We arrived at 4.15 at Boltons Bench in the pitch dark to see many shadowy figures milling around. Everyone made their way to the top of the hill carrying various items of equipment and made ready to dance. It was warmer than usual, so proper kit was observed by most as we went through some of our repertoire of dances, dancing in the dawn and then the sunrise.
We had some spectators already waiting for us to arrive, unusually, and more turned up as we were dancing, some who had seen it on the website and some just out photographing at dawn and coming across this strange band of people dancing. We also had some relatives and friends and our usual film man.
At about 5.15am we started preparing to cook breakfast with Bob as head chef and Sylvia and Marilyn cooking the eggs, helped out by Jenny and Rebecca. A new pose was invented called the Eggy position, with star Eggy Sue
As always it was wonderful as al fresco food only can be and about 6.15am we made our way for R&R at Sue’s and Sylvia’s before the onslaught of the day, except for Bev who got lost and ended up going to Boarhunt early where she couldn’t get a phone signal leaving the rest of us wondering if we would ever see her again.
After much tea and coffee, we all made our way to the Boarhunt Social Club, where there was more breakfast to finish and where we all did a dance each before boarding the coaches with OBJ, Devils Jump and Hump.
First stop was the Victory and the
Warrior in
who stopped off for coffee and cake on the way in!
We had a shared spot with OBJ and Devils Jump by the
side of the Victory
and
then swapped with Wickham and Hump to dance on board the Warrior,
After this we all boarded the coaches
again for lunch at Port Solent and more dancing by the
At 1.45pm we were on our way again
heading for Alresford and the Watercress Line.
Half the contingent performed at the station while we, OBJ and Devils
Jump, boarded the train for Ropley,
enjoying a short music and song session on the way, and took turns dancing
including a joint
The coaches were already waiting to take us onward for well earned tea and home made cakes at Boarhunt.
The cakes were superb and all made by
some of the Wickham ladies, some of us being greedier than others overdid it and
wished never to see another cake again! The
tea was most welcome and we spent an enjoyable hour or so chatting to the other
sides, before the final and traditional part of the day, dancing in
The
children were not there this year owing to the bank holidays falling close
together and most being away, so we started our evening earlier than usual
taking turns with Wickham to swap ends half way through giving us a chance to
share spots with more sides and doing some shared dancing and music with Bells
and Arrows. Michelle’s John was
doing some filming and taking photos and Alan and Chris, who were not there in
the day, joined us, providing some fresh blood!
It was quite a welcome change to do our final massed
The day wasn’t over yet- some of the hardier members made it to the Wheatsheaf for session and song, which was excellent as always. Dave E revealed his excellent singing voice, which he had kept quiet up until now, leading a chorus song , impressing the professional group Threes Company who were sat on our table, as well as the rest of us and Sue E showed her talents on the melodeon, leading some of the session. We finally made it home about 10.30pm reflecting on the brilliant day we had had with not a hint of bad temper tantrums in sight despite the lack of sleep all round and everyone agreeing what a lovely day it had been.
