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 usually 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: Usually on 3 Wednesdays per month - see below for full details. Data updated 7 July 2010.
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There are times when your feet may leave the ground (both at the same time) or you may feel that the world is rotating a little faster than usual. But don't worry, these things don't happen to newcomers. Genuine log fire in cold weather!
On some 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 can be a complete novice and you don't need to bring a partner.
We may hold 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!).
| 2010 | Caller | band / recorded music |
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| 28 July | Aileen Wills | Stick the Fiddle |
Summer party with raffle |
| 4 Aug | X |
X |
Sidmouth Folk Week this week |
| 11 Aug | Frances Hilson | Iain Bryden |
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| 18 Aug | Club callers | recorded music |
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| 25 Aug | Eileen Nightingale | Stick the Fiddle |
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| 1 Sept | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 8 Sept | Ted Farmer | Jeroka |
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| 15 Sept | Robert Blackborrow | Bridgwater Band |
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| 22 Sept | Ryan Roberts | recorded music |
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| 29 Sept | Aileen Wills | Jeroka |
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| 6 Oct | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 13 Oct | Jane Thomas | Stick the Fiddle |
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| 20 Oct | Ted Farmer | recorded music |
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| 27 Oct | Nicole Mac | Pete Mac Band |
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| 3 Nov | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 10 Nov | Eileen Nightingale | Stick the Fiddle |
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| 17 Nov | Aileen Wills | Jeroka |
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| 24 Nov | Frances Hilson | Iain Bryden |
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| 1 Dec | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 8 Dec | Nicole Mac | Pete Mac Band |
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| 15 Dec | Ryan Roberts | recorded music |
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| 22 Dec | Club callers | recorded music |
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| 29 Dec | Jane Thomas | Stick the Fiddle |
Betwixt Party - free to members? |
| 2011 | Caller | band / recorded music |
2011 |
| 5th Jan | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 12th Jan | Ted Farmer | Jeroka | |
| 19th Jan | Aileen Wills | Iain Bryden Band | |
| 26th Jan | Ryan Roberts | Friendly Folk | |
| 2nd Feb | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 9th Feb | Jane Thomas | Recorded Music | |
| 16th Feb | Eileen Nightingale | Recorded Music | |
| 23rd Feb | Simon Maplesden | Jeroka | |
| 2nd March | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 9th March | Nicole Mac | Pete Mac Band | |
| 16th March | Colin Andrews | Home Brew | |
| 23rd March | Club Callers | Recorded Music | |
| 30th March | Ray Goodswen | Stick the Fiddle | |
| 6th Apr | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 13th Apr | Jane Thomas | Iain Bryden Band | |
| 20th Apr | Eileen Nightingale | Friendly Folk | |
| 27th Apr | Ryan Roberts | Jeroka | |
| 4th May | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 11th May | Nicole Mac | Pete Mac Band | |
| 18th May | Aileen Wills | Recorded Music | |
| 25th May | Simon Maplesden | Stick the Fiddle | |
| 1st June | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 8th June | Eileen Nightingale | Stick The Fiddle | |
| 15th June | Ted Farmer | Iain Bryden Band | |
| 22nd June | Ryan Roberts | Friendly Folk | |
| 29th June | Jane Thomas | Jeroka | |
| 6th July | X |
X |
No dance this week |
| 13th July | Nicole Mac | Pete Mac Band | |
| 20th July | Club Callers | Recorded Music | |
| 27th July | Aileen Wills | Jeroka | Summer party with raffle |
| First week in Aug | X |
X |
Sidmouth Folk Week this week |
Enquiries: telephone Simon on 01297 680201 or Gill on 01404 813129 or email webmaster.
You can check the date and time of most folk events in Devon
(click on 'diary dates' 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 in the SeeRed website.