We are thrilled to report our Sunnyside Community Barn Dance on Saturday 27th January 2024 evening was a massive success! Please see below for some photos from the event.

Nearly 60 people of all ages came together for this event held in Sunnyside Church Hall – Daniel was our youngest at six years’ old, with some of our eldest folks who are possibly heading for 90 in attendance! We were due to finish at 9pm but were keen to continue dancing so finished more like 9.20pm. There were lots of conversations happening around the edges of the hall and in the Breukelman Room (with a hive of drawing and colouring activity in there too). We were particularly pleased to welcome new faces (including a couple who only just moved to Ivy House Lane a week before!) and the return of others – there was a mix of approximately half Sunnysiders and half from the local community.

Anna and Andy from Hedgerow Tipple led us brilliantly in two sets. The dances we did were:

• Set 1: Boston Two Step; Circassian Circle; Canadian Barn Dance; Retiring Librarian; Muffin Man Jig
• Set 2: Thread the Needle; Bridge of Athlone; Strip the Willow; Dashing White Sergeant; Riverside Jig

We had a break in the middle for hot drinks and super tasty puddings – it would not be possible to shout-out just a few, such was the amazing taste and variety of them all. Many thanks to those who provided puddings, and to those who set-up, served refreshments and cleared up.

We’ve had wonderful feedback about the event via various sources. Anna and Andy had a fabulous time themselves, with Anna saying “So lovely to dance with you all on Saturday evening – such a friendly crowd of willing dancers!”. Some other examples include “Well done Katie, you did a fantastic job! Tonight was a great success and everyone joined in.” and “Thank you for a lovely evening last night. We thoroughly enjoyed it. My face was aching by the end of the evening from smiling! Everyone was very warm and made us feel very welcome. Thank you for including the wider community.” Folks were also raving about it on Sunday morning – it was even mentioned we should do 2-3 times per year! That would be too often but we do hope to host more Community events in the coming year (on that note, please do save the date for our Community Fete in George Street Park on Sunday 30th June 2-5pm).

We have almost covered our costs for the barn dance. If anyone was unable to come but wishes to contribute then please do via bank transfer to our church account. Details: Account name: PCC ST MICH NO 1; Sort Code: 60-02-21; Account number: 51858339; Please use reference barn dance.

Hedgerow Tipple can be hired for Ceilidhs and Barn Dances – they bring all their own PAT electrical safety certificated equipment along and have full Public Liability insurance for £5m. For more information please see visit their website www.hedgerowtipple.com (with Anna’s contact details listed https://hedgerowtipple.com/bookings-2/).