Folk Dancing in Devon at Gittisham Village Hall
Dances are held several times a month, often on Wednesdays, in the picturesque village of Gittisham.
They start at 8 pm and finish at 10.30 pm with a break for tea and biscuits at half time.
There is often live music with a variety of well known local bands and callers.
Newcomers are always welcome - see contact details below.
The village hall is newly refurbished with central heating.
It is the ideal venue at which to learn and practise.
In cold weather there is an open log fire.
You don't need to bring a partner.
Entrance is only £2.00.
Please note that in line with 'child protection' initiatives and recent legislation, no-one under the age of 18 can be admitted, except with a parent or responsible adult.
Venue: Gittisham Village Hall, Gittisham EX14 3AF (Near Honiton, East Devon)
Gittisham is a beautiful little
village near Honiton. Postcode = EX14 3AF
Directions: Maps together with detailed routes can be found here.
If you don't have transport one of our members may be able to give you a lift - please enquire.
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Joining a local dance
club is the ideal first step if you have ever wanted to join in the exuberance of the
famous Sidmouth Folk Festival or to go to ceilidhs and barn
dances. These dancers are doing a basic right hand star. The green bands denote ladies dancing as men (often there are fewer men who want to dance). |
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The Pete Mac Band -
one of the groups who play at Gittisham Folk Dance club. A song written by Pete Mac about the wreck of the Napoli on Branscombe beach is here. |
Dance dates: 2009. Usually on Wednesdays, sometimes on Thursdays or other days - see below. Data updated 27 June 2009.
On Thursday evenings - new callers have an opportunity to try their hand - if they wish! At all dances, there are plenty of experienced people who are willing to help newcomers. You don't need to bring a partner.
We are planning some 'family evenings' 7pm to 9pm to include youngsters 5 to 18 years old (with a parent or guardian) with tuition in the basics of folk dance and to 'advanced' level (maybe not strictly 'advanced' but good enough to thrash around at folk festivals and know what you are doing!). The format of the special evening on 29 July has also yet to be finalised.
| 2009 | Caller | band / recorded music |
Notes |
| 2 July | Jane Thomas | recorded music |
Thursday |
| 8 July | Eileen Nightingale | Stick the Fiddle |
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| 15 July | New callers | Iain Bryden |
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| 22 July | Nicole | Pete Mac |
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| 29 July | Frances Hilson | Friendly Folk |
Teach/workshops |
| Break | Sidmouth Folk Week | First week in August |
Dance 'till you drop! |
| 12 Aug | Eileen Nightingale | recorded music |
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| 15 Aug | ? | Stick the Fiddle |
Strawberry Tea....
SATURDAY Tickets available now - £5. |
| 19 Aug | Simon | Rose/Jerry |
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| 26 Aug | Jane Thomas | Jerokay (Rose,Jerry, Kay) |
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| 4 Sept | Simon | Stick the Fiddle |
7.30 start and
on a FRIDAY !! |
| 9 Sept | Eileen Nightingale | Stick the Fiddle |
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| 16 Sept | Aileen Wills | The Reel Thing |
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| 23 Sept | Nicole | Pete Mac |
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| 30 Sept | Ryan Roberts | recorded music |
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| 8 Oct | New callers | recorded music |
Thursday |
| 14 Oct | Eileen Nightingale | Stick the Fiddle |
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| 21 Oct | Aileen Wills | The Reel Thing |
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| 28 Oct | Jane Thomas | recorded music |
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| 5 Nov | New callers | recorded music |
Thursday |
| 11 Nov | Aileen Wills | The Reel Thing |
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| 18 Nov | Ryan Roberts | recorded music |
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| 25 Nov | Nicole | Pete Mac |
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| 3 Dec | New callers | recorded music |
Thursday |
| 9 Dec | Eileen Nightingale | Stick the Fiddle |
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| 16 Dec | Aileen Wills | The Reel Thing |
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| 23 Dec | Ryan Roberts | recorded music |
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| 28 Dec | Jane Thomas | Stick the Fiddle |
MONDAY |
Enquiries: telephone Douglas on 07779 209 906 or Gill on 01404 813129 (leave message if no reply) or email
You can check the date and time of most folk events in Devon
(click on 'monthly diary' and then on the relevant month).
Basic folk dance moves are explained here.
Once you are reasonably competent you can enjoy Great Western's ceilidhs usually held at 8pm at Bowhill Primary (previously John Stocker) School, Buddle Lane, Exeter. BUT BE CAREFUL of the modified yet still severe road hump at the main school gate. You risk damaging your car if you go over this 'safety' measure at more than a slow walking pace!
Many other useful folk dance links are here
Disclaimer: This page is hosted on the 'SeeRed' website based in Sidmouth. The club has no formal connection with the site - but the offer of free page design and hosting was too good to refuse!
