Christmas News 2025

Wishing you all a wonderful Christmas and a Peaceful New Year.

Plenty has been going on although it is hard to believe there have actually been fewer gigs, probably about half. I have had more time to do other fun things, like visiting friends and I even have some pictures to show you.

I’ve been dancing and playing Baroque dance in Bury St Edmunds and Morris dancing in St Albans, Westminster, Ripley and a Cotswold tour.

Three Maypole events in North Wales, London and Cambridge and added some notes to the Early Dance Circle Annual Lecture about Maypoles in History. Now gradually getting others to take over a lot.

My Barn Dance Book has had a revamp and came out in May. With new photos, an e-book and a downloadable version of the Quicksilver CD this has already racked up a decent number of sales. Available at the Mike Ruff Music Shop on my website along with downloadable versions of my solo and Allcock and Brown Albums.

My talks on the Music Hall, along with various other topics continue to be popular and led to a reunion gig for Allcock and Brown for Hertford U3A. Stevenage Museum invited me to join their Jane Austen celebrations by giving a talk and dance workshop.

Quicksilver had a few bookings some of which were quite like old times with lots of happy dancing people and a big loud sound to remind me how it used to be most weeks – wouldn’t want to do that too often but there is at least one good one lined up for next year.

The demand for Calling gigs has decreased with only a few lined up for friends next year but I did get asked to go back for one of the Thursday classes when neither of my successors was available.

Gigs in Care Homes are usually a source of great pleasure as my Music and Memories or themed events really generate an appreciative response. To my surprise I also got offered a couple of restaurant gigs with a French theme and there may be another in the New Year.

I have been working on my latest book, a History of Country Dance. It has suffered many delays and despite our best efforts is not quite ready for Christmas – but it is getting close. Out soon with, we hope, lots of fabulous illustrations, it should be well worth the wait.

In theory there will be more information on my website and occasionally on Facebook but I am always happy to chat and answer questions. Have a great year everyone!

Mike Ruff

Saddleworth Rushcart leaving Delph where my brother lives. The chap on top is a real person and the cart, pulled by dozens of Morris Dancers, travels at quite a speed.