BB 2020+2021 Summary

2020/2021 News:

- 2020

Our year in 2020 got off to a fine start with an evening at the Kennet Ale on 15th February - but then the dancing stopped and the lockdowns began.....

Apart from an occasional socially distanced pub meet when restrictions permitted, and a splendid summer picnic in Wallingford during what would have been the Bunkfest weekend, the team only met weekly for practices via Zoom. We did manage though to put together two documentaries during the year, thanks to lots of contributions from the team and particularly thanks to the brilliant Ben Potton for the time, effort, imagination and editing skills needed to make them happen. The first, filmed during the summer, and in which the team chatted about how they were finding lockdown, and reminisced about bygone times, is available on YouTube here - BB in Lockdown. The second, a replacement for our traditional November Bunfight ceilidh and end of year celebrations, is here - BB in Lockdown - 2!

That leaves us all looking forward to meeting again some time in 2021 - but meanwhile here's a look back at our fabulous year in 2019!

- 2021

It was Zoom practices again for the early part of the year, but from April onwards the team were able to meet outdoors for some Sunday practices in the Scout Hut car park, and from July onwards some Thursday evening practices in the car park of St. James Church, Finchampstead. While great to be physically back together, everyone was careful to remain socially distanced and dances were adapted to be suitably Covid friendly to avoid any close proximity, stick clashing etc. Nevertheless a considerable improvement from dancing round our kitchens avoiding light fittings.

Then on 15th August an actual event! - low key it may have been, but at last an excuse to ease ourselves back into breeches which had inexplicably shrunk in the intervening 18 months. Tom was hosting several of Fools Gambit over the weekend at his house in Bracknell, and arranged an afternoon danceout together at the Stag and Hounds in Binfield. And so, in front of a small audience consisting mainly of friends, relations, and a couple of babies who definitely weren't around before lockdown, BB were back! Some of the dances were adapted for the new prevailing circumstances, including a debut for 'Tossy Jockey' - normally a stick throwing dance across set, now adapted for solo stick twirling - and some dances avoided altogether, but it was still great to be out in kit again, 18 months to the day since the 2020 Kennet Ale.

And on 4th September, another event! - this one to mark what would have been the Wallingford Bunkfest day, sadly cancelled for the second year in a row. Strictly speaking this was 2 events, as we first did a short 10 minute spot at the Upton Fete, substituting for the Outside Capering Crew who normally perform there, being home to one of their dancers. A jolly English occasion, though our performance area was on some very uneven grass - definitely not our preferred surface. Following this we moved on to the Six Bells at Warborough where we had been invited to join NYFTE for the afternoon, who were also having a not-the-Bunkfest weekend of their own. Some 30 or so talented youngsters performed a wide variety of dances in various styles, interspersed with some music and songs, and it was very good to see their enthusiasm and energy shine through, while we just played the experience card. Our own Robert was among the NYFTE performers, and he was also able to join us for a fine STM - overall an excellent afternoon in Splendid September sunshine.

And on 18th September, yet another event! - this time an afternoon in Windsor, hosted by Windsor Morris. An excellent if low key afternoon, again in great sunshine, and with the BB/Windsor babies in attendance.

A Magic Arch to finish, of course - always interesting to see who or what comes through...

After much deliberation we decided our annual Bunfight ceilidh would have to be cancelled again in 2021, but instead we would hold a Bunfight party. This took place on Saturday 28th November at our normal venue, with no band or dancing, and limited numbers, consisting of just members of BB, Fools Gambit, some of Windsor, and a few special friends of the side. To make it more like a Bunfight we maintained a theme for the evening, this year 'Monty Python's Flying Bunfight'. Around 50 people came, duly dressed in appropriate outfits, and had a great evening with games, quizzes, songs, Bedlam Bingo, Elvis Steptoe, and to finish, a gumboot dance from BB choreographed by Lee.

Then the following day we were out again at the Wokingham Winter Carnival. Following its enforced cancellation in 2020 it was back with a bang, and the sunny (though cold) weather brought out huge crowds to the town. The morris dancing was limited to just 4 teams, ably organised on the day by Paul, and it was great to be back performing in our home town.

Finally we were able to finish the year in a more traditional manner - firstly on Thurs 16th Dec with our annual Xmas meal at The Bull at Barkham. Reduced numbers for a variety of reasons, mostly Covid related, but still a good evening and great to see 'Santa' back dishing out his Secret presents. Sadly once again Paul missed the present giving - maybe one year he'll be able to catch Santa (now that would be a surprise...). And then on Saturday 18th Dec, our much missed St. Thomas's Day tour of Wokingham - again with reduced numbers but enough to do a decent programme of dances. Dancing started at The Ship Inn, a traditional starting point in the past but not for some time before moving on to Peach Place, the newly renovated Elms Field, and finishing up at the Queens Head, where we were welcomed back like long lost souls by landlady Carol - great to be back there, though sadly we had to give the carol singing a miss this year. Hopefully next year!?

Meanwhile reports from earlier years are also available - 2019 2018 2017 2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011 2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005 2004 2003 2002 2001
You can also see pictures of all events in the various Picture Galleries