In gorgeous summer solstice weather we made the most of the sunshine by dancing at two joyful events.

We started our afternoon at Tingewick Fete in Buckinghamshire, entertaining the lunchtime crowds immediately after it was officially opened by local Member of Parliament, Callum Anderson (pictured with us below). Cloud cover shielded us from the midday sun as we performed and as we ‘warmed up’ with ‘Haste to the Wedding’ as that was where we were heading next! During our break (while a brass band played) we enjoyed delicious cakes and refreshments which gave us just the sugar rush we needed. A final few dances included our audience participation Shepherd’s Hey – our first of the day.

Leaving the fete and heading over the border to Oxfordshire, we arrived at Steeple Aston where the wedding reception was in full swing. We made our way into the wildflower garden, situated next to a swimming lake that was looking more and more appealing by the minute. Guests gathered to watch our dances, before being pulled in to join our second communal Shepherd’s Hey – including the groom himself! Another one of the guests, not wanting to be left out, picked up our horse Charlie and took him for a ride in the afternoon sunshine. There was much joy had by all as we continued dancing, taking breaks for drinks and ice cream where we could. A third and final Shepherd’s Hey of the day had more guests joining us in an even longer set than the previous two performances.

We had a lovely afternoon, and the team did a brilliant job dancing on one of the hottest days of the year so far. We’d like to thank Trisha Lightfoot and the Tingewick Fete committee for inviting to dance, and Lucy Hart (sister of the bride) for the opportunity to participate in the wedding celebrations we wish all the best to Jack and Emma for the future. Finally our thanks to Donald for playing so well throughout and for providing the photos and several video clips. Donald even managed to persuade members of the wedding folk band to play along with him during a final few dances – a memorable day!

Squire Ryan

I would like to thank those that attended today for some brilliant playing, dancing and excellent company at this, my favourite event of the season. The weather was kind to us with the only rain coming well after we finished our set. Well done to Hector Wells who played in public, if memory serves, for the first time and did very well. Thanks to Donald for being totally dependable in leading the tunes and to all our ten dancers who delivered a very high quality demonstration of the Adderbury Village tradition. The crowd loved our performance and I have never had to work less hard to recruit volunteers for our audience participation Shepherds Hey. Of course, the beer tent probably helped, but even so the level of enthusiasm from our audience was unusually high. It was a lot of fun and the organisers of the Festival were very grateful for our contribution. We should like to thank Jessica Wood and the Festival organising committee for inviting us to dance and all the volunteers who helped to ensure that it was such an enjoyable day. Our thanks also to Donald for his photos.

Today was a bitter sweet occasion following on the death of a fine AVMM musician, John Wright on Friday 13^th June but John would have enjoyed today’s celebration of music, dance and fellowship.

On Saturday 21^st June, we are performing at Tingewick Fete at 1.30pm and then at a wedding in Steeple Aston at 3.30pm – we are looking forward to it!

John Ekers