Marion`s programme was particularly interesting and, though some dances were quite tricky, she got us through them all triumphantly! So a great time was had by all in spite of a minor crisis in the kitchen by way of a non-functioning urn. As an evening without tea would be unthinkable we managed to collect enough kettles to cope and all was well.
This year, the holiday was to Nerja at the Eastern end of the Costa del Sol for one week at the end of February. Our hotel had a large marble floored conference room which we used as a ballroom each evening. The programme of dances was compiled from everybody's favourites and we danced to CDs. During the day we were free to enjoy to local sights.
Nerja is nestled between the mountains and the sea. The local peak, Cielo, which is higher than Ben Nevis, is made of limestone, so, not surprisingly, there are caves in the foothills. The local cave is a major tourist attraction, so we headed there on our first, rainy, morning. The size of the chambers and quality, size and number of the features was amazing. Later in the holiday we were to see much damage to fields and roads caused by heavy rains this winter, the caves were evidence that this has been going on for very much longer.
From the caves we could access a network of footpaths leading up into the mountains. We had several forays , enjoying the scenery, some sunshine and the spring flowers.
The group had organised a couple of coach trips, one to the Alhambra palace in Granada, the other to Ronda. Many of us also tried a local bus ride to the white hill-top village of Frigiliana, popular for its narrow streets, bars and cafes, and in summer for tourists trying to escape the heat. Needless to say, Keith found a couple of walks leading off into the hills from here.
We invited members of the local Scottish dance group along to our hotel and greatly enjoyed learning "A Trip to Nerja" which one of them had devised.
The last night's dancing took the form of a ceilidh. Several sub-groups had been busy practising during the week and performed their plays/poems/dances for the whole group. Keith offered to dance the Highland Fling, and also got roped in for an all male "Reel of the 51st Division" which was danced in walking boots.
As everybody else headed back to the wintery UK, we stayed on in Spain for a second week. We spent another day in Nerja which enabled Keith to finally get to the top of Cielo. We then drove to Cordoba, on to Seville and then down to the Doñana National Park on the Atlantic Coast just North of Cadiz.
Dame Alice Harpur School, Bedford
Ian Robertson and his Band
This page was updated on 8 April 2010.
SUPPER DANCE REPORT
The recent Supper Dance turned out to be one of the best socials we have had for a long time. There were eleven couples for most of the evening which meant one set of seven couples causing a few minor panics and a good deal of hilarity.
Summer Ball
Dancers £15.00, Children & Spectators £7.50
Pelorus Jack J Moray Rant S Bratach Bana R Gothenburg`s Welcome J Gang the Same Gate S Clutha R Diamond Jubilee J Mrs Milne of Kinneff S Black Mountain Reel R Flight of the Falcon J Glen Clova S Trip to Bavaria R Napier`s Index J Wind on Loch Fyne S Ray Milbourne R MacLeod`s Fancy J Autumn in Appin S Miss Johnstone of Ardrossan R Seton`s Ceilidh Band J Bees of Maggiknockater J
Link to Crib Sheet
AND FINALLY:-
Something to exercise your little grey cells and tickle your sweet tooth.
1. Where refined people live. 11. Aromatic weapon.
2. Edible fasteners. 12. Royal herb.
3. For job well done. 13. Mother`s local
4. 9 10 11. 14. Endurance race.
5. Home for Alcoholic`s Teeth. 15. Nearly between.
6. Fallen Fruits. 16. Pirates loot.
7. Sport for princes. 17. Belly dancer.
8. 100% metal. 18. Current affairs.
9. Tartan Granite. 19. No shouting allowed.
10. Seen on a race course. 20. Two tiers on wheels.
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