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Waes-hal 2020      Published : Tue 28 Jan 20


Waes-hal! Waes-hal!

 

On the 19th January 2020, Herring Gals joined Grimsby Morris Men for the 38th Lincolnshire Waes-Hal at Skidbrooke Cider Farm and later at The New Inn, Saltfleetby.This year had been warmer than previous years with the sun shining and no clouds to be seen.

 

We started off by performing Piper's Ash followed by May Dance. We then had a break so that we could join Grimsby Morris in their Waes-hal ceremony. We all placed cider-saturated pieces of toast onto the branches of the apple trees to promote a good harvest for the next year.

 

The Skidbrooke Cyder company is a small family run business owned by the wonderful Guy and Kate. Throughout the morning, the Skidbrooke Cyder Company was selling its products to all who attended the event. They loved it so much, they took some to The New Inn at Saltfleetby for them to sell.

 

We performed our final dance at Skidbrooke with the debut of Whitby Shindig. Despite previous unsuccessful attempts at practice, it was 'alright on the night', meaning there were high fives all round!

 

At the The New Inn, we performed Basque and finished with Abram. The event was a success!

 

This event included both teams dancing, singing, waes-haling and to finish off, the men sang and performed their Plough Play. The Waes-hal is my favourite dance out of the year because it was where I met my boyfriend 2 years ago (and still going strong!). We have come back each year to celebrate this occasion. We'd like to thank the Grimsby Morris Men for their continual support and especially the public for attending these events because without you all, it wouldn't have been such a great success!

 

Phoebe Jones


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An Evening with Great Coates WI      Published : Mon 18 Nov 19


An evening with Great Coates WI

On a very damp, November evening, Herring Gals received a warm welcome from the ladies of Great Coates WI. Our dance teacher Sue, gave an informative talk about the history of Morris dancing and the five traditions found in England. The team danced Prescot to illustrate the North West tradition. While the dancers got their breath back, musician Ken, explained about a French dance, Basque, that is also in the Herring Gals repertoire. The band then played the French tunes that accompany the dance.

Next, came Newton-le-Willows, one of our garland dances. It was a big moment for newest member Lisa, as it was her first time dancing out in kit ...and.... in front of her fellow members of the WI!  We all applauded her performance. Our other new member, Verity, watched on. It will be her turn next!

Finally, the team danced Abram Morris Dance once through. Sue invited the ladies of the WI to come onto the floor and learn how to dance this. There were plenty of volunteers. Each was partnered with a Herring Gal. Much fun and laughter ensued as they tried to master the figures. The end result can be seen below. Some new recruits for Herring Gals perhaps?! 

 

 

We ended the evening with much needed refreshments. Many thanks to Great Coates WI for inviting us. You are a lovely bunch of ladies. We hope you had as much fun and enjoyment as we did.

 

Alison


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Ripon Day of Dance 2019      Published : Thu 18 Jul 19


  Enjoyable trip to Ripon

 

On 6th July, Herring Gals travelled to Ripon for their annual day of dance. We were very lucky with the weather, which was warm and sunny.

Teams met at the local watering hole, The Unicorn, for a bit of breakfast, before dancing both at the Cathedral and Market Square. Herring Gals had the pleasure of dancing alongside the Lancashire Wallopers (who were hilarious) and 400 Roses at the Cathedral, and then we and the Wallopers met up with our hosts Ripon City at the Market Square. Here we were brave enough to dance our version of a dance (7 pin) that was created by one of Ripon City’s musicians – no pressure!

Lunchtime took us to the ‘One Eyed Rat’ where there was a picnic lunch and more dancing. This time, we had the pleasure of watching Silkstone Greens and Lizzie Dripping together with the other teams that had joined us that day.

In the afternoon we danced at Kirkgate, followed by the finale at the Spa Gardens. What a beautiful setting for our show dance…but we were not finished yet! Ripon City Morris wanted a ‘dance off’ where we both danced the same dance at the same time. They danced ‘9 Men’s Morris’ and we danced ‘7 Pin’. We danced facing each other and it was so much fun to do! The crowd thoroughly enjoyed our different interpretations of the dance and gave us a rousing round of applause. We celebrated with tea and cake and relaxed in the Spa Gardens.

We were made to feel so welcome by our hosts and other teams. A thoroughly enjoyable day was had by all. Hopefully it won’t be long before we go again. Maybe this time we could have an ‘Abram’ dance off!

Liz Laister


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Cllethorpes Folk and Cider Festival 2019      Published : Thu 30 May 19


Cleethorpes Folk and Cider Festival 2019

 

                                                                        May Bank Holiday Weekend

We danced both Saturday and Sunday of the bank holiday. It was definitely dancing weather -  cloudy, overcast, showery and sunny. We had a bit of rain during the day on Saturday but this didn’t put any of the sides off.We all still danced in between the rain drops!

On Saturday 25th May we danced with our buddies Grimsby Morris Men, Sowerby Bridge Morris, Raving Maes and Allington Morris. Then at the end of the day we joined in the finale with Dukes Dandy, Rhubarb Tarts, Rattlejag, Rackaback and Flagcrackers. All the sides did two dances to end a successful day of dance. We did 'Ashton' as our final show dance.

 

On the Sunday 26th May we danced with our buddies, Grimsby Morris,  all day and joined up with Sowerby Bridge Morris, Flagcrackers, Greenwood Clog for the finale at the end of the day. It was a scorcher of a day and we were pleased it was the end of the dancing weekend. Our final dance was 'Pipers Ash'.

 We were all tired but happy especially after the cool cider which was great when you were getting a wee bit warm. As usual there were a few slip ups (me included!) during the weekend but that goes with the enjoyment of dancing. The crowds that were in Cleethorpes that weekend were well entertained!

by Sandy Riley  


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Holmfirth Festival of Folk      Published : Mon 13 May 19


Fantastic Day at Holmfirth!

 

Saturday 11th May 2019 saw Herring Gals dancing at the Holmfirth Folk Festival for the second year running. Faced with rain, hail and sunshine, the Gals were seen dancing at various spots around the town.

At one point, the Squire was nearly beheaded by Pateley Longsword! Other members of Herring Gals were spotted dancing with Pig Dyke Molly!

Heavy rain prevented the team from taking part in the parade but the weather dried up in time to perform the last dance at Victoria Park. 

The team had a fantastic day dancing alongside some fabulous teams and making new friends along the way.

Special thanks go to Slubbing Billy's for the invite. 

Herring Gals next dance-out will be at Cleethorpes Folk and Cider Festival on Saturday 25th May and Sunday 26th May. 

by Sally Copp

            


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A word from the squire      Published : Fri 3 May 19


Celebrating May Day 

 

May Day celebrations date back to Celtic times and were seen as a way to herald in the summer months. 

This year, May Day saw Herring Gals dust off their clogs and join their brother team, Grimsby Morris Men, in celebration. Starting out at the 'Skipworth Arms' in Moortown, the drizzly weather did not dampen spirits and Herring Gals kicked off their season with 'May Dance'. 

After several dances, the teams moved on to the 'Salutation Inn' at Nettleton where the dancing and merriment continued. Despite the rain, everyone had a great time.........bring on the summer!

Herring Gals can be seen next at Holmfirth Folk Festival on Saturday 11th May, dancing at various venues throughout the town. 

by Sally Copp


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Lincoln BIG Morris 2018      Published : Sat 1 Sep 18


Lincoln BIG dance out Saturday 1st September 2018

 

What an excellent day we had at Lincoln BIG Morris! The sun was shining and we had a great day dancing and meeting up with friends old and new.

Starting at the Lion and Snake pub, we had the pleasure of meeting Bare Bones from Loughborough, and also dancing with our usual partner team, Grimsby Morris Men.

Moving on to Saint Paul’s yard, we were also joined by Rackaback and Poacher Morris – both border sides and great to watch.

                       

Following that, the dance spot at the Victoria Inn (in beautiful sunshine- and also a good spot for lunch) brought us together with the Way of the Wyrd – another border side, who supported our dances very well.

After lunch, The Museum of Lincolnshire Life very kindly allowed us to dance inside their grounds – we had a great space to dance, joined this time by the Rhubarb Tarts (molly side) and Rattlejag….in their own style (plough morris).

Our finale in Minster Yard was very well attended by the public, where we all had team photos and our show dance recorded by a kind volunteer, and introduced by the MC for the day the GMM’s Dave Laister.

   

Altogether a splendid day, well organised by Di and Nick Booth and the team. Thank you for the invitation.

 


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