VARIOUS

NATIONAL EASTER MEET AT THIRSK 2008

Each year a different area of the Folk Group organise a National Meet and in 2008 it was the turn of The Ridings Area and was held at Thirsk. Local Areas have similar activities throughout the year, but not on the same scale as the Easter Meet

Playing in the Snow	Caravans in the Snow
Maypole Dancing	Skiffle Session at the Showcase
Canal Painting Workshop	Puppet Workshop
Elaine Warin did scrapbooking workshops	Barry Lonsdale/Jean Oldroyd at a Tai Chi Session
There were a lot of different dance workshops	Handbell Ringing Workshop
Playing for Contra Dancing	West Gallery Singing Workshop
Gordon Corrick leading the West Gallery Singing	Sugarcraft Workshop

FEAST OF LANTERNS MARDI GRAS

The National Feast of Lanterns was held in Kent the second weekend in September 2005 and this is a photograph taken of the Folk Group entry at the Mardi Gras

INTERESTING CARAVAN

Angela Watson from North Central Area is very keen on canal boat painting and has decorated her caravan with lots of lovely paintings. She has also, with the help of Brian I am sure, made her caravan have the look and feel of a gypsy caravan

NATIONAL CAMPING WEEK MAY 2005

Photo taken by Sid Norris of Home Counties Folk Group at their 5-day meet at Hollesley, nr Woodbridge, Suffolk during National Camping Week. 44 units attended this meet, with 95 people sitting down to an 'English High Tea' on the Sunday, followed by an evening dance with the theme 'gardening' - fancy dress optional. Peter, Mary & Frank served tea & coffee during the dance dressed in the spirit of the occasion, having won the fancy dress competition. Coffee Pot - Peter Melton Weed - Mary Melton Tea Pot - Frank Walding

North West Section had a meet at Llandudno during National Camping Week. 66 Units attended and we were lucky to be able to watch the Red Arrows plus other displays from the comfort of our caravans. We had a lovely sunset on the first evening, and had get togethers on the field for music and chatting and also three dances in a local hall

NEWSLETTER EDITOR

Lyn Lucy was Editor of the Folk Group Newsletter from 1984 until 2004 and she was delighted in 2003 when she was presented with the Burnham Trophy for the best DA/Section/Region Newsletter. (Pat Shepherd took up the post of Newsletter Editor in 2005)

NATIONAL FEAST OF LANTERNS

The Folk Dance and Song Group always supports the Camping & Caravanning Club's National Feast of Lanterns Meet with an entry in the Mardi Gras Carnival Procession. Members enthusiastically donned cowboy hats and gingham for a depiction of 'Oklahoma' - complete with 'The Surrey with the Fringe on Top.' Our musicians entertained with a selection of familiar songs from the show, which was much enjoyed by spectators, who joined in the singing with us. View a selection of photos below:

To celebrate the Club Centenary the Folk Group made an extra special effort for their National Feast of Lanterns Mardi Gras entry. We were the largest block booking at the NFOL, and with well over 100 people representing us in the Parade, we we able to depict highlights to celebrate in the Club's 100 years, and carry 100 'candles' and a huge "Birthday Cake".

	Lots of Work on our Mardi Gras NFOL entry before the Meet
Lots more work during the NFOL to build the 'Cake'.
	A wonderfully glittering flame tops off the completed 'Cake'
All dressed in the Club colours of red and green and ready to join in the Parade
	Our 'Cake' and attendants assembled at the start of the Mardi Gras, with Pennons, 'candles' and celebratory balloons
We WON!! The Folk Group are very proud to have won with their entry in the NFOL Mardi Gras Carnival Parade. Some of the 'construction team' display the Winners' Shield and Trophy - together with young Emma, who didn't help make the 'Cake' - but she did help dismantle it, and so was allowed to be in the picture!