Local 17th Century dance side The Vale Islanders held their annual Ale on March 1st. Despite a perfect storm of clashing diary entries, we got together enough Havocs to appear, and a fine time ensued.

We danced our old standbys Banbury Bill and Constant Billy, and then four intrepid Havocs joined Owslwick Morris for a Vandals of Hammerwich. As can happen when you mix two sides, it turned out that both knew basically the same dance, but had some rather different ideas in the final figure, at which point much confusion ensued. Much to the credit of all concerned, everyone had somehow recovered to the correct position by the end of the figure. I’m really not quite sure how.

And then the food. This is a highlight of the Vale Ale, being authentic 17th Century food prepared by the Islanders themselves. Our annual chance to gorge on pease pudding and other delicacies. All washed down with West Berks Good Old Boy.

Unfortunately we managed forget to bring a decent camera, so the pictures are from Jim’s phone. Which does not do a good job in low light.

and Constant Billy