BRUMMIE CONTRAS
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    • But I've never really done this stuff before !
    • SIX at a time FLIERS. Please Copy, cut & DISTRIBUTE. THANK YOU if you can.
  • Tributes
    • Barry Selwood
  • Winter
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 !

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19th Oct - Download prepayment form: click HERE 
- Then click on your download icon. This opens a fill-in form to give you a discount up to 15th Oct.
Give us no bank details. Contact your bank by phone, visit, or internet. Pay by BACS into our account.
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  Some coming may perhaps enjoy a contrasting Dance which they know or like.
To request your favourite “contrasting” dance, state early any preference on the downloaded form.
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Prices for April 2014. (unchanged from 2013) Adult any number of 10-16 yr olds plus 2 adults any number of 10-16 yr olds plus 1 adult Student / unwaged
"On the Door" ticket prices
Any Full Daytime to 5pm - Sat 26th Sun 27th or Mon 28th £12 £25 £15 £9
Any Full Evening (Fri*, Sat, Sun) £8 £20 £12 £5
Friday Afternoon only* £5 £12 £6 £5
Friday Afternoon & Evening* £12 £30 £17 £10
* Tickets to sit at the "meal with bubbly" on Fri eve (cost is £12 this year) must be paid for in advance. Please see here for full details. SEE also 2014 BOOKING SHEET (available TOMORROW) TO BE FILLED IN / ENCLOSED WITH PAYMENT
Save money with a season ticket! Buy early for even greater savings!
Covers the whole weekend from Friday afternoon to Monday afternoon, excluding meals.
"Early Bird" Season Ticket
payment to be received by Monday 1st April
ENCLOSE BOOKING FORM BELOW: (AVAILABLE HERE TOMORROW) and pay by cheque.
£39 £78 £45 £30
"Later Bird" Season Ticket
payment to be received by Monday 22nd April
Form available later - payment to be by cheque.
£44 £84 £50 £35
"On the Door" Season Ticket £50 £90 £55 £40
For EACH site overnight please add this - (Whether in Caravan, Campervan etc. for each night of any on-site stay at the hall.) £2 £4 £2 £1
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PREPAY now for ALL 2016 dances. ONLY £5.39 EACH. 13 dances - £70.
Download prepayment form: click HERE 
- Then click on your download icon. This opens a fill-in form to give you a discount up to ???15th Oct.
Give us no bank details. Contact your bank by phone, visit, or internet. Pay by BACS into our account.
********************************************************************************************************************************************************************************
  Some coming may perhaps enjoy a contrasting Dance which they know or like.
To request your favourite “contrasting” dance, state it at the "dance before".
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Whyever leave dates with "to be announced"? Surely that guy can get a band booked for then! ! ?
A forming-band needs a few opportunities: likewise those "new" callers yet to attain status of recognition. You may reckon - despite life's uncertainties - to know where YOU will be based in 6 or 12 months' time !
Many in full-time education or research are able to plan around FEW such certainties!
May Contra-dancing's versatility continue to unite those thankful that they still are just about able -
with wonderful fresh musical & dance dynamism from some bands/callers yet to become recognised.
And may our brilliant established Contra bands and callers long continue!
GOOD FRIDAY 3rd Apr Bob Morgan with tbc -
SUN 17th May Lisa Heywood & ECDB. -
SUN 28th June Geoff Cubitt & Recursion -
SUN 12th July Frances Richardson & Folkus Pocus -
SUN 6th Sept Lisa Heywood & The Night Before tbc -
SUN 27th Sept Jake Wood & ECDB. -
SUN 25th Oct  ....   yet to be announced!
SUN 22nd Nov  .... yet to be announced!
SUN 20th Dec  ..... yet to be announced!
How to enjoy all of these (13) 2015 dances at £6 each? Buy the 2015 Season ticket (at £78) by 2nd Jan.
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BONUS Chrissie-Dance afternoon: 21st Dec. Latest (7th Dec) poster HERE: Details:
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Do keep checking this webpage for more.
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for 2015 DIARY: FULL LIST -  through to Oct. Search to enter this website again:
  - Click on  "Fliers" to obtain dates as a printable pdf.
2015 DIARY dates: FULL LIST -  through to Oct - click ABOVE on  "Fliers HERE ! " as a printable pdf.
Latest (25th Nov)  Fliers HERE !   Print 2 in A5 onto an A4 sheet
A4Poster   here !  (Latest: as on 25th Nov)
Fliers - also show for your diary - All eleven 2015 Brummie-Contra Dates to next October.
Latest (27th Oct)  Fliers HERE !   Print 2 in A5 onto an A4 sheet
    A4Poster   here !
Fliers also show for your diary all eleven 2015 dance dates to next October.
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Contact us - here.!   MORE DANCE TO ENJOY- from Great Alne Long Weekend team:  See main website Homepage!





Contact us - here.!   MORE DANCE TO ENJOY- from Great Alne Long Weekend team:  See main website Homepage!
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Teccie INFO  This SPECIFIC page: ONLY on FIRST reaching website (refresh may not find it) ! Refurn exactly Here? Search again.



Those organising are most appreciative of Karen G's kind administration of these emails: thus making BACS payments possible on the website.
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For your DIARY.
Sunday 30th Nov 2.00pm to 5.30pm.

Caller and Band shortly tbc.
    
Contact us - here.!       More dance from the Great Alne Long Weekend team,        Go to: main website Homepage!










More dancing from the: Great Alne Long Weekend: team,  Go to  Main website Home page!  Contact us -here.




Evening Dance or Day visits welcomed: Great Alne Long Weekend:  Our site's Home page. Contact us -here.
Offering an early and later extension of April's last Weekend.
1pm Friday 24th to late afternoon Monday 27th April 2015. 
VISITS at any time over next year's Long Weekend welcomed -
most especially on our less busy and more quiet Monday.
To see LAST EVENT's TIMETABLES WITH MANY VARIED Day / Evening activities, Click on each day:
 FRIDAY 25th events :  SATURDAY 26th events :  SUNDAY 27th events :  The quieter MONDAY 28th events
More time on this last occasion was spent taking part in excellent workshops in the Hall whilst it was wet outside.
2015: It will be "hard to follow" Ineke van der Hilst's superbly choreographed dances -
But see us try our best to continue offering different dancing variety of quality.
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Our musicians on stage - most are members of the cLICK  Cole Valley Ceilidh Band - based in the Midlands.
Set-up again when link works !
 
View the pictures and diary about the group's visit to Gt Alne
It's also there in Dutch, but you might like "the general idea of what's said" by access through translation HERE
of their diary when last April in the UK. WHEN THERE, click on the heading -   
Newsletter "Great Alne Long Weekend 2014"





A merry baker's dozen of dancers from North Holland Province in the Netherlands
shared with us many traditional [and more recent] Dutch dances and challenged us to join in a few fun songs.
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View the pictures and diary about the group's visit to Gt Alne
It's also there in Dutch, but you might like "the general idea of what's said" by access through translation HERE
of their diary when last April in the UK. WHEN THERE, click on the heading -   
Newsletter "Great Alne Long Weekend 2014"
Mon has: Summarising workshops - catered lunch - Oversley Wood's bluebells pic below
Do participate with us !  - in a wonderful, special day.

Countryside & surroundings of Great Alne village here in the UK are delightful.  Come out - explore :
SAMPLE WHAT WE DO - varied dancing, music, handbells, walking & more.
NB. Our Caterers let you enjoy all this with no need to prepare sandwiches, or to cook at home.

Sit-down Hot Lunch - 1:15pm  (£11 to be prepaid) MENU:

Main Course:

Hand carved honey roast ham, buttered new potatoes, seasonal vegetables, mild mustard dressing OR
Field mushrooms topped with blue cheese & walnuts, buttered new potatoes, seasonal vegetables
Sweet Course:

Bread & butter pudding with cream OR Fresh fruit salad with cream

Also a glass: Sparkling Champagne-Perry or Sparkling White Grape-juice alternatives. Tea/coffee - included afterwards.
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Useful  links  -
   
cLICK on the WEBSITE LINKS shown BELOW

To find out more about - International Dancing - throughout the UK -
 cLICK on  Society for International Folk Dancing

Information on - almost ALL TYPES of Dancing - throughout the UK -
(You can ask to be informed by email fortnightly, of any dance events of your choosing within your own Region) 
 cLICK on   Are you Dancing

Information DIARY pages - Dancing Events throughout the UK -
You may also use the site to seek regular clubs, callers for dances, bands, festivals etc.

Caters mainly for - English (Playford) & English Country Dance. Many Contra & Ceilidh dances too.
 cLICK on  Set and Turn Single


In Moseley, Birmingham UK. Friday Folk. A lively welcoming group. Meet most Friday evenings.
Varied kinds of Dancing - mainly english Ceilidh. Just arrive & take part.  Plenty of changing of dance partners.
Couples and singles are equally welcomed. The MAJORITY of members come without a partner.
In a complex website the "Activity Exchange". To check date/location/caller or type of dancing for an evening -
 cLICK on  Friday Folk

In Birmingham UK.   Join in lively Scottish Dancing.
B'ham branch term-time Beginners’ class, Tuesdays. Selly Oak Methodist Church, Langleys Rd, B29 6HT 
Term-time dates: 
Class 
7.45-9.45pm:            Spring term 2012    – 10 January – 27 March (half term 14 February)
                                          Summer term 2012 – 17 April – 22 May.  AGM – 29 May.  Social dancing, June 12th, 19th, 26th 2012.
Those at the Long Weekend may particularly recognise further welcoming faces -
Most Tuesdays at the main Langleys Road class also 7.45-9.45pm.
Almost all Thursdays: Baille Tartan Club, Dame Elizabeth Hall, Oak Tree La, Bournville B30 1UA 8.30-10.30pm.
There are also many more Scottish classes around B'ham (throughout UK too).
NB. At Scottish "social dances", they helpfully go over each dance with a quick walkthrough first.
 cLICK on  Royal Scottish Country Dance Society, Birmingham

In London UK - Friday Feet.
For those wishing to try out, or to begin International Dancing.
A small lively group particularly welcoming newcomers at Cecil Sharp House (tube: Camden Town).
Anne Leach our vivaceous main 2011 International Dance teacher frequently shows dances here.
So does very active Pam. (Diminutive in stature only - Pam's life-vocation without one knowing, would not be guessed.)
Just ARRIVE and take part. Most Friday Evenings except August, 7.30-9pm. No need to bring along a partner -
For more details, phone or - email Caspar on 020 8340 4683.
 cLICK on   Friday Feet

In London UK - Dance Around the World.
Much to watch/ try out in this excellent - International Dance (& much more) sampling WEEKEND.
A vibrant, lively dancing, viewing and music playing w/e. 20-21st Oct 2012.  Considerable choices of dance styles -
All at Cecil Sharp House (nearest tube Camden Town). Very moderate prices, primarily because, as at Great Alne, the dance teachers are prepared to give freely of their time in order to dissipate the joys of different kinds of Dance.
An excellent culminating Sunday evening dance - An introduction to International and English Country Dancing.
Anne Leach our vivaceous main 2011 International Dance teacher and Caspar Cronk are joint organisers.
For more details, phone (on 020 8340 4683) or - email Caspar. 
 cLICK on   Dance around the World

In London UK - Balkanplus. Take up the generally quite vigorous patterns of Balkan Dancing.
Usually 2nd Sats 7.00 to 10pm - in the lower (Trefusis) Hall of Cecil Sharp House (nearest tube Camden Town).
Times may vary though, and occasional Special Dance Workshops take place too.
 cLICK on  Balkanplus


In Alcester Warwickshire, UK. Alcester Contras. "American style" Contra Dances.
As in USA, there's lots of dance partners there. It's quite usual to change partner after each dance.
It's nice if you take-in there just a little food (that's easy to pick-up by hand) for others to share.
There's a dance on an occasional Friday most months (not August). Dates and details at website -
 cLICK on   Alcester Contras


At University of Warwick Folk, Coventry. One of the best - a slick rapper team - at festivals, & around the Midlands.
And a good Ceilidh Band. Make contact if interested via website.
Regular Ceilidhs of great appeal to the youthful and exuberant at Cryfield Sports Pavilion, off Gibbet Hill, Coventry. 
 cLICK on  Warwick University  Folk Society (Events)      
 

Folk Camps.   Week long, and weekend - Active Holidays based in a Village Hall, or a Marquee.
Do you enjoy mainly Ceilidh dancing? Camping in a pleasant part of the UK? Making folk music along with others?
Generally would you enjoy friendship through making your own entertainment ?
They are like a small, very friendly, do-it-yourself Folk Festival. Here's the page - "What Folk Camps are like".
 cLICK on   Folk Camps


Details of an Annual Woodland - Folk Music Camp for the Physically Disabled - each September.
A 5 day camp of special interest those physically disabled, thus able to enjoy playing musical instruments together.
Many who enjoy being involved in folk music and folk songs, volunteer assistance to make the week possible.
(Main participants are wheelchair restricted.) Enjoy making music in a group, and informally singing with others.
Early Sept each year.  Located at the excellent facilities of Woodlarks near Farnham Surrey UK.
 cLICK on    Woodland Music Camp


For - Family Tree - details.
 cLICK  to Have Your own Family Tree DRAWN and printed out, onto a large roll, for DISPLAY.


Great Alne - Village Histories.
A potted historical account - cLICK for  Potted History of Great Alne in Warwickshire
cLICK for  History (via Parish Council) of the main buildings in Great Alne in Warwickshire

Excellent historical detail especially of the church.
cLICK for  History (via Wiki) of Great Alne in Warwickshire

Superb old photographic record of Great Alne Station and the Alcester Branch line's history.
cLICK for  History of Great Alne Ststion and the Bearley to Alcester line.



The  Memorial Hall  - used by our Long Weekend for almost 30 years  - we've needed to adapt to many "improvements".
(Various changes have affected our use during the Great Alne Long Weekend: many in rather disappointing ways.)
Under "News" there, see how and why the lovely raftered interior of the roof has been required to be "modernised".
See other regulars whose venue is the Memorial Hall, and the various uses for its present facilities.
Should YOU wish to hire for its many modern features, details of how to download a booking form etc.
 cLICK on  Villages of Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial Hall



Mick Smith Radio. 
What began as a Leicestershire BBC local Radio Country Music Station survived closure by going on line.  Weekly 2hr show of Well presented Country Music. Deservedly it can now be enjoyed worldwide. No ads (ex Midland Folk Club Dates).
The show is divided into two hour length parts in order that enthusiasts may burn each part onto a 60min blank CD.
Details are given of each track played.  Click on "Previous Shows" to explore the very extensive archive.
cLICK on  Mick Smith Radio
Programme click here for mobile handset / to open in this tab - eg to print at home - else                                      view below -

About - Dansgroep Oostzaan - in the Netherlands - our dancing visitors in April.
Don't miss seeing their dances done in costume at Great Alne.
 cLICK on  Dansgroep Oostzaan                      - on their top line you may select the - "page in English"
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- a small International group - particularly suitable to welcome newcomers.
At Cecil Sharp House (tube: Camden Town).
Anne Leach our lively International Dance teacher in 2011 & '12 frequently shows these dances.
Just arrive/take part on most Friday Evenings except August, 7.30 - 9pm. No need to bring a partner.
cLICK on  Friday Feet
In Birmingham UK, for those wishing to join, or to begin International Dancing.
Join a small, mainly over 60's group - Heart of England International -
At St Giles Hall Sheldon - with regular live music.
Most Wednesday Evenings except August, 7.55 - 9.45pm. No need to bring a partner.
cLICK on  Friday Feet

In London UK - Friday Feet.
For those wishing to try out, or to begin International Dancing.
A small lively group particularly welcoming newcomers at Cecil Sharp House (tube: Camden Town).
Anne Leach our vivaceous main 2011 International Dance teacher frequently shows dances here.
So does very active Pam. (Diminutive in stature only - Pam's life-vocation without one knowing, would not be guessed.)
Just ARRIVE and take part. Most Friday Evenings except August, 7.30-9pm. No need to bring along a partner -
For more details, phone or - email Caspar on 020 8340 4683.
 cLICK on   Friday Feet

In London UK - Dance Around the World.
Much to watch/ try out in this excellent - International Dance (& much more) sampling WEEKEND.
A vibrant, lively dancing, viewing and music playing w/e. 20-21st Oct 2012.  Considerable choices of dance styles -
All at Cecil Sharp House (nearest tube Camden Town). Very moderate prices, primarily because, as at Great Alne, the dance teachers are prepared to give freely of their time in order to dissipate the joys of different kinds of Dance.
An excellent culminating Sunday evening dance - An introduction to International and English Country Dancing.
Anne Leach our vivaceous main 2011 International Dance teacher and Caspar Cronk are joint organisers.
For more details, phone (on 020 8340 4683) or - email Caspar. 
 cLICK on   Dance around the World

In London UK - Balkanplus. Take up the generally quite vigorous patterns of Balkan Dancing.
Usually 2nd Sats 7.00 to 10pm - in the lower (Trefusis) Hall of Cecil Sharp House (nearest tube Camden Town).
Times may vary though, and occasional Special Dance Workshops take place too.
 cLICK on  Balkanplus


In Alcester Warwickshire, UK. Alcester Contras. "American style" Contra Dances.
As in USA, there's lots of dance partners there. It's quite usual to change partner after each dance.
It's nice if you take-in there just a little food (that's easy to pick-up by hand) for others to share.
There's a dance on an occasional Friday most months (not August). Dates and details at website -
 cLICK on   Alcester Contras


At University of Warwick Folk, Coventry. One of the best - a slick rapper team - at festivals, & around the Midlands.
And a good Ceilidh Band. Make contact if interested via website.
Regular Ceilidhs of great appeal to the youthful and exuberant at Cryfield Sports Pavilion, off Gibbet Hill, Coventry. 
 cLICK on  Warwick University  Folk Society (Events)      
 

Folk Camps.   Week long, and weekend - Active Holidays based in a Village Hall, or a Marquee.
Do you enjoy mainly Ceilidh dancing? Camping in a pleasant part of the UK? Making folk music along with others?
Generally would you enjoy friendship through making your own entertainment ?
They are like a small, very friendly, do-it-yourself Folk Festival. Here's the page - "What Folk Camps are like".
 cLICK on   Folk Camps


Details of an Annual Woodland - Folk Music Camp for the Physically Disabled - each September.
A 5 day camp of special interest those physically disabled, thus able to enjoy playing musical instruments together.
Many who enjoy being involved in folk music and folk songs, volunteer assistance to make the week possible.
(Main participants are wheelchair restricted.) Enjoy making music in a group, and informally singing with others.
Early Sept each year.  Located at the excellent facilities of Woodlarks near Farnham Surrey UK.
 cLICK on    Woodland Music Camp


For - Family Tree - details.
 cLICK  to Have Your own Family Tree DRAWN and printed out, onto a large roll, for DISPLAY.


Great Alne - Village Histories.
A potted historical account - cLICK for  Potted History of Great Alne in Warwickshire
cLICK for  History (via Parish Council) of the main buildings in Great Alne in Warwickshire

Excellent historical detail especially of the church.
cLICK for  History (via Wiki) of Great Alne in Warwickshire

Superb old photographic record of Great Alne Station and the Alcester Branch line's history.
cLICK for  History of Great Alne Ststion and the Bearley to Alcester line.



The  Memorial Hall  - used by our Long Weekend for almost 30 years  - we've needed to adapt to many "improvements".
(Various changes have affected our use during the Great Alne Long Weekend: many in rather disappointing ways.)
Under "News" there, see how and why the lovely raftered interior of the roof has been required to be "modernised".
See other regulars whose venue is the Memorial Hall, and the various uses for its present facilities.
Should YOU wish to hire for its many modern features, details of how to download a booking form etc.
 cLICK on  Villages of Great Alne and Kinwarton Memorial Hall



Mick Smith Radio. 
What began as a Leicestershire BBC local Radio Country Music Station survived closure by going on line.  Weekly 2hr show of Well presented Country Music. Deservedly it can now be enjoyed worldwide. No ads (ex Midland Folk Club Dates).
The show is divided into two hour length parts in order that enthusiasts may burn each part onto a 60min blank CD.
Details are given of each track played.  Click on "Previous Shows" to explore the very extensive archive.
cLICK on  Mick Smith Radio
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 !