Madcaps Progress Reunion

Thirty years ago a morris side was formed in Ellesmere. It was a mixed side (men and women) and danced Border style. We called ourself Madcaps Progress after a local eccentric of years gone by called mad jack Mytton.

I went to dance with them and ended up not only dancing but buying a concertina, teaching myself to play it and becoming one of the musicians too. 
Several of us formed a ceilidh band and we are still going today. Joining them was the beginning of a folk and musical journey for myself as well as many others.

Sadly the side no longer exists (people moved or had other commitments) and it was difficult to get new recruits. It was great fun while it lasted and most of us have remained good friends since then.

Yesterday we had a 30 Years reunion including the lady that started it all and now lives at the other end of the country. One of our members has a large house and garden and offered to host the "do". The weather was beautiful and we spent the whole time in the garden.

We had a good catch up, looked at old photos, had food together and a celebratory cake. Those of us that play instruments played music together and others sat and chatted.

It was a lovely occasion and we hope to do it again next year.

The main blip is of us today (I'm in the middle front in the blue skirt) and the extra is of some of us 30 years ago (I'm on the left behind the lady with the tambourine). We had a good laugh at the changes - different hair colours, styles and in one case seeing him with hair!