reflect how bands/callers put themselves out for us !
A facebook ad from Charley twice added 25% to numbers WHEN our venue read "University".
Her same appreciated effort for Sept 4th seemed unfortunately to add no-one.
Opportunity to socialise with those attending during the time of the contras has been cut.
It becomes vital to visit other dance venues more, to better spread publicity for Brummie C's.
I have 7 (of 8 requested) dates to book bands & callers for 2017 at Elmdon Heath.
That hall is to be left empty for the occasion of our 3rd Anniversary Dance on Good Friday 2017.
To every one of the Superb Contra Band Players and Brilliant Callers we've had at "Brummie Contras". Genuine generosity on their parts - almost without exception - enabled the 1st two years of lively "Brummie Contras” to become gradually
better-known by more dancers without the disincentive that a high door price brings.
£1 more is now to be requested at the door (£2 when callers are from USA).
Our responses need more genuinely to reflect how bands/callers put themselves out for us !
A facebook ad from Charley twice added 25% to numbers WHEN our venue read "University".
Her same appreciated effort for Sept 4th seemed unfortunately to add no-one.
Opportunity to socialise with those attending during the time of the contras has been cut.
It becomes vital to visit other dance venues more, to better spread publicity for Brummie C's.
I have 7 (of 8 requested) dates to book bands & callers for 2017 at Elmdon Heath.
That hall is to be left empty for the occasion of our 3rd Anniversary Dance on Good Friday 2017.

PRICE for a CONTRA with a superb contra-band & ace UK caller needs in future to be -
Dance - on the door £10.50 Student £7.00 -
Our first Autumn contra-dance (above) was brilliant - and well advertised - especially at Summer Festivals.
Even after making a small personal subsidy - And Les's helpful raffle monies - a disappointing sum remained after subtracting hall fee.
Rhod came from Manchester. One band member drove from Sheffield. 2 band members brought all their equipment from Mansfield.
They were outside - ready to set-up to adjust our sound to compensate for the hall's acoustic echoing at 12:45.
To keep these excellent bands & callers, we need to offer them courteous entry: & must better recompense their work.
We need as many keen contra dancers as possible to share lively Sunday afternoons - so do please come AND bring your friends !
If you BRING a NEW FRIEND along to dance - you can each save. Also save another time and buy your ticket early.
If entry seems costly then PREPAY - at any dance for the NEXT: or fill-in the form on Prepay Dance page & pay by BACS. Save £2.
Dance - on the door £10.50 Student £7.00 -
Our first Autumn contra-dance (above) was brilliant - and well advertised - especially at Summer Festivals.
Even after making a small personal subsidy - And Les's helpful raffle monies - a disappointing sum remained after subtracting hall fee.
Rhod came from Manchester. One band member drove from Sheffield. 2 band members brought all their equipment from Mansfield.
They were outside - ready to set-up to adjust our sound to compensate for the hall's acoustic echoing at 12:45.
To keep these excellent bands & callers, we need to offer them courteous entry: & must better recompense their work.
We need as many keen contra dancers as possible to share lively Sunday afternoons - so do please come AND bring your friends !
If you BRING a NEW FRIEND along to dance - you can each save. Also save another time and buy your ticket early.
If entry seems costly then PREPAY - at any dance for the NEXT: or fill-in the form on Prepay Dance page & pay by BACS. Save £2.

Brummie Contra Sat-eve-special: 10th Nov 2018 |
|||
A Saturday-night Brummie Choccie Contra NB. Date is in 2018 at the Cadbury-built Quaker Hall |
The Caller - | Musicians | Saving £1.50 ENDS at Midnight on |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday 10th November 2018 7.30pm at the Quaker Hall, Bournville. |
Caller may originate from USA or/& be based in Edinburgh - tbc. |
Contra-Alt-Delete. Brilliant : Lichfield '15 & Sidmouth '17, Nicci, Grace, Sam &Oz. Sam & Grace played excellently to be the Band for the Very First Brummie Contra with Caller Bob Morgan, Good Friday in April of 2014. |
Wednesday 7th Nov 2018. |
A Brummie Contra Special: Sat 10th Nov 2018 |
|||
A Saturday Brummie Contra NB. Date in 2018 - |
The Caller - | Musicians | Saving £1.50 ENDS at Midnight on |
---|---|---|---|
Saturday 10th November at the Quaker Hall Bournville |
Likely caller originating from USA or/& based in Edinburgh - tbc. |
Contra-Alt-Delete. Brilliant at Lichfield 2015 & Sidmouth 2017 (Nicci, Grace, Sam & Oz)Brummie Contra's Very First Caller. |
24th Nov |
LATEST FLIERS for this 25th JUNE MIDSUMMER Contra Dance with Geoff calling are to
VIEW or to download on this page HERE !
VIEW or to download on this page HERE !
Midsummer Brummie Contra.
It's at - the more usual Venue :
Elmdon Heath Community Centre - B91 2SF -
It's at - the more usual Venue :
Elmdon Heath Community Centre - B91 2SF -
For the lively Brummie Midsummer Contra now to come -
- We look forward to welcoming back -
The Superb Contra Dance Band from Warwick University Folk Society,
with talented new members on Sun 25th June to play the Midsummer Contra with the skilled
Geoff Cubitt calling.
The Superb Contra Dance Band from Warwick University Folk Society,
with talented new members on Sun 25th June to play the Midsummer Contra with the skilled
Geoff Cubitt calling.
Brummie Contras: Spring Season 2017 |
||||
Date of Contra Dance - | The Caller - | Musicians | Saving £1.50 ENDS at Midnight on |
Sunday 25th June. COOL Midsummer Contra |
Geoff Cubitt | Warwick University Folk Soc Contra Dance Band. |
19th June |
---|
Brummie Contras: Autumn Season '17 |
|||
Date of Contra Dance - | The Caller - | Musicians | Saving £1.50 ENDS at Midnight on |
---|---|---|---|
Sunday 1st October | Carol Ormand : USA Madison, Wisconsin |
Vertical Expression - - Charley, Ian, Ian, Margaret |
25th Sept |
Sunday 5th November | Lynne Render | Expect a band emanating from Warwick University |
30th Oct |
Sunday 26th November | Bob Morgan - Brummie Contra's Very First Caller. |
Nozzy (Nicci & Oz) | 20th Nov |
Sunday 17 Dec, 2pm. Xmas Party Fun | Kimberley Smith MC - An Ace Afternoon Party. |
11th Dec | |
FRIDAY 29th December at 2pm Brummie C's Final Friday Contra Fling of 2017, At the Present Elmdon Heath main Venue. |
Bill Kinsman | Planned & to be Announced | 26th Dec |
Brummie Contras: Spring Season 2017 |
||||
Date of Contra Dance - | The Caller - | Musicians | The offer ENDS at midnight |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday 21st May [ a week AFTER the date which was first announced ! ] |
Seth Tepfer : from Atlanta, Georgia USA |
Portland Drive Duo | 18th May | Sunday 25th June. The COOL Midsummer Contra |
Geoff Cubitt | Warwick University Folk Soc's Contra Dance Band. |
19th June |
*********************************************************************************************** | ||||
OFFER about what ? SAVE £1.50 on the door price! So it's £9 on the door [£10 for a USA caller] (Student £5) Plan to be at the next dance? Sign up at the previous dance - or email to say so before deadline. Please inform this way afresh, for each dance. If several of you plan to come next time, download form at HERE, add names etc & attach to your email. Deadline is shown in this cyan colour (scroll if not visible) opposite the dance date in yellow - usually by the Monday midnight before a Sun afternoon. ************************************************************************************************************** |
Brummie Contras: Spring Season 2017 |
||||
Date of Contra Dance - | The Caller - | Musicians | The offer ENDS at midnight |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday 19th February | Mark Elvins | Wild Ride: Holly, Bob, Robbie | 13th February | |
Sunday 12th March | Charlotte Rich | Contrasaurus | 7th March | |
Good FRIDAY 14 April 7.30pm Friends Meeting House - Above Bournville Green |
Frances Richardson | Nozzy: Nicci & Ozzy | 10th April | |
FRIDAY 5th May at 8pm Memorial Hall Great Alne. Part of Long Weekend of Dance & More ! |
Nicola Scott | tbc | click HERE for Friday details at Great Alne |
|
Sunday 14th May | Seth Tepfer : from Atlanta, Georgia USA |
Portland Drive Duo | 8th May | Sunday 25th June. The COOL Midsummer Contra |
tbc | Warwick University Folk Soc's Contra Dance Band. |
19th June |
*********************************************************************************************** | ||||
OFFER about what ? SAVE £1.50 on the door price! So £9 on the door (Student £5) Sign up if you plan to be at the next dance. Do this at the previous dance, or email before deadline. For several of you, download the form on this page of the website. Fill in names of your group who plan to come next time. Complete the form, then attach to your email. For each dance, use a fresh form. Deadline is shown in this cyan colour opposite the dance date in yellow - usually by the Monday midnight before a Sun afternoon. ****************************************************************************************************************** |
Brummie Contras: Spring Season 2017 |
||||
Date of Contra Dance - | The Caller - | Musicians | The offer ENDS at midnight |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday 19th February | Mark Elvins | Wild Ride: Holly, Bob, Robbie | 13th February | |
Sunday 12th March | Charlotte Rich | Contrasaurus | 7th March | |
Good FRIDAY 14 April 7.30pm Friends Meeting House Above Bournville Green |
tbc | Nozzy: Nicci & Ozzy | 10th April | |
FRIDAY 5 May, 8pm Memorial Hall Great Alne. Part of Long Weekend - Dancing & much more ! |
Nicola Scott | tbc | click HERE for Friday details at Great Alne |
|
Sunday 14th May | Seth Tepfer : from Atlanta, Georgia USA |
Portland Drive Duo | 8th May | Sunday 25th June. COOL Midsummer Contra |
tbc | Warwick University Folk Soc Contra Dance Band. |
19th June |
****************************************************************************************************************** |
||||
A REALLY BIG SAVING with a Brummie Contras SEASON TICKET. Buy on the door! Saving was up to £3.50 per dance in January. Covers all remaining of the 11 Dances in the year. Contras on 8 Sun afternoons: 2 Friday Contras & the Sunday Xmas Party afternoon. Season Tickets are still available until April. The savings per dance decrease - on a sliding scale. |
||||
Brummie Contras: Autumn Season '17 |
||||
Date of Contra Dance - | The Caller - | Musicians | The offer ENDS at midnight |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday 1st October | Carol Ormand : USA Madison, Wisconsin |
Vertical Expression - - Charley, Ian, Ian, Margaret |
25th Sept | |
Sunday 5th November | tbc | tbc | 30th Oct | |
Sunday 26th November | tbc | Expect a band emanating from Warwick University |
20th Nov | |
Sunday 17 December, Xmas Party Fun | Kimberley Smith MC | 11th Dec | ||
FRIDAY 29th December at 2pm | Bill Kinsman tbc | Stray Chords please: if they're straightforwardly available. |
26th Dec |
Brummie Contras: Spring Season 2017 |
||||
Date of Contra Dance - | The Caller - | Musicians | The offer ENDS at midnight |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday 19th February | Mark Elvins | Wild Ride: Holly, Bob, Robbie | 13th February | |
Sunday 12th March | Charlotte Rich | Contrasaurus | 7th March | |
Good FRIDAY 14 April 7.30pm Friends Meeting House - Above Bournville Green |
tbc | Nozzy: Nicci & Ozzy | 10th April | |
FRIDAY 5th May at 8pm Memorial Hall Great Alne. Part of Long Weekend of Dance & More ! |
tbc | tbc | click HERE for Friday details at Great Alne |
|
Sunday 14th May | Seth Tepfer : from Atlanta, Georgia USA |
Portland Drive Duo | 8th May | Sunday 25th June. The COOL Midsummer Contra |
tbc | Warwick University Folk Soc's Contra Dance Band. |
19th June |
*********************************************************************************************** | ||||
OFFER about what ? SAVE £1.50 on the door price! So it's £8 on the door (Student £5) Sign up if you plan to be at the next dance. You can do this at the previous dance - or download the form on this page of the website. Fill in names of your group who plan to come next time. Complete the form, then attach to your email. For each dance, use a fresh form. Deadline is shown in this cyan colour opposite the dance date in yellow - usually by the Monday midnight before a Sun afternoon. ****************************************************************************************************************** |
Brummie Contras: Spring Season 2017 |
||||
Date of Contra Dance - | The Caller - | Musicians | Offer ENDING date |
|
---|---|---|---|---|
Sunday 22nd January | Rhodri Davies | Alan Brunier / Benjamin Rowe | 17Jan/ | |
Sunday 19th February | Mark Elvins | Wild Ride: Holly, Bob, Robbie | 17Feb/ | |
Sunday 12th March | Charlotte Rich | Contrasaurus | 17Mar/ | |
Good FRIDAY 14th Apr Friends Meeting House 7.30 Above Bournville Green |
tbc | Nozzy: Nicci & Ozzy | 17Apr2/ | |
FRIDAY 5th May at 8pm Memorial Hall Great Alne. Part of Long Weekend of Dance & More ! |
tbc | tbc | ..click HERE | |
Sunday 14th May | Seth Tepfer : from Atlanta, Georgia USA | tbc | 17May2/ | |
Sunday 25th June - The COOL Midsummer Contra | Jen Morgan ?? tbc | Warwick University Folk Soc Contra Dance Band. | 17Mar/ | |
Save with a Brummie Contras SEASON TICKET ! Saving is up to £3.50 per dance in January. Covers 11 Dances. Contras on 8 Sunday afternoons: 2 Friday Contras & the Sunday Christmas Party afternoon. Still available after January - but saving per dance then decreases - on a sliding scale. |
||||
Brummie Contras: Autumn Season '17 |
||||
Sunday 1st October | Carol Ormand : USA Madison, Wisconsin | Vertical Expression - - Charley, Ian, Ian, Margaret |
17Oct/ | |
Sunday 5th November | tbc | tbc | 17Feb/ | |
Sunday 26th November | tbc | Expect a band which emanates from Warwick Uni | 17Feb/ | |
Sunday 17 December, Xmas Party Fun | Kimberley Smith MC | 17Feb/ | ||
FRIDAY 29th December at 2pm | Bill Kinsman tbc | Stray Chords please: if can be straightforwardly available. | 17Apr2/ |
Meg Winters organises a series (ten per year) - of excellent Friday Evening Alcester Contras: at St Benedict's School, Alcester: 8-11pm.
THEN - Sun 12 March:
Charlotte Rich & ace new 4's 1st BC: Contrasaurus / Dave-Adam-Benjamin-Alan
Charlotte Rich & ace new 4's 1st BC: Contrasaurus / Dave-Adam-Benjamin-Alan
FLIERS with details of ALL remaining BRUMMIE CONTRA 2016 DATES are available -
on THIS page
**********************************************************************************************************
on THIS page
**********************************************************************************************************
****


On Nov 27th we had Geoff Cubitt !
Geoff is superb in his gentlemanly approach; through which he tests
and brings out the best both in his own, and his dancers abilities.
We enjoyed strong, clear talents of Charlotte Rich's calling too.
Our music was quite brilliant. A new line-up of the outstanding -
Warwick University Folk Society's
Contra Dance Band !
Geoff is superb in his gentlemanly approach; through which he tests
and brings out the best both in his own, and his dancers abilities.
We enjoyed strong, clear talents of Charlotte Rich's calling too.
Our music was quite brilliant. A new line-up of the outstanding -
Warwick University Folk Society's
Contra Dance Band !
Action: Night Before for you to enjoy again - play - To see yourself dancin' at Alcester?
Barry kindly offers: Transport from University Station to Elmdon Heath Hall.
3 (sometimes 4) seats are available. Barry usually meets Jan. They can also meet & bring YOU ! Email and arrange to be there by the time of the train normally arriving at University Rail Station at 12:30.
Lift is available on the afternoon of any Brummie Contra.
Must be specifically pre-requested: Contact - bselwood21ATgmailDOTcom
(Please substitute punctuation for CAPITALS. This stops automated-detection bringing Barry nuisance mails.)
In case your eMail may be missed: If no reply after 2 days, please contact Barry again.
[Barry it is, who now is usually collecting at the door!]
University Station: may be more convenient: especially from the Cheltenham line. It's near B'ham Uni Edgbaston, & 2015's dance venue of the Chaplaincy.
On a different rail line from Solihull: University Station has more practicable access for some. Just contact Barry as early as possible to secure a lift.
3 (sometimes 4) seats are available. Barry usually meets Jan. They can also meet & bring YOU ! Email and arrange to be there by the time of the train normally arriving at University Rail Station at 12:30.
Lift is available on the afternoon of any Brummie Contra.
Must be specifically pre-requested: Contact - bselwood21ATgmailDOTcom
(Please substitute punctuation for CAPITALS. This stops automated-detection bringing Barry nuisance mails.)
In case your eMail may be missed: If no reply after 2 days, please contact Barry again.
[Barry it is, who now is usually collecting at the door!]
University Station: may be more convenient: especially from the Cheltenham line. It's near B'ham Uni Edgbaston, & 2015's dance venue of the Chaplaincy.
On a different rail line from Solihull: University Station has more practicable access for some. Just contact Barry as early as possible to secure a lift.
Solihull Station convenient for you ? Then see MAPS to Elmdon Heath CC./PRINT page
- bus / cycle / walk details & maps. Printout there includes Sunday bus routes/times, so that you may carry details / alternatives as you travel !
Also see our own page on Solihull Station.
- bus / cycle / walk details & maps. Printout there includes Sunday bus routes/times, so that you may carry details / alternatives as you travel !
Also see our own page on Solihull Station.
Those organising are sincerely appreciative of Karen W's kind administration of emails that make FPS payments possible on the website.
Lively Friday fun from Bill. Fog-free & ice-free driving is forecast !
Most relevant buses run a Fri 30th timetable as for SATURDAYS !
Search Traveline website for each route. Probably the only site with a correct Fri 30th timetable: eg for X2 bus here for 37 here !
Most relevant buses run a Fri 30th timetable as for SATURDAYS !
Search Traveline website for each route. Probably the only site with a correct Fri 30th timetable: eg for X2 bus here for 37 here !
First an EXTRA 2016 Contra: called by the fun: ever youthful Bill Kinsman: 90 this year !
on FRIDAY AFTERNOON 30 December 2016 with the Band - Stray Chords.
As far as possible, we stay with anticipated details - but DO make a CHECK - especially here on the website -
don't depend ONLY on your prompt and early diary entries. )
on FRIDAY AFTERNOON 30 December 2016 with the Band - Stray Chords.
As far as possible, we stay with anticipated details - but DO make a CHECK - especially here on the website -
don't depend ONLY on your prompt and early diary entries. )
Return to TOP OF THE HOME Page
CONTACT US page I / we wish to be AT THE NEXT DANCE Page with details to get £1.50 each off door price next time. Also deadlines (to check before you email). For a group, download a form to complete & email. Go to Great Alne Long Weekend website - 24th -27th April in 2020 for its DETAILS. Event doubly extends the last w/e of April in 2020 Quality workshops for ALL ages / abilities. Enjoy a contra here on the Friday eve. Karin Bellaart from the NETHERLANDS will also bring all kinds of lovely INTERNATIONAL DANCES as Nel did in 2017 & 2018. EXCELLENT PART-SONG & A WIDE RANGE of OTHER DANCING. Bring (grand)children. Share Maypole/Morris dances & ring handbell tunes from before noon on Sat & Sun. NEW IN 2018 - EXTRA Sat/Sun PRICE DROPPED for ADULT DANCERS and THEIR ACCOMPANIED u18's ( The Great Alne Long Weekend is a "sister" website to this one) - |
click-on to go to one of these pages -
ELMDON HEATH CC/RAIL/BUS - Page especially to help with Rail Station connections, and Sunday bus services to Elmdon Heath Community Centre Hall. See ROUTEMAPS:DOWNLOAD&PRINT - - Page has maps for car, bus stops, bike path & walking routes - - to the - Elmdon Heath Community Centre venue. Download this to a smartphone to carry to walk from bus etc, (or print on paper) to carry: even in the car. Ideal for initial visits. CONTRA - What's that ! - Information Page, But I've never really done this stuff before ! - Information Page. DANCE DATES page
FLIERS for NEXT BRUMMIE CONTRA pages. These may Pop-up : often below Dance DATES. They are in pdf. You may view or DOWNLOAD. If you would like to share out the fun of the "Brummie Contra" dances - then (regularly please) download, print - and distribute a few of these fliers in your area & dance club. For some Contras to come, a flier page pop-up may show below other main pages or elsewhere ! |