Traditional folk music, dance and customs - Harrogate, North Yorkshire

Chas Marshall's Website

Highside Folk Dance Club A friendly social dance club for all ages and all abilities. Callers, musicians and dancers all very welcome. Every Friday, as listed, at Galphay Village Hall, near Ripon. Normally from 8 to 10pm. Adults £1.50, Children 50p. For further details contact tel: 01765 658075 or email highsidefdc@btinternet.com

Please park with consideration for the residents of Galphay. Thank you.

Summer Programme 2008

About the Summer Programme: a message from Andrew

Our 2nd evening is to be a change from the usual format, and will comprise an informal workshop by Les Barclay, on the theme of "brushing-up on dance". A regular at the Club, Les is a familiar face running workshops at the main folk festivals, and we are very fortunate to have the opportunity to benefit from his very extensive knowledge more locally. And in any case, it'll be fun!!! The reason behind this is that the annual day of dance workshops have proved popular, and it seems a shame to limit ourselves to only 3 hours of dance tuition each year - I for one could benefit from some (any?!) sort of input!! Once a year is a long time to wait until the next pearl of wisdom arrives.

Not strictly a novelty, but there are 2 evenings marked DIY. This doesn't involve putting up shelves, or nailing down floorboards, but is a chance for any and all who wish to have a go at calling one or more dances. This provides an easy supportive environment for anyone to have a go. After all, the most accomplished of callers had to start with their first attempt.....

Talking of accomplished callers, we are delighted that Tony Whitehead is supporting us again this term. You might notice that live music isn't arranged for every Friday, and rather than being a problem it is a chance for callers with huge repertoires to bring their favourite obscure named tunes, with dances to suit, and not have to worry about whether the band knows it! So be prepared for unusual/unplayable/obscure tunes.......

You might also have noticed that TBC is kept busy this term. With a bit of luck some will be filled before we get to them, and especially it is hoped that the Younger Highsider Band will make a re-appearance, after their very well appreciated debut performance last term. It is great to know that the future of Highside music is in such capable hands and fingers!!

Finally, be on the look out for the informal AGM. Falling unannounced, this usually happens when most people seem to be around. Don't be surprised at the treasurer's report, given that the cost of hall hire is due to increase in July by approximately 50%. The alternatives are straightforward - either to retain the astonishingly low price of £1.50 by each inviting a friend, often, or accept an increase in The Price.......but more of that nearer the time...!

In the meantime, dust down your dancing shoes, and see you Fridays!!

Parking at Highside : a message from Andrew Bodey

Dear Highsiders,

Please could I remind you about parking at the Club. As you know, parking is not plentiful in Galphay, and unfortunately our popularity within the hall isn't always matched without! To harmonise better with our neighbours in Galphay, please remember to:

• Not block any driveway, but especially the gateway and cattlegrid leading to Braithwaite Hall on the sharp corner (as you leave Galphay) (this is a listed building with no other access, and also an access point for 7 working farms, which we have managed to block on a number of occasions. Amongst other things the owners are understandably concerned about fire-engine access in the very unlikely event of an emergency).
• Not park on verges
• Not park too close to the sharp corner (as you leave Galphay), to give room to other road users to get around it safely.
  

Instead, if necessary please spread out the parking further down into the village, but without filling the Galphay Arms car park when the pub is open.

The Hall Committee are sufficiently anxious about this problem that, although they wish to encourage use of the hall, they may consider declining future bookings from us.

Thank you very much for your understanding and cooperation.

Best wishes, Andrew Bodey