Solent Waves
July 2007 Issue 300
Editorial Material

FASH CHAT

How many of you remember the predecessor to Solent Waves? It was a single page duplicated sheet called the 'SOFA Sheet' and appeared from time to time. Southampton Folk Activities (SOFA) listed those local Barn Dances that were open to the public, plus a very limited amount of other details.

	The Old Year Dance advert, brings back memories of driving home in near-blizzard conditions from Warsash on more than one occasion. Syd Wilkins recalls that the Victory Hall had its own bar, but folk dancers are a dry lot and didn't really take advantage.
Looking back at the workshops advertised, they covered a surprisingly wide variety of folk disciplines, from song, clogging, Morris to social dance. Even crèche facilities were offered, suggesting a significant number of workshop attendees had young families.
	A few names from the past in the listing of Folk Song Clubs also prompt some memories. Paul Hutchinson for example (ex 'The Old Pull & Push'). John Turner recalls Paul's comments about one of the early Sidmouth Festival dance events they played at in Newton Poppleford Village Hall 'I've never played in an airing cupboard before'! Gary Nunn (ex New Sarum Folk Club contact) is now a children's entertainer and is a regular at many festivals, for example Chippenham. Clare Mach (ex Hamwich contact) formerly a member of Whirligig FDC, now dances with Devil's Jumps (we saw her at Exbury Gardens last weekend for the first time in probably 20 years). Mabs Addison and husband Bob (ex Solent CDC contact) emigrated to Australia where David and Joyce Tullis (Salisbury FDC) popped in to see them several years back whilst on holiday. Peggy Tillyer is still actively promoting folk dance on the 'waterside'. Overall though, it is pleasing to see that we have more display sides, more folk clubs and more dance clubs thriving than existed twenty to thirty years ago. If Solent Waves has done a little to help promote these events and keep the clubs going, then it has done its work well.
Sadly several display teams in the area are no longer. Southampton even had two International Dance display teams! But others have taken their place and several teams and contacts can be recognised.

We hope these few bits and pieces have jogged your memory a little. Let's hope Solent Waves is still going strong for the next 100 editions and we offer heartfelt thanks to the many editors and distributors who have work hard over the years.

John Turner and Syd Wilkins

News of death of Victor Stallworthy

Victor passed away peacefully on 8^th May, after a short spell in hospital. He was 86 and had been suffering for some years with the onset of Parkinson's disease, but many people may remember him as the tall and active dance partner of his wife Pamela in the 1970s and '80s. They were enthusiastic founder members of Solent Country Dancers in 1973, and from then on were often to be seen at dances throughout Hampshire, as well as at Sidmouth and other festivals.

Pamela is arranging a dance on Saturday 21^st July at Bedhampton, to celebrate his long and happy life. Numbers are limited, so if you are interested, please contact her on 02392-484956,or e-mail pamstallworthy@aol.com

FASH workshop lunches

At the AGM we asked if people wanted to continue with the bring and share lunches or switch back to the self catering method. Some people preferred one method, others preferred the opposite, but after some thought, the committee have decided to continue with the method of encouraging (but not mandating) everyone to bring a plate of food to put on the table and share the meal together. Please also bring a plate and cutlery to make life as easy as possible.

Other Folk Events

Occasionally you may hear of a Barn Dance or similar event that is being organised by someone outside our normal circle. A school Parents Association event for example. They might be a more or less private function, but if you think it sensible, please pass on the details and we can give the event a little publicity in Solent Waves. This could not only help by swelling the numbers at the event, but also, perhaps some of us could help make it a success by having a sprinkling of knowledgeable dancers. It could also be an opportunity to talk to people and encourage them onto to other events.

Callers and bands might particularly spot such opportunities and we would be grateful if you could keep your eyes open. While not expecting any miracles, we need to take every opportunity to encourage events and especially seek more, younger, participation.

FASH committee changes

We have made a small change to elevate Lin Rayner from secretary to Chairman, whilst at the same time promoting John Turner from Chairman to Secretary. In other words they have swapped roles.