History of Shoreham Folk Dance Club

Shoreham Folk Dance Club has existed for nearly 70 years. The Club was started in St. Mary’s Hall on the 8th February 1949 under the Chairmanship of Paul Plumb. Vice Chairman: Jim Hoare, Secretary: Edwina Wills, Treasurer: Marjorie Thompson. Initially, the club met once a fortnight in St. Mary’s Hall.

Paul Plumb died on 7th April 2012 and an obituary from local paper The Argus may be found at this link.
Co-founder Jim Hoare recorded these memories of the early days.

Some memories of the beginnings of Shoreham Folk Dance Club.

In 1948 Mr.Paul Plumb of Shoreham went, out of curiosity, to a folk dance which were held in Storrington with May Gadd as caller and the Benacre band. He was 'hooked' by this activity and spread the news among his friends. He organised a dance in Shoreham with an EFDSS caller and the Benacre Band. This was a success and Paul started the Shoreham Folk Dance Club in February 1949. If I remember clearly all of the dancers were below 30 years of age.

We danced in the small front ante room at St.Mary's Hall to 78 records and occasionally to music provided by local amateur players. One of these players later played for many years with the Los Angeles Symphony orchestra! The calling was mostly done by Paul Plumb who, although new to it, quickly developed a successful technique and was in great demand throughout the district for many years. This room was over a small shop and it was noticed that as our numbers increased the plate glass window below was moving rather a lot and the Club moved to the main large room in St.Mary's Hall where it danced for a long time.

Boom years for the club occurred after Princess Margaret was reported in the newspapers as having attended square dances in America. Although the hall in which we danced was large, at this time our dances were held with one side of the room dancing and then repeating the dance for the other side.

The stairs to the rooms in St.Mary's Hall were long and steep and at every meeting of the club the player and amplification equipment had to be carried up by hand. On one occasion some of the gear was dropped on the stairs and I can still remember the clanging of the metal turntable as it made its way to the bottom.

Paul was the only one with a car in which he carried the equipment to the hall for each meeting. He went away to college and I had to keep the equipment and take it to the hall. As I rode a motorcycle there was obviously a problem. It was solved by using a wheelchair which had been my grandmother's and pushing it, loaded with the gear, to the hall and back!

Another long term chairman of the club was Fred Putland. Fred died on 1st April 2016. His history of the first fifty years of the club forms the basis of the following record.


1950 Chairman Paul Plumb. Vice Chairman Jim Hoare.
August 5th: First Saturday Dance in St. Mary’s Hall.

1951 Chairman Paul Plumb. Vice Chairman Jim Hoare.

1952 Chairman Paul Plumb. Vice Chairman Jim Hoare.
Morris Group formed by Geoff Biggs.

1953 Chairman Richard Trigwell.
First May Morning rained off, celebrations held on the following Wednesday evening. May Queen Jean Atherfold, attendants Jean Beddow and Jean Elphick.
First May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with Shoreham Musicians (Jim Hoare, Michael Nutt, Nora Barkworth and Mrs. Rolt).
June: Visit to Scotland,
August: Visit to Neustadt.

1954 Chairman Ian Scott-Walker.
May Queen Jennifer Gilbert, attendants Jennifer West and Jennifer Chater. May Day: visiting Morris Teams Ravensbourne and Martlets joined Shoreham Morris and Country Dancers. May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with Shoreham Musicians.(Jim Hoare, Michael Nutt, Arthur Edwards and Frances Boyd {Hoare}).
August: Visit to Neustadt.
During club evenings lectures from Miss Candlin, and Mrs. Fyfield etc.

1955 Chairman Geoff Biggs.
May Queen Merle Hughes (McVey). May Dance at St.Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with Donnie McBain Band.

1956 Chairman Jim Hoare.
May Queen Daphne Evens (Putland).
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with Donnie McBain Band.

1957 Chairman Jim Hoare.
May Queen Janet Heasman. May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with Donnie McBain Band.
Mr. & Mrs. R.A. Leggett became Honorary Life Members.
November: District Square Dance Rally run by Club in St. Mary’s Hall.

1958 Chairman Jim Hoare.
May Queen Ann Woodall.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with Donnie McBain Band.

1959 Chairman Jim Hoare.
May Queen Rona Collyer.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with music by The Downsmen (Jim Hoare, Derrick Lockwood, John Beeston, Frances Hoare and Dick Playll).
2nd November: Club night changed from Wednesday to Monday, venue from
St. Mary’s Hall to Adur Social Club.

1960 Chairman Jim Hoare.
May Queen Eleanor Morgan. Southern T.V. filmed May Morning.
May Dance at Shoreham Town Hall, caller Paul Plumb music by The Downsmen.
October: Square Dance Rally in St. Mary’s Hall.

1961 Chairman Jim Hoare.
May Queen Sally Peake (Crawford).
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with music by Downsmen.
November: Square Dance Rally in St. Mary’s Hall.

1962 Chairman Jim Hoare.
April 4th: Danced at Brighton Music Festival.
May Queen Mary Hopkins (Portlock).
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb music by The Kent Cobbs.
June: Left Adur Social Club. At this time the Club did not meet in July and August.
September met in Church of the Good Shepherd, Shoreham Beach.
October: in St. Wilfred’s Hall (old Community Centre).
November: in Connaught Hall.
Club numbers were very low at this time.

1963 Chairman Jim Hoare.
18th February started meeting in Huntingdon Hall.
May Queen Brenda Callow, May Breakfast in Huntingdon Hall.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with music by The Southerners.

1964 Chairman Jim Hoare. May Queen Jenny Handford. May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with music by The Southerners.

1965 Chairman Jim Hoare.
May Queen Shirley Outten (French).
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with music by The Southerners.
21st October: Display with Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men for National Federation of Business and Professional Womens’ Clubs at the Dome, Brighton.
20th November: Display on Worthing Pier.

1966 Chairman Jim Hoare.
May Queen Sheila Andrews.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with music by The Southerners.

1967 Chairman Jim Hoare.
May Queen Veronica Moore.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with music by The Southerners.

1968 Chairman Dick Playll.
May Queen Julia Davey.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with music by The Southerners.

1969 Chairman John Portlock.
May Queen Pauline Richardson (Cakebread).
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Paul Plumb with music by The Southerners.

1970 Chairman Fred Putland.
May Queen Rosemary Brereton.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Tony Foxworthy with music by The Ranchers.

1971 Chairman Fred Putland.
May Queen Julie Allen. May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Francis Hawkins with music by the Kent Cobbs.
Shoreham Sword Team started in September.

1972 Chairman Fred Putland.
The floor of St. Mary’s Hall was declared unsafe so the Saturday Dances for February, March, April and June were held at Bramber and Beeding Village Hall.
May Queen Sheena Bolton.
May Dance at St. Andrew’s Hall, Steyning, caller Tony Foxworthy with music by The Ranchers.
Sunday 16th July a Display for the World Hornet Sailing Championships in East Street.

1973 Chairman Fred Putland.
17th March: First Jumble Sale.
31st March: Display at Worthing Sports Centre for Keep Fit Association.
May Queen Ann Swabey. May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Hugh Rippon with music by The Ranchers.

1974 Chairman Fred Putland.
9th February: 25th Anniversary Dinner/Dance at The Royal Coach. Guests: Mr. & Mrs. Plumb.and Mr. and Mrs. Hoare.
May Queen Amaryllis Crooke.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Nibs Matthews with music by The Ranchers.
26th-30th July Festival co-hosted with Chanctonbury Ring Morris Men. Guests from Antwerp and Irish Dancers from Bristol.

1975 Chairman Fred Putland.
22nd February: Dinner/Dance at The Royal Coach, guests Mr. & Mrs. Robinson.
May Queen Denise Bushrod.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Tony Foxworthy with The Blue Mountain Band.

1976 Chairman Fred Putland.
14th February: Dinner/Dance at The Royal Coach, guests Nibs and Jean Matthews.
April started meeting in Room 8 at Shoreham Community Centre.
May Queen Frances Low. May Breakfast at St. Mary’s Hall for the first time.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Nibs Matthews with music by The Ranchers.

1977 Chairman Fred Putland.
12th February: Dinner/Dance at The Royal Coach, guests Mr. & Mrs. Ulph.
May Queen Susan Slater.
May Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, caller Brian Jones with music by The Woodley Yeoman.
24th July: First Garden Party in Benfield Way.
25th-29th August: First visit to Pierlala Folk Group in St. Truiden, Belgium.

1978 Chairman Bill Bushrod.
11th February: Dinner/Dance at The Royal Coach, guests Mr. & Mrs. Hoare.
29th April-2nd May: Pierlala Folk Group visit Shoreham.
May Queen Beatrice Byranjee (from Paris).
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, callers John Portlock and Ray Taylor with The Blue Mountain Band.
6th-10th October: Visit to Pierlala Folk Group in St Truiden for their 25th Anniversary Celebrations.

1979 Chairman Bill Bushrod. 10th February: Dinner/Dance at The Royal Coach, guests Mr. & Mrs. Witten.
May Queen Rosamund Mansbridge.
May Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, caller David Jex with music by The Woodley Yeoman.
30th August-2nd September visit of Pierlala Folk Group to Shoreham.

1980 Chairman Bill Bushrod.
9th February Dinner/Dance at The Royal Coach, guests Mr. & Mrs. Putland.
May Queen Amanda Downs.
May Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, caller Francis Hawkins with The Blue Mountain Band.

1981Chairman Bill Bushrod.
21st February: Dinner/Dance at The Royal Coach, guests Mr.& Mrs. French.
May Queen Margaret Calver.
May Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, caller Brian Jones with music by The Woodley Yeoman.
Started meeting in St. Peter’s Hall.

1982 Chairman Rosemary Playll.
20th March Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre prepared by Club Members. Guests Mr. & Mrs. Lewry.
May Queen Ann Jensen from Denmark.
May Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, Hugh Rippon with The Blue Mountain Band.
27th-30th August: Visit by Die Landouwe Folk Group, Genk, Belgium to Shoreham.
20th December: Left St. Peter’s Hall.

1983 Chairman Rosemary Playll.
19th March Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guest Mrs. Kathleen Adkins. (Bliss).
10th January: Started meeting at St. Julian’s Hall. May Queen Sarah Lee. May Dance at Lancing Parish Hall, caller Brian Jones with music by Hoedown. 14th August Club displays, and picnic at Rackham.

1984 Chairman Rosemary Playll.
17th March: Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Dick Reed and Maureen Christmas.
23rd April ran a dance at St. Mary’s Hall in aid of St. Julian’s roof.
May Queen Lynda Farrer.
May Dance at Lancing Parish Hall, caller Pete Chadbund with music by Stubble.
24th-28th August: Alfred Rossel Folk Group from Cherbourg visit Shoreham.

1985 Chairman Jim Hoare.
23rd March Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Mr. & Mrs. Merrick.
May Queen Dawn Chenell (Scriven).
May Dance at Lancing Parish Hall, caller Brian Jones with music by Hoedown.
7th-9th June: Visit to Alfred Rossel Folk Group, Cherbourg, France.
Started Ladies Garland.
23rd-26th August: Visit to Die Landouwe, Genk, Belgium.

1986 Chairman Fred Putland.
22nd March Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Mr. & Mrs. Telford.
May Queen Christine Lindberg from Sweden.
May Dance at Lancing Parish Hall, caller Bernard Chalk with The Blue Mountain Band.
Wednesday 11th June: Square Dance at The Barn, Southwick, callers Bernard Chalk and Bob Dalsemer (American Caller), music by Sussex Bonny Men.

1987 Chairman Fred Putland.
21st March: Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Mr. & Mrs. Hartridge. 30th April-3rd May: Alfred Rossel Folk Group from Cherbourg visit Shoreham.
May Queen Agnes Jeanne from Cherbourg.
May Dance at Lancing Parish Hall, caller Francis Hawkins with music by Smith’s Square.
27th-31st August visit to Pierlala Folk Group, St. Truiden.

1988 Chairman Fred Putland.
26th March Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Mr. & Mrs. Everard.
May Queen Elizabeth French.
May Dance at Lancing Parish Hall, caller David Jex with The Blue Mountain Band.
12th-15th May: Pierlala Folk Group visit Shoreham.

1989 40th Anniversary Year. Chairman Fred Putland.
March 18th: Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Mr. & Mrs. J. Hoare.
May Queen Sally Knight (Sompting Morris).
May Dance at Lancing Parish Hall, caller John Chapman with The Blue Mountain Band.
25th-29th August: Hellendoorn Folk Group, Holland visit Shoreham.

1990 Chairman Fred Putland.
March 24th Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Mr. & Mrs. J. Portlock.
May Queen Joy Lewis (Hughes).
May Dance, at Lancing Parish Hall, caller Joe Hodgson with music by Alterations.
Displays at Broadbridge Heath, Wild Fowl Trust Arundel and Parham House.

1991 Chairman Fred Putland.
March 23rd: Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Miss J. Beddow (Dryden) & Mr. F. Witten.
May Queen Jane Aitken (Sompting Morris).
May Dance at Lancing Parish Hall, caller Brian Jones with music by Wild Thyme.
Display at Parham House on August 18th.
August 30th-September 1st: Visit to Alfred Rossel Folk Group, Cherbourg, France.


1992 Chairman Fred Putland.
March 21st Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Mr. & Mrs. Robinson.
16th-22nd April: Visit to Hellendoorn Folk Group, Holland
May Queen Tina McConnell. May Dance at Lancing Parish Hall, caller John Chapman with The Blue Mountain Band.
Displays at Drusillas, Michelham Priory, Parham House and Borde Hill Gardens.

1993 Chairman Fred Putland.
March 20th Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, guests Mr. & Mrs. B. Holland.
May Queen Sara Rickard.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Bernard Chalk with Weston Country Dance Band.
Displays at Michelham Priory and Parham House.
19th-22nd November: Visit to Pierlala Folk Group’s 40th Anniversary in St. Truiden.

1994 Chairman Fred Putland.
March 19th: Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre guests Mr. & Mrs. Bucknall.
May Queen Phyllis King.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller John Chapman with The Blue Mountain Band.
13th-15th May Pierlala Folk Group, St. Truiden visit Shoreham.
Display at Parham House.
Thursday 4th August: New England Country Dance at St Mary’s Hall, caller Tony Parkes with music by Yankee Ingenuity (American band and caller).
16th-19th September: Visit to Riom, France for twinning celebration.

1995 Chairman Fred Putland.
March 18th Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre, no guests of honour.
April 21st: Dance at St. Mary’s Hall in support of Adur Twinning Association.
May 6th: May Queen Demelza Squire. May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller John Chapman with Weston Country Dance Band.
14th-18th September: A visit by the German folk dance group Enzian.

1996 Chairman Fred Putland.
23rd-25th February: Residential weekend at Lodge Hill, led by Ray Taylor with muscians Hilary Hudson and Kathy Upton.
March 16th: Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre.
May Queen Hilary Gaukroger.
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Joe Hodgson with music by Alterations.
20th July: Display at Parham House.

1997 Chairman Fred Putland.
21st-23rd February: Residential weekend at Lodge Hill, led by Peter Moxom with musicians Pete and Moira Gutteridge.
May Queen May Matthews (Sompting Morris).
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller John Chapman with Weston Country Dance Band.
Displays at Patcham Special School and Parham House Garden Festival.
At the Christmas party, a collection was taken for St Barnabas Hospice. This tradition of a charity collection has continued since then.

1998 Chairman Fred Putland.
20th-22nd February: Residential weekend at Lodge Hill led by John and Dee Chapman with musicians Julia and Shane Day.
May Queen Rachel Gallini (Sompting Morris).
May Dance at St. Mary’s Hall, caller Barrie Bullimore with The Blue Mountain Band.
19th July: Display at Parham House Garden Festival.
4th-6th September: Visit to Pierlala Folk Group’s 45th Anniversary in St. Truiden.
17th October: Dinner/Dance at Shoreham Community Centre.

1999 Chairman Fred Putland. 6th February 50th Anniversary Dance at St Mary’s Hall, caller Barrie Bullimore with music by Boys of Oakhill, song spot by Joy Lewis and Derick Hughes. Anniversary Cake cut by Jim Hoare, later appearance of Paul Plumb due to a prior commitment.
May Queen Brenda Patrick (Sompting Morris)
Saturday May 1st: Early morning festivities, May Dance in evening at St Mary’s Hall, Caller John Chapman with Weston Country Dance Band.
5th June: Anniversary Dinner & Dance at Black Lion Hotel, Patcham. Guests of honour Paul and Margaret Plumb, MC Peter Moxom.
16th-18th July: Pierlala Folk Group, From St. Truiden visit Shoreham.
Displays at Parham House Garden Festival.
September 18th to 20th: There was a Residential Dance Weekend at Wessex Hotel Bournemouth, led by John and Dee Chapman with Music by Weston Country Dance Band.

2000 Chairman Fred Putland.
Monday 1st May: Early morning festivities with Sompting Village Morris men and ladies teams. Shoreham men had change of costume, wearing black trousers instead of black breeches and white socks. We had problems with Adur council, getting permission to dance in the street and had to
pay £35 for a tempory road closure.
May Queen Julie Rose crowned by Adur District Charman Geff Howitt, the traditional May breakfast followed in St Mary’s Hall.
The May Dance was held at St Mary's Hall with Ray Taylor calling and music by Jovial Crew.
16th July: Shoreham Display team gave two performances at Parham House Garden weekend.
21st August: A Lady Callers night was held.
27th-29th October: Lodge Hill residential event. Callers Bill and Barbara Kinsman.

2001 Chairman Fred Putland.
17th March: Dinner Dance
Tuesday 1st May: Very cold but dry. Shoreham dancers were well supported by Sompting village Morris men and ladies teams. The May Queen Jenifer Glockler was crowned by Don Philips Chairman of Adur Council.
1st-3rd June: Residential weekkend at the Wessex Hotel Bournemouth. Callers John and Dee Chapman with the Weston Country Dance Band.
14th July:Parham display.
The Sussex Bonny Men, contributors to Shoreham dances and club nights for 15-20 years, retired from playing

2002 Chairman Fred Putland.
23rd March: Dinner Dance, recorded music.
1st May: May Queen Alex Blyth crowned by Don Philips Chairman of Adur Council. 12th-14th April: Lodge Hill residential event. Caller Peter Moxom, band Brian and Rosie McMinn
13th July: Parnham display

2003
New Shoreham vicar Rev Victor Standing and his Wife Marian.
5th May morning event. May queen Claire Longton.
3rd June: Weekend event at the Wessex Hotel, Bournemouth
12 July: Parham Display.
12-14th September: Visit to Pierlala Folk Club, St Truiden, for their 50th Anniversary weekend.
The display team was disbanded at the end of this yeat, marking the end of a long tradition.

2004 Chairman Fred Putland
20th March: Dinner Dance
8th-10th October: Lodge Hill weekend event. Callers Bill and Barbara Kinsman, musicians Maggie Fletcher and Hilary Hudson.
Occasional beginners’ workshops were introduced this year.
Kettledrum Dancers, a Playford display team, performed at the Christmas dance.

2005 Chairman Fred Putland
12th February: Dinner dance at Shoreham Community Centre.
17th May: An American dance was held for the first time this year, caller Kathy Anderson.
3rd -5th June: Weekend event at the Wessex Hotel, Bournemouth. Callers Barrie Bullimore and Dee Chapman, with the Weston Country Dance Band.

2006 Chairman Fred Putland
18th February: Dinner dance at Shoreham Community Centre.
19th-12th November: Dance weekend, Woodcroft Tower Bournemouth. Callers Bill and Barbara Kinsman, band Brian and Rosie McMinn.

2007 Chairman Fred Putland
17th March: Dinner dance at a new venue of Beecham’s.
1st-3rd June: Weekend event at the Wessex Hotel, Bournemouth. Callers Barrie Bullimore and Dee Chapman, with the Weston Country Dance Band.

2008 Chairman Fred Putland
8th March: Dinner dance
2nd and 9th June: Open evenings were held as part of the Adur Festival.
26th-28th September: Dance weekend at the Woodcroft Tower, Bournemouth. Callers Peter Moxon and Carol Hewson, band Sue and Peter Hall.
3rd-5th October: St Truiden Pierlala club held their 55th Anniversary celebration and invited Shoreham Club . As the club no longer had a display team, it was left for individual members and former members to attend. Sixteen people went, and a scratch display dance was organised. A scrapbook and DVD of previous visits was produced.

2009 Chairman Fred Putland
9th February: A 60th anniversary party with a celebration cake was held after the AGM.
21st February: 60th anniversary Dinner Dance at the Steyning Centre. Music by Peter and Sue Hall.
5th-7th June: Dance weekend at the Wessex Hotel, Bournemouth. Callers Barrie Bullimore and Dee Chapman, music Western Country Dance Band.

2010 Chairman Keith Calver
1st February: At the AGM, Fred Putland retired as club chairman after having held the post from 1970 to 1977 and then continuously since 1986. He was presented with an engraved tankard, and the following year a framed document, in thanks for his service to the club.
20th February: Dinner dance at the Steyning Centre. Music by Peter and Sue Hall.
24th-26th September: Dance weekend at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. Caller Ivan Aitkin, musicians Sue and Peter Hall.

2011 Chairman Keith Calver
12th February: Dinner dance at the Steyning Centre. Music by Peter and Sue Hall.
3rd- 5th June: Dance weekend at the Wessex Hotel, Bournemouth. Callers Barrie Bullimore and Dee Chapman, music Western Country Dance Band.
18th Septemnber: The first of a new series of Sunday afternoon cream tea dances, at Pulbrough.

2012 Chairman Keith Calver
The club website was established this year.
21st January: Dinner dance at the Steyning Centre.
28th - 30th September: Dance weekend at the Royal Beach Hotel, Southsea. Caller Ivan Aitkin, musicians Sue and Peter Hall.

2013 Chairman Keith Calver
2nd February: Dinner dance at the Steyning Centre.
7th - 9th June: Dance weekend at the Wessex Hotel, Bournemouth

2014 Chairman Keith Calver
25th January: Dinner dance, caller Sean Goddard (recorded music).
26th -28th September: Residential weekend at the Royal Beach Hotel. Caller Ivan Aitkin, musicians Sue and Peter Hall.

2015 Chair Keith Calver
12th - 14th June: Residential weekend at the Wessex Hotel, Bournemout. Callers Barrie Bullimore and Dee Chapman.

2016 Chair Keith Calver
23rd January: Dinner dance.
9th - 11th September: Residential weekend at the Royal Beach Hotel. Caller Ivan Aitkin, musicians Sue and Peter Hall.

2017 Chair Keith Calver
28th January: Dinner dance
2nd - 4th June: Residential weekend at the Wessex Hotel, Bournemout. Callers Barrie Bullimore and Carol Hewson.

2018 Chair Keith Calver
21st - 23rd September: Residential weekend at the Royal Beach Hotel. Caller Ivan Aitkin, musicians Sue and Peter Hall.

2019 Chair Keith Calver
27th-29th September: Residential weekend at the Collingwood Hotel, Bournemouth. Caller Ray Goodswen with the Weston Country Dance Band .
With an ageing membership, attendance at Monday Club nights was threatening the viability of Monday Club Nights, although other events remain well supported.

A History

This archive was produced around 2000 by Fred Putland. Largely, it is just a list, but gives insight into the early days. Foreign links are a notable feature, especially the relationship with Pierlala Folk Group, from St. Truiden, Belgium which started in 1977 and lasted at least until 1999. Early bands at dances include The Blue Mountain Band, The Woodley Yeomen and the Ranchers. Callers include Bernard Chalk and Hugh Rippon.
TRecord updated to early 2018, from minutes and chairman's reports, by Steve Ellacott.