Hi all,

I hope everyone who came to DERT arrived home safely and that all aching limbs, throats and heads are improving!

It was a brilliant weekend. Even if you weren't there you've probably all seen we came THIRD in the championship!!! We were all very pleased as this was the aim we set ourselves at the AGM, but it seemed a very difficult task when we found out about the two ex-premier and two premier B teams in our category. We danced well all day and there were lots of comments about how energetic the dance was and how we looked so much more confident as a team year on year. We came 5th out of 6 in the trad competition. Phil Heaton said we were deducted marks for not doing the 'right figures' despite the notation saying you could choose your own combination, plus him not noticing we did jigging guard! Regardless of the points, the Westerhope dance looked really tidy and we definitely showed that we've got a talented and versatile team of dancers by taking part!

At breakfast this morning I announced that I would like to stand down as foreperson. It's been an honour to be in the position for the last two and a half years and I'm very proud of how the team has grown and progressed in so many ways during that time. I've decided to step down for a few reasons, the main one being that I'd like some of my 'spare time' back! This feel like the right time to step down as it will give the new foreperson the opportunity to find their feet during the least stressful period of the year. The coming months/year should also be less difficult to plan as we've now got 4 dances and nearly 20 dancers so there's a lot of material for the new foreperson to work with. Rest assured that I'm not planning on going away anywhere - I'm still happy to help with teaching and will be more than happy to advise the new foreperson as and when they wish. Someone asked if there was a 'job description' for the role. I think there was something in a previous AGM agenda which I can try and dig out, but if anyone is thinking of standing for the role and has any questions please feel free to get in touch.

Last but not least, a reminder that The Foxglove Trio's album launch party is next Saturday evening at The Slaughtered Lamb near Farringdon. Doors open at 7pm and there will be two support acts - tunes band Root & Branch and then Laura Smyth & Ted Kemp - before The Foxglove Trio at approx 9pm. You will probably be able to get tickets on the door but if you're fairly sure you can come you might want to buy tickets in advance. http://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-foxglove-trio-album-launch-party-for-these-gathered-branches-tickets-15515447120