Another successful Breton Branch Weekend

The second Breton Branch weekend took place in Brittany in September 2024 in Josselin, a medieval town renowned for its majestic castle and historical buildings.  It was attended by around 60 dancers from France and beyond together with their non dancing partners and friends, and was held in the Cultural Centre in Josselin.

The weekend began on Friday afternoon with a visit to a local brewery for a tasting session whilst back at the hall 52 children from a local primary school visited us for a Ceilidh. The children were happy as larks (no ravens!) and have already requested to come back next year.

In the evening a Ceilidh was held for the local population and our guests, ably led by Brenda Gale, SCD teacher from Jersey.

We were saddened that William Williamson was unable to join us for the Day School on Saturday due to ill health, but we were extremely fortunate that Nicolas (Niols) Jeannerod was able to step into the breach at the last minute: and what a brilliant replacement he proved to be! Pascaline Latour and Christophe Schuwey provided the music for the Day School.

The main event was the Saturday evening Ball, with music provide by the irrrepressible Chris Oxtoby and Anne Stonehouse of Strathallan. To add to our delight they were joined by Pascaline and Niols for the second half after supper and a good time was had by all.  The weekend finished on Sunday with a walk through the countryside to a local chapel and lunch at our favourite restaurant in Josselin.

Penny Gibbs and Roland Telle worked like Trojans to ensure the weekend was a success but they must enjoy it as the next weekend is programmed for September 12-14 in 2025