Our first Barn Dance has now taken place to the strains of 'Squeeze and Wheeze' live band!
When I booked the band I really didn't know what to expect. They came highly recommended and so that was good enough for me.
Ticket sales were slow initially, but closer to the date we had a good number coming. Our village hall in Cheriton was the venue - a lovely hall, well equiped with an excellent stage. We set up in the afternoon after having to wait a little while for the WI to clear up their afternoon teas for a cycling club! Cans of lager/beer/lemonade/coke and bottles of wine and water were unloaded, plates, cutlery and glasses (enough for an army on the move), decorations, tables and of course the bales of hay (on loan from the local farmer). The French sticks arrived (still warm) not on their own I might add but with the people who kindly donated them! Vats of Chilli were put on the cooker to heat through (we didn't want to kill anyone with food poisoning!) We changed into our checked shirts and jeans for the occasion and 'ye haw' we were off.
The band arrived. Seven of them with caller and various roadies! They set themselves up on the stage and with a drink at the ready they were off. They were brilliant. All musicians in their own right and a caller with 'Attitude'! People were arriving thick and fast, many dressed in cowboy hats, neckerchiefs and cowboy boots and drink was flowing. Dances were called one after another and soon exhaustion set in. I have never seen so many people in one place laughing and enjoying themselves so much. Everyone joined in. We all made idiots of ourselves and it didn't matter one bit. Supper was served and eaten with relish. Meat chilli, vegi chilli and a slant on the recipe one without kidney beans but with baked beans served with nachos, soured cream, chopped onions, chopped chilli, grated cheese and of course baguette. People came back for seconds and thirds and lots of compliments were sent to the chefs. A few words of thanks were then said and a quick game of 'heads and tails' played. Suitably replenished we all took to the floor once more. By now muscles were aching, legs and feet hurting and burning but we kept going to the bitter end which came all too soon.
We were all very happy but very tired. The evening had been a huge success. Anna came and danced her heart out. Something a little while ago we would not have thought possible in a million years.
A brilliant £636.50p profit was made for the charity.
A big thank you to everyone involved and yes it looks like there will be another one next year. So keep a close eye open for the date.