My first taste of Folk Camping was in 1984 when I went to Nutwell Court (Devon) along with my wife (Jean) and two young children (Tanya & Daniel). All four of us thoroughly enjoyed the experience and we have continued ever since. I realised from the outset that it was a holiday for people of all ages based on music, dance and song. One year we introduced our two young grandsons (aged 5 and 8) to the joys of a marquee camp at Knockerdown, which they loved.
I started Morris dancing in 1977 and at camp I welcomed the chance to try other types of traditional dancing such as clog and sword. I am now a regular sword dancer which has taught me the importance of workshops so that campers can try out and develop new skills.
Jean and I became enthusiastic social dancers and in 1986 we started our own dance club in Harrogate and are looking forward to our thirtieth anniversary. We based the club on our Folk Camp experiences where the emphasis has always been on having fun. Around this time I started calling the dances and we created our own ceilidh band (Cobblers Wax) which is still going strong.
At camp I enjoy the singarounds and although I do not sing myself I have been known to recite a humorous story from time to time.
I have been fortunate to have been a leader on quite a number of occasions at home and abroad (including the wonderful Halsway Manor) and my main objective has always to make each camp an enjoyable holiday with lots of fun and a little bit of learning.