Down in the Dell 2019

Down in the Dell 2019

The Dell Party

 Sunday 19th May 

 

Never has there been a gloomier Party, weather-wise, that is. Rain constantly threatened from ever darkening skies, yet the showers forecast never amounted to more than three drops. Even so, we had a good crowd right from the start, when in the past there have been relatively few people present to hear the first group playing, perhaps because this time it was Sam Powell’s Blues Band, regular favourites from way back. The quality and variety of the music remained impressive throughout the afternoon,  Funkster gave us foot-tapping “funky soul” (according to my programme -  I am no expert on musical terminology. Ed.). Hepster Duo played in an American jazz style, while Hunky Davy filled the Dell with their rousing David Bowie tribute that had a whole crowd dancing in ecstatic response. The mood changed as the dancers relaxed to the gentle but beguiling melodies of flamenco guitarists A Minor. Finally, Leo and Gloria rendered Italian style pop classics that ensured an audience was still there as the premature twilight set in. Our thanks to Stewart for organising the music and to Rob for his masterful deployment of PA technology.

This year Mr Potato entertained the kids with brilliant juggling and trained half a dozen eager volunteers in the skill of plate spinning. Later Kristoff (aka Chris Philpot) presented his Amazing Puppet Theatre which went down very well with youngsters and adults alike. The children didn’t seem to mind the lack of a Bouncy Castle. Instead they had a great time on the play equipment or exploring the paths through the bushes. As ever, June, the Face Painter, faced a queue of would-be butterflies and tigers all afternoon.

Our visiting dignitaries were Cllr. George Illingworth, Chair of Warwick District Council, and Cllr. Bill Gifford, Town Mayor of Royal Leamington Spa. Local sponsorship is always important to us and we must acknowledge EhB Estate Agents, the Grove Practice, Haddie and Trilby, Habano, Kang's Costcutter, News Plus of Regent Street, the Oddfellows, Rymans, the Star and Garter, and Think Design and Print. We are also supported by the Performing Rights Society (PPL/PRS for Music). Warwick District Council had cut the grass and laid on a dozen wheelie bins for recycling items wherever possible. We are grateful for their support and also for that of Royal Leamington Spa Town Council.

Thanks to all those Friends of the Dell who delivered flyers, helped set up gazebos, supplied power from their homes, donated home-made cakes and manned the stalls. Especial thanks to our new Chair, Rosie, for her excellent overall management of the Party. But thanks above all to our enthusiastic party-goers who came regardless of the weather and without whom the event could not have been a success. 

More photos from the party here.  See VIPs and Performers here.

Posted 23 May 2019

Hard prune on the west side.

In view of the problems we had last summer with rough sleepers in the undergrowth on the  west side we asked Warwick District Council if they could cut back the foliage to open up the area to public view and enable children to use the path at the back without coming across anything untoward. Many thanks to Simon Richardson and his team at WDC for the hard pruning carried out this month.

Posted 30 Jan. 2019