No, we don’t restrict our outside-Botley dance outs to pubs named ‘The N Bells’. Really.

The Eight Bells at Eaton is an old favourite of ours, and while they were still restricted to largely outside activity, the weather was up to allowing us to mildly disturb those enjoying a summer evening with food and drink.

We also took a good look at the pub sign. It’s relatively new, and painted by our very own BarberaP. It looked quite magnificent in the evening light. She’s also restored the predecessor sign on which it’s based, which now hangs inside the pub.

We weren’t overflowing with dancers, and were interrupted by the arrival of spring rolls and chips that required attention, but as a way of losing a bit more of our dance rust, it was very just what we needed.

For obvious reasons the usual Oxford May Morning festivities didn’t happen. Except they did – they moved on line.

We’ll post a longer description of what happened another time. But, thanks to a great idea and much hard work from Kate, we did contribute to the festivities. Here’s our bit!

Our regular start to the year – joining in Wassailing the orchard at Hogacre Common.

Wassailing trees in an orchard is an old tradition which is sometimes described as singing the health of trees to encourage them to be productive. Cider is traditionally poured on the roots of a selected tree, and toast hung from its branches. The process, though, does involve making a awful lot of noise to frighten away any evil spirits that may be in the vicinity. In extreme cases, though not at Hogacre, this can include discharging muskets through the branches. Sometimes, indeed, it’s easy to think the ceremony is not so much encouraging trees as threatening them.

We kicked off proceedings with a half hour dance spot outside the pavilion. No spare hands for photographing, though, so you only get to see the scene after dancing as the night drew in.

After dancing as dusk falls.

After spell in the pavilion enjoying the music of local early music band Skeleton Crew, it was outside to the orchard to make some noise.

In the Pavilion – Skeleton Crew.

Wassail!

Wassail!

Another well-established date in the Havoc calendar is a Boxing Day danceout at the Seacourt. Usually we dance outside, but the weather this year was, well, a bit mucky.

So we retreated inside. Space was a little limited.

Hankies fly in a confined space.

All Up!

Now, is there ceiling clearance for sticks?

Rather crowded here. What happens if we try sticks?

Only just was the answer.

We do have one dance, Shave the Donkey, that requires a lot of space for much leaping about? Could we do it inside with no casualties?

Doing Shave The Donkey with no room is very silly. Looks like we made it to the end.

Yes, but you can see the relief.

We danced for about 40 minutes, and then settled down to lunch and some music.

Kazoo time. What are these two doing?

All right, that’s enough mucking about.

Let’s get some music in.

Mick and his fearsome weapon.

A whistle and a nyckelharper.

One of Santa’s Little Helpers, and hat.

A Happy Christmas and Merry New Year to all.