I always find that there is a rather unique ambience to the Boxing Day dance out; we have all enjoyed our Christmas gatherings the day before, and there is a lovely warm feeling as we set aside time to meet together and share a little seasonal spirit amongst our merry band. 

Today the Sun shone and, although chilly, we soon warmed up with lots of dances outside the coach and horses in Adderbury. We had a veritable orchestra accompanying us, featuring a set of English pipes, tin whistle, two fiddles, a hurdy-gurdy, and a visiting musician from Letchworth Morris, Alan, who knew the Adderbury tunes and played along with gusto on his concertina.

We were graced by a very receptive audience, many of whom joined in with the community Shepherds Hey that has now become a standard of our set. It always amazes me how quickly the volunteers from the audience pick up the various movements of this dance. I assured some sceptical audience members that they would be smiling much more if they joined us than if they didn’t, and they agreed afterwards that it was the highlight of their Christmas!

It has been another great year of dancing, and our side seems to go on from strength to strength, through the dedication and enthusiasm from the more experienced members, the younger members who are learning the ropes, the increasingly diverse band of musicians, and the admirable relentless positive energy of our Squire Ryan and Bagman John.

Here’s to a wonderful 2026. Happy New Year everybody!

David