Tudor Squares Members at recent Square Dance events.

FFT Friendship Dance Day Wendover 12th January 2019

The FFT Friendship Dance Day took place on Saturday 12th January 2019 at The Memorial Hall, Wendover, Bucks.

Over 100 dancers attended the Future Focus Team ‘s day of dance for newer dancers.

There were 3 dance halls & 5 Callers:Andrew Agathangelou, Trudy and Simon Fielding, Kevin Lovell and Granville Spencer.

The event started at 11.00 am and ended at 8.30 pm, so it was a wonderful opportunity to rack up a lot of floor time as well as hearing different Callers

Calling was Basic 1, Basic 2, Mainstream and Plus

There were two scheduled food breaks. The first is between 12:30 and 13:30 for lunch. The second break was between 16:30 and 17:30 for dinner, and we enjoyed the Fish & Chip which we had ordered earlier.

Sunshine Dance on Gran Caneria November – December 2018

We are very pleased to hear that the long-standing Square Dance event – originally organised by Elin and Bent Petersen, from Denmark – would be going on; along exactly the same lines as before.

Several Tudor Squares and other UK dancers joined with the Danish Square Dancers, to spend a week (or two), basking in the sun, taking in the sights – as well as – Square Dancing. Leif Ekblad, from Sweden, is the new event manager and this event IS open to Square Dancers from all parts of the world.

Once again the two callers were Paul Bristow and Bronc Wise, who we have enjoyed previously, and they kept us guessing about the pace and complexity of the Square dancing.

The Dancing is held outdoors at the Colina Mar Hotel in Porto Rica, Gran Caneria, and Week 1 is for Mainstream, Plus ands A1, and Week 2 is for A1, A2 and C1 . Each day starts with a 2 hour session between 10 – 12, then another afternoon session from 4 – 6pm, and finally the evening dancing from 9 – 11pm .

On most days there are also Workshops which included some interesting moves which Bronc and Paul introduced and these would sometimes feature later that day in the regular dancing. We enjoyed mixing with a number of dancers from different countries including Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Germany & Scotland.

During the day we danced next to the Hotels main pool and Bar Area, which has a large Sunshade but NO roof!!, luckily it did not rain when were there but apparently the previous week had some heavy showers which resulted in large pools of water on the dance floor.

In the evening we moved to another area adjacent to a small swimming pool, and enjoyed some post dinner dancing at all level from Mainstream to A1. Despite only just completing the A1 Program we managed to join in most of the Tips.

It was very good to enjoy a week of warm sunshine and Clear blue skies and also another chance to catch up with some of the other couples we had met when we were in Gran Caneria 2 years ago . It was also very nice to see several Tudor Squares dancers attending again including our BAASDC President Susan Ellis..

On Tuesday we had a free day, which meant that we could take a boat trip from the Harbour to visit one of the nearby coastal towns and see the attractions. We caught the local Ferry to visit Mogan which is described a “Venice of Gran Caneria” with attractive house, shops and restaurants where we a Tapas meal and a few drinks, before returning to Porto Rico later in the afternoon.

Overall it was a great week of dancing and enjoying the sun and company and we look forward to going again in 2019

Here are a few photo taken during our weeks stay.

Terry & Jenny Thirlwell

Tudor Squares dancers at Jerry Story weekend October 2018

About 16 members of Tudor Squares enjoyed a weekend of Plus dancing to Jerry Story who was calling at the Yellow Rocks Plus Weekend between 19th – 21st October 2018, which took place at the Holy Trinity C Of E School on the Friday and Saturday sessions.

There was a full of Fun Plus Friday evening before returning to our Hotel, on the Saturday morning there was a Plus workshop, where we learnt some interesting moves and after lunch another workshop from 2 – 4pm, then back to the Hotel.

On Saturday evening we enjoyed another full session of dancing which incorporated several of the “New” moves we had learnt during the workshop sessions. We also met up with lots of dancers from other clubs, including Activ8’s, Waggoners & All Squares at Zero. There were always 7 / 8 squrers on the florr during the Saturday evening .

On Sunday the dancing took place at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, which was very handy as we were actually staying at this hotel. We danced in the Ballroom on a Carpet floor, which was a bit unusual but we managed to cope by some dancing in bare feet.!!

Once again the Jerry Story weekend was a success and we understand that Yellow Rocks have asked Jerry to call again next year, but it will be at a different location. We look forward to seeing the announcements and hope that the location will not involve travelling around the M25 again, as there were delays due to accidents on both the outward and retun journeys .

Tudor Squares PLUS Dance September 2018

On Saturday, 15th September 2018, TUDOR SQUARES members and friends enjoyed an exciting evening with Paul Bristow Calling Plus at the Adeyfield Community Centre, Queens Square, Hemel Hempstead.

The dancing was Fast and sometimes furious, and the hall was filled with several squares .

Paul called a lot of interesting moves which kept us on our toes and managed to rebuild the odd squares who had broken down.

European Convention Amsterdam July 2018

Several Members of Tudor Squares, Active 8’s, Waggoner and Hogsmill attended the European Square dance Convention held in Amsterdam between Thursday 19th to Sunday 22nd July 2018.

The Convention dancing was held in a large Sports centre, with one large hall and two other buildings with a total of seven halls offering dancing at all levels from B/MS , Rounds, A1/A2, C1 /C2.

There were 25 different callers present from 24 different countries, including China, Taiwan, Cambodia, Russia, Australia & UK.

The Grand Total number of Dancers was just over 2160, and everyone mixed around within the sessions so that sometimes we were dancing with there other nationalities.

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Tudor Squares Spring Walk

The Annual Tudor Squares Spring Walk took place on on Saturday 21st April 2018, and nearly 30 people enjoyed the walk and then had a meal at the Pub afterwards.

The walk started at 10.30am from The Chequers Inn Redborn. There was a little bit of an incline at the begining of the walk, but soon we were enjoying good views and sunny weather as we continued.

Part of the route followed the banks of the River Ver, where we saw some wildlife and many Spring flowers in full bloom. We also passed Redbournbury Mill which was operating and selling fresh bread, before returning to the Chequers to enjoy our pre booked meals and chat to other Tudor squares members.

Thanks to Ann and Grant for organising this years walk and meal.

Tudor Squares Christmas Card Donation to British Heart Foundation.

Dave Greenwood Chairman of Tudor Squares Square Dancing Club presented a cheque for £110 to Clare Ball, manager of the BHF clothes shop in the Marlowes Hemel Hempstead. The money was raised by members donating to the BHF instead of exchanging Christmas Cards.
Tudor Squares is the Largest Square Dancing Club in England. There is dancing five times a week in Hemel and Kings Langley and Tudor Squares also arranges and hosts up to Eight larger dances each year in Dacorum as well as running a busy social programme.

Tudor Squares Members at Bishops Eight SDC New Year Weekend Party 2017/18

Several Tudor Squares members enjoyed the New Year Party weekend dancing at Bishops Eight Club near Swanwick, with Simon and Trudy Fielding calling , Activities included the Fancy Dress “British Workman” Theme and a Blue Peter Style “Make a Clown” competition.

Several ~Tudor Squares members enjoyed the New Year Party weekend dancing at Bishops Eight SDC with Simon and Trudy Fielding , including the Fancy Dress "British Workman" Theme and a Blue Peter Style "Make a Clown" competition.

Tudor Squares Beginners Graduation Ceremony December 2017

The Tudor Squares 2017 graduation ceremony was part of the regular Thursday evening Mainstream dance session, at Nash Mills Village Hall, Hemel Hempstead. The graduation ceremony is for the 10 students who’ve learnt to square dance over the past 15 months.

Tudor Squares Autumn Social November 2017

Tudor Squares SDC members enjoyed dancing at Warners End Community Centre to Mainstream, Plus and A2 Tips from several Club callers, including Phil and Debbie Peel, Simon Kelly and Andrew.

Despite the Cold weather about 60 Members of Tudor Squares enjoyed the dancing and Pot Luck Supper

Tudor Squares Mainstream Dance at JFK School Featuring Cliff Anderton & Gene Turner

The annual Tudor Squares Mainstream Dance took place on Saturday 18th March 2017 at the John F Kennedy School, Hemel Hempstead.

The callers were Cliff Anderton & Gene Turner calling the full Mainstream program, with some Basic Tips for our Tudor Squares Beginners.

There were a total of 85 Dancers from various UK Square Dance clubs, who enjoyed the dancing, Pot Luck and Raffle.

Thanks to all the Tudor Squares Beginners & Mainstream Dancers who managed the hall and assisted with the running of the Mainstream Dance. Also thanks to Simon & Trudie Fielding for running the DSI Secondhand Clothing shop in the Foyer.

Here are some photos taken at the Mainstream Dance:

Tudor Squares at Prostate Cancer Dance Featuring -Paul Bristow, James Wyatt, Neil Whiston, Paul Hart & Matt Baldry. February 2017

The Second annual Prostate Cancer Dance took place on Saturday 18th February 2017 at the John F Kennedy School, Hemel Hempstead. The callers were Paul Bristow, James Wyatt & Neil Whiston calling the full Mainstream and Plus Programmes with the addition of Matt Baldry and Paul Hart Cueing Rounds.

There were a total of 153 Dancers from various UK Square Dance clubs, who enjoyed the dancing & Refreshments, which were provided by Tudor Squares and Whirl & Twirl Dance Clubs. We met up with lots of Dancers from other clubs and we are looking forward to the next Extravaganza in January 2018.

The Second Annual Prostate Cancer Dance, this year raised £2000 for the Charity, and All Callers & Cuers have given their time for free.
The cost of the hall has been donated by an Anonymous Donor.
So all monies made can go to the charity.

Here are some images taken during the weekend

Tudor Squares at Trouville Hotel -James Wyatt weekend on Isle of Wight – December 2016

The annual James Wyatt Dance weekend took place from Friday 9th December until Monday 12th 2016 at the Trouville Hotel, Sandown, Isle of Wight. The caller was James Wyatt calling the full Mainstream and Plus Programmes with the addition of the fun moves, such as “Tea Cup Chain with Men Revolving position” where the Men circulated and the Ladies did the normal Tea Cup chain with each other. He also taught us the “Star Track”.

There were a total of 10 Dancers from Tudor Squares (Dave & Stella, Terry & Jenny, Dave & Liz, Mick & Sandra, Alex & Margaret), who enjoyed the weekend of dancing & Workshops. Between Dancing we enjoyed Eating and visiting local attractions, such as The Needles, Carisbrook Castle, The Garlic Farm and a Roman Villa.

We met up with lots of Dancers from other clubs and we are looking forward to the next James Wyatt weekend in December 2017.

Here are some images taken during the weekend

Tudor Squares at Waggoner’s 42nd Birthday Dance November 2016

Waggoner’s 42nd Birthday Dance was held on Saturday 12th November 2016 at St Joseph’s in the Park School. The caller was Eddie James calling the full Mainstream Programme with the addition of the fun move “Don’t Rush” where the ends circulated one spot and the centres slid nose to nose with each other. He also taught us the “Teacup Stroll”.

Here are some photos of the evening.

Tudor Squares at Cuffley Dance October 2016

Tudor Squares club members, went to the Cuffley S.D.C. dance. Debbie and Becky Peel called together at their first Saturday night dance.

Tudor Squares Dancers at European Convention in Stratford Upon Avon. 22/24th July 2016

Several Tudor Squares club members attended the European Square Dance Convention in Stratford-upon-Avon where some 850 dancers from all around the world enjoyed dancing to callers from across Europe.

Tudor Squares Outing to Petworth House and Worthing Squares 10th July 2016

Our Annual Club Outing this year, was to Petworth House and Park, then onto Dance at Worthing Squares Club.

They dance in an Old Building adjacent to a Modern Church which has its own “Sistine Chapel ” Ceiling – see photo below:

Bronc Wise Calling at Plus Session at Gadebridge Community Centre

Bronc Wise called Plus at Tudor Squares In January 2016, and we all enjoyed the dancing, luckily Susie had spent time previosly “refreshing” some of the Plus Moves.

Tudor Squares Dancers at James Wyatt’s Weekend on the Isle of Wight December 2014

James Wyatt’s Christmas weekends are held at the Trouville Hotel, Sandown IOW just before Christmas each year. The Square Dance weekend includes Friday – Sunday accommodation, Meals, Plus workshops and Dancing AND Return Car Ferry tickets.!!

Several Tudor Squares couple have attended the Plus Dancing and “enjoyed” James unusual style of calling. {“NOW”} On the Saturday evening we all enjoyed a FULL Christmas Dinner with Crackers, Balloons and Party Hats etc, before the evening Dancing in the Ballroom with a wonderful Sea View of Sandown Bay

Tudor Squares Beginners Graduation Ceremony December 2015

Terry & Jenny Thirlwell joined members of “KIWILERS” when they were in South Perth Western Australia at their Mainstream & Plus sessions.

Thanks to their caller Richard Muir

Tudor Squares Plus Dance October 2015

Tudor Squares Outing to Hampton Court and Hogsmill Squares 12th July 2015

Tudor Squares Annual outing in 2015 was to visit Hampton Court Palace and then Dance at Hogsmill Squares Club with Granville & Wendy Spencer, Thanks to them for providing the Ploughmans.

Canadian Visitors at TS Plus Session Monday 8th June

Our visitors were Judy Greenhill and Rick Avery, from Royal City Squares, Guelph, Ontario, Canada. Judy is the president of the club. As was evident last night, as well as being experienced square dancers, they’re accomplished musicians, with their own band called Relative Harmony playing for contras and other dances.