September 2026

Here we are at the end of a long, hot summer, with everything gearing up for the new term. But it is also a time to look back over the year so far — and it has been quite a year. In spite of a couple of spikes in activity around January, March and July, the number of gigs really is going down, and retirement might be slightly more realistic now. That is, except for the biggest news of all: the publication of A Dance Through History, which finally, after almost a decade of promises, saw the light of day in May. I am now discovering the work that is involved after that!

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A Dance Through History has been met with acclaim. Sales have been encouraging, and I have already had some very favourable reviews on Amazon, here and on The Endless Bookcase website. There is a book signing at the OCA Gallery in St Albans very soon, and a bigger launch party at Cecil Sharp House in collaboration with Nonsuch History and Dance in November. More events are likely over the next few months, as well as reviews in some magazines and journals.

The eagle-eyed amongst you might have noticed a subtle change to my logo. After well over 20 years, the design created by Steve Murray (then at KallKwik in Windsor) has been tweaked to include “Books” and more, accurately reflecting my current activities. Thanks to Morgana Evans for making it possible.

Calling for a ceilidh at Jacksons Lane during the heatwave in July.

My gig diary has been steadily diminishing over the year as the message of my retirement reaches more people, and I have got much better at either saying no or finding others to take my place. I am still doing my work in care homes and will continue with those and the various talks. At the same time, I have welcomed the chance to do occasional barn dances and restaurants. They have given me a chance to keep my hand in and work with some of my many wonderfully talented friends. According to them, I have still got it! But the hassle of planning, setting up, etc., and the recovery afterwards is definitely more challenging now.

What has been happening is that I am rather more in demand for advice and consultation, as well as getting to various conferences on dance. Watch out for a Maypole Training Day near Oxford in October and, to my surprise, a Beginner’s Accordion workshop at The Stables (near Milton Keynes). It will be my first time at this significant venue.

Finally, I am also being instructed in the art of social media – at least to a limited extent – so watch out for stories and pictures appearing on Instagram and Facebook.