three golden cups & Farmers Arms

THE THREE GOLDEN CUPS SOUTHERNDOWN, & THE FARMERS ST BRIDES THURS 9th JULY
We went a bit further east than normal to dance at these two great venues in the Vale of Glamorgan on a blisteringly hot Thursday evening.
The Three Golden Cups had a large crowd of people enjoying the sunny evening and the Open Mic Session which was in mid flow when we arrived. We danced under the very large canvas canopy where it was a little cooler, performing about five dances that included Postman’s Knock, Valentines, & Speed the Plough to Kev & Paul’s melodeon playing with the latter playing his box, (it’s new and shiny!) for the first time in nearly 35 years!
We performed just the one set as the Open Mic compère was keen to keep the singers he had lined up occupied, but this is definitely a place to return to as the crowd watching us were very appreciative, and the ale on sale was eminently drinkable too!

The Farmers at St Brides is a short drive away and is a pub offering Turkish Mezze cuisine as well as traditional pub services. There was one couple enjoying the food there but sadly no one else so we took the opportunity to dance a relaxed short set after Claire & Alex bought us four portions of chips together with mayo & ketchup sauces. Very nice and very appreciated and the ton of salt that Geoff poured on them no doubt restored our depleted electrolyte levels!
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We danced Nantgarw Y Gaseg Eira with people dancing out of their normal positions, and Lichfield Sherrif’s Ride. Curly Boar went slightly wrong with one of the arrows having a base of four rather than three people in it. Louis’ partner joined us for an Adderbury dance. A solitary motorcyclist who had seen us earlier at The Cups and been impressed by what he saw, came to watch us.
We drew an end to the evening, having a bit of a natter, and agreeing that we must come out this way again as this had been a thoroughly enjoyable excursion.
Photos were all taken by Claire.