Pig Dyke Molly - News
(latest first)| 18 February 2013 |
Macmillan Presentation |
| 12 February 2013 |
Pig Dyke at Sadler's Wells, 12 FebruaryPig Dyke is delighted to be part of a dance-theatre performance at the Lillian Bayliss studio at Sadlers Wells theatre in London at 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th February. We have been commissioned by dance artist Dan Canham, who has in turn been commissioned by Sadlers Wells to put together a performance as part of the Wildcard series designed to give opportunities for young and innovative dance artists. Dan's evening explore change and loss of cultural context, and its effects - negative and positive - and incorporates movement, sound recording, archive film and the spoken voice, as well as Pig Dyke Molly. For further details -and we would love to see you there - see Sadler's Wells Wild Card - Dan Canham |
| 15 January 2013 |
Straw Bear and other Wintry TraditionsStraw Bear was superb for us – we did very well, excellent reactions and a very enjoyable festival.Friday night was wonderful…deep thanks to Sadie for managing hall, decorations, bar and all things between…and to Tim and Lynn for the bar work and to the band for managing well what was a difficult situation at first. Thanks to Glen for organising and enthusing another appropriately silly and fun play. Pig Dyke is most Pig Dyke in the winter…the Carols, New Year's Eve tour of Whittlesey, (which was best ever in terms of response from audiences) and Straw Bear. The Carol Singing and NYE tour raised £1100 for Macmillan Nurses |
| 7-10 August |
Sidmouth Folk WeekDespite the monsoon of a summer, Sidmouth was hot and dry for the three superb days we danced it this August. Sidmouth has huge crowds every spot...and they loved us. Three comments we liked: "so precise...the most professional presentation...like ballet". We understood but were a bit confused by "You are very colourful...". Great to share a impromptu spot with Seven Champs. Workshops went well, including the one where we did a dance no-one has seen since 1997...was OK! |
| 21-22 July 2012 |
Ely Folk FestivalEly was in doubt until we arrived... heavy rain on top of four months of rain... but the organisers did a superb job at ensuring it was possible (if a bit welly-bound...and we all gained an intimate understanding of mud). We didn't get rained on, we had a brilliant time with good dance spots, we did a workshop which was very well attended... and Tony's tent didn't quite float away, despite being pitched in a lake... here's to a drier 2013! Ely procession. Photo: from Helen and Paul's Photos on Flickr |
| 28 June 2012 |
Castle Bytham FairWe are feeling extremely lucky after this weekend. We were very pleased to be asked back to dance at the Castle Bytham Midsummer Fair. In spite of the dismal weather forecasts and a damp start to the day, the sun came out in time for the dancing and we had a lovely day performing in the streets to a lovely audience. At our last spot of the day we were even invaded by the Sealed Knot soldiers who had an authentic encampment in the village, culminating in a pitched battle on Sunday afternoon. The soldiers were marching through the village, rounding up their wayward men from the local taverns in time for the battle! Thanks to everyone that came to watch and to the amazing organisers who do a truly amazing job organising such a great event. We look forward to coming back soon.
Here's what the Castle Bytham people said: |
| 26 June 2012 |
Gate To Southwell FestivalWhat an interesting weekend - from the scary realisation that Chris and Anne were all there was for the music to rallying the campervan through the mud, we won't be forgetting this week end! But I think we are just about dried off after our lovely, but damp, bank holiday weekend dancing at the Southwell festival.It's true, we had a few wobbly moments... greatest of them Friday night when we learnt that our melodeon player, Kai, was ill and wouldn't be there... Hope you are feeling better now Kai! We know you must have been really ill to miss the festival. However, I am pleased to say our newest musician, Anne, was WONDERFUL and with no complaining settled to work, adapted to us, adapted to having her violin plugged to an amp which was heroically dragged around on a trolley by her other half, Ollie! (I think the expression "Ollie's trolley" may enter Pig Dyke folklore) She was wonderfully supported by our drummer Chris! Anne had never played solo (with percussion) in public for us before – so Anne and Chris did a fantastic job. And the team overall pulled together and did really well, judging by some of the superb reactions. And what’s more, thanks to Anne and Chris, we saw some tunes in new ways; the fiddle is wonderful for the slows in Mike. The best reaction was at our ceilidh spot...you could hear a pin drop during Mike and the cheer after it was brilliant. So it looks like we now have a new way to present Mike from now on! Sadly the dancing on Sunday was rained off, but we do hope everyone enjoyed our dancing Saturday. We had some lovely feedback from the organisers:
To all of Pig Dyke,
And finally, there were a few wobbly moments getting off the campsite on
Monday in the mud. So to all those who helped push our team off site and
were covered in mud in the process (including our own wonderful Holly)
we would like to say a BIG THANKYOU.Can I say a big Thank you to all of Pig Dyke for their dancing at the weekend. Surely it can't rain another year! Thanks again, Chris |
| 26 March 2012 |
Straw Bear Video from 2006 Has Just Come to LightPeter Dowsett has just written to us to say:"Back in 2006 I shot some footage of the whittlesey weekend. Its been sitting on my computer, until earlier this year I saw that Robin had passed away I never knew him but thought I would put the footage to some use I uploaded to youtube today, I hope you enjoy it." You'll find it here and there's a link on our YouTube links page. |
| 17 March 2012 |
Sligo St Patrick's Day ParadePig Dyke have just returned from a brilliant long weekend in Sligo and Donegal.After a varied trip in - including three departure airports, some impromptu dancing by some of the team en-route to Ireland (at Knock airport and Rafferty's pub in Sligo) and the odd guinness - we performed at the Strand pub in Strandhill on Friday evening as an aperitif to Saturdays big events. That evening we were joined by Co. Sligo 'Sidhe Gaoithe' Mummers, who kept us set dancing until the early hours to their young and talented musicians. It was lovely to learn some new dances. On Saturday we took part in the St Patrick's Day parades at Sligo and Bundoran. It was wonderful to be part of such an exciting day. To see just how many people turn out to watch the parades was truly amazing and we were overwhelmed with the warmth, openness and energy of the welcome we received in Ireland. What struck is most about the whole weekend was the inclusiveness of all ages and all sections of society, of businesses and charities and sports teams and artistic groups. This is something that goes to the heart of Pig Dyke's philosophy. It was a great weekend and we cannot wait until next year! |
| January 21 2012 |
Mark Jones Day of DanceI'm not sure what the collective noun for Molly Dancers might be(a mince?) but there were 11 teams at the Mark Jones Day of Dance on the 21st Jan. It was a slightly disconcerting feeling being surrounded by so many men dressed as women, with some impressive adornments in the chest department! Even stranger were the women, dressed as men, dressed as women.. it doesn't come much stranger than that! We met in the morning at the Cutter in Ely and danced there until lunch time. It was chaotic and fun dancing the 'Birds a'building' as a massed effort. Everyone seemed to know a different version. We then got on the coaches bound for Little Downham, danced a bit there and then went to our final destination, The Five Miles from Anywhere pub at Upware. By this time the little sunshine we had had was gone and there was a keen breeze coming off the river. We all got a little chilly watching the broom dance competition! The food at the pub was most excellent and the company good too. Spontaneous dancing broke out in the pub and it was great to see the Molly tradition alive and (literally) kicking. Great music from Tom, Anahata and Mary, and Dave, good dancing from the team. Well done Ouse Washes for a well organised and a fun day out. |
| November 28 |
Water Aid Ceilidh a Huge SucessTHANK-YOU. What a night, it was completely brilliant! Thanks to all of you for coming and supporting an amazing charity. Suffice it to say that 40% of the global population doesn't have access to a decent bog & 5000 children a day die because they don't have access to clean water. This money will make a big difference.I thought the music and dancing (Pig Dyke & SLAPDASH) was outstanding, so great of all of you to pull the stops out.
So here are the stats: 70 paying people came, and we made £570 on the ticket sales. We made a further £76.43 on the raffle and teas and coffees & cakes. We had £130 in donations for which many thanks, especially the Old Parrot Band. We spent £417.98 on the hall, food, printing and so have £358.45 clear profit for the donation. YEY!! Glen |
| November 22 |
Cindy's Debut at Benwick Dickensian Market, and the Water Aid Ceilidh Coming UpThere was a good turn-out for Benwick, the sun shone and it was a good crowd of onlookers. Pig Dyke were a bit rusty because it has been a while since we danced out, but what we lacked in finesse we made up for with enthusiastic dancing! Kai and Chris played brilliantly and our new dancer Cindy made her faultless debut - well done Cindy (supported by Mike and Herne). We were then invited back to Ron & Rosie's house in Benwick for an afternoon of feasting, imbibing and general Pig Dyke fun.We are gearing up for our Charity Ceilidh which is on Friday 25th November. We are supporting WaterAid, a charity which works to provide proper sanitation and water for people across the globe. In particular the WaterAid BIG Ceilidh has been a National fund raising effort in support of the 16 million people affected by the drought in East Africa. Pig Dyke Molly and friends are doing their bit to support this fantastic cause. Tickets from Glen Dawkins 01945 871098 before close of play on Wed 23rd Nov. There will be floor spots from Pig Dyke (not in kit) and the Appalachian side SLAPDASH. |
| August 2011 |
Norfolk and (very) good!Pig Dyke went in its holidays over a weekend in August...we decided the far East deserved to see us so we headed to Weybourne near Sheringham in Norfolk. Superbly organised by Matt, the weekend was lit up by campfires and the consequent fire-lit Charades, by Steve's birthday and by some superb dance- spots. We were superb of course, but so were the audiences in Cromer and Sheringham...despite moving for the lifeboat crews emergency (false alarm). North Norfolk made us so welcome we may be back...that'll learn you! |
| August 2011 |
Sidmouth Jig CompetitionAt The John Gasson morris jig competition during Sidmouth Folk Week, Holly and Matt adapted the old broom dance to a two-person version with Kai playing the music. It went down a storm, though they didn't actually win the competition. Watch the YouTube Video! |
| July 2011 |
Thurning FeastSaturday July 25Pig Dyke had a wonderful evening at the Thurning Feast - thanks to the organisers for asking us to come along and take part. It was a lovely warm evening and the beer flowed until late so a good time was had by all. It was great to have people coming up to us who recognised us from our pub nights or Straw Beer who were looking forward to seeing us dance. We shared the acoustic stage with the Yarwell and Nassington Brass Band who were great and kindly moved over to let us dance on their stage in between their slots. I hope they didn't mind us dancing away while they played but their music was so great we couldn't resist! Lots of people commented on young Kai and said how great his playing was - he really is a budding star. Kai will be playing at Sidmouth Folk Festival if anyone is going along to that. Other dancers on the night included the Thurning Irish Dancers, who were amazing as were Tap and Sync. |
| June 2011 |
Somersham Carnival and Pagan WeddingSaturday June 25thWe were very lucky to have two bookings on the same day within twenty miles of each other so we were able to dance at both venues -although the team were pretty tired at the end of the day. Although we had a wet start to the Carnival, the sun soon came out. We started with the Parade for the Carnival - the route didn't look that far on the map - but my legs ached by the time we arrived at the main arena! It was great to see so many people come and watch us dance on the tennis courts and Kai played wonderfully for the team and was the star of the day with many people commenting on his fantastic playing - well done Kai! We then drove over to a beautiful setting for the Pagan wedding. A friend of Ruth had asked us to dance as part of their afternoon of dance themed entertainment. Again Kai got lots of praise for his playing. |
| May 2011 |
Highlights of Chippenham Folk FestivalThis year marked the 40th anniversary of Chippenham Folk Festival and is was the usual riot of fun, colour and music. The most popular event were the parades of Morris and Molly dancers on both Saturday and Monday although it managed to rain on both our parades! We had a great festival dancing in the streets and also at the Ceilidh on Saturday evening. I'm not sure what we did at our Arena spot, because the lights went out for the next team on - I don't think it was us. The audiences were great at all our spots and really made us feel welcome. As well as entertaining the festival goers and locals, it was great to see so many other teams in one place. Glen and I had great fun trying to get Seven Champs to smile during one of their dances and one of their team took a shine to Matt in his fine Molly costume - I think it was his hair plaits that did it! For me, it was a first chance to see the Nutters i.e. the Britannia Coconut Dancers - there's no team quite like them! FAB! We also bumped into our neighbours from Leicester, Black Annis and we hope to dance out with them this winter. And oh how I do admire the work that goes into the Boggart's Breakfast face paint - you looked wonderful guys - it was great to see you all. All in all it was a great festival and we all went home tired but very happy at the end of three days dancing. |
| Feb 2011 |
2010 In Perspective2010 - the year was dominated by the preparations for the visit by Notre Berry from Bourges. So much so that when they all went back to France we suddenly realised we had about two weeks to go before Sidmouth Folk Week. The Notre Berry visit all went smoothly, with the aid of some very helpful fine weather when we most needed it. Sidmouth was a success too. There are now pictures from Sidmouth in the 2010 Photo gallery and lots of YouTube video of Notre Berry dancing in and around Peterborough, connveniently listed here if you haven't found it already.Whittlesea Straw Bear day went without a hitch - this time it wasn't wet like the previous year, and it wasn't cold like the year before. This year we have been invited for Chippenham Folk Festival's 40th anniversary and St Neots Folk Festival. There may be others, not decided yet. On the dance side, we have revived "380" with some more sensible figures and new music, and there has been a steady trickle of new recruits over the last year, especially Matt and Kai who have brought the average age down and the standard of dancing up dramatically... and you may have noticed on the contact page that we have a new secretary! |
| Dec 2009 |
Music CD UpdateThe music CD was updated months ago, but the Current Music CD page has only just been updated |
| Aug 2009 |
Bourges Trip and New MusicThere's been no news posted here for a while, but plenty has happened. At least five new tunes, two composed by Anahata, and a new Dance "Global Swarming" added to the repertoire. We've had a fabulous trip to Bourges hosted by French dance group Notre Berry, and we're inviting them back for July next year. Coming up shortly: Shrewsbury Folk Festival, and much further ahead, possibly a visit to the USA (or it might be Canada now) in 2011 |
| July 2008 |
Music CDThe promised music CD is out! see Music 2008 [now updated to 2009] for details.We'll have it for sale at Warwick Folk Festival, or you can buy online now if you can't wait |
| July 2008 |
Belper Music FestivalThe first of this summer's four festivals was a pleasure for us - the only dance team at Belper Music Festival, and free range to dance when and where we wished...a delightful and warm reception, and it didn't rain on our dancing...see some photos via links on Pig Dyke in Action.For the later festivals we hope to have available a CD of Pig Dyke music 2008, with the new band line-ups...watch this space and be the first in your street to order it! |
| Jan 2008 |
Robin Griggs 1957-2008Rob died on 29th January 2008.Personal Tributes from Pig Dyke members and friends, and downloadable music. |
| Jan 2008 |
Article in Northants Evening TelegraphThis Article about Pig Dyke Molly (PDF) appeared recently in the Northants Evening Telegraph. Downloadable by kind permission of the Evening Telegraph. |
