Johnsonville’s Spring Fling social dinner dance only just made it into ‘Spring’ on 28 November, having been rescheduled not once, but twice.

The original date of 23 May was set for Autumn (looking forward to Spring), then with Covid-19 restrictions, moved to 19 September – actual Spring (and original election night).

Ultimately, 19 September was taken for our Covid-rescheduled Annual Dance, which was subsequently cancelled, and that’s how we ended up Spring-Flinging our way towards summer. 2020 was not an easy year for planning anything.

However, 25 members finally made it to St John’s Church hall for a night of socialising, dancing, and great food. It was also a nice opportunity to get to know members’ nine non-dancing friends and family who joined us on the night, and bravely took to the dance floor.

The hall was decorated with the club’s mini-tartan bunting, and tartan rugs dotted with yellow and orange spring flowers (John M, Prisilla, and our young helpers let their creative instincts loose on those $2 shop flowers). The ‘Fling’ and ‘Spring’ themes continued with tartan tablecloths, and yellow and green serviettes.

We lapped up Allison Kay’s mulled wine, and did our best to make inroads into the very generous amounts of nibbles and curries catered by Tulsi Johnsonville.

Rod Downey’s dhal, Allison’s fruit salad and Moira Broughton’s glass jelly dessert went down a treat, alongside salads and desserts bought by the club. No-one went home hungry, no matter their dietary requirements.

In between eating, Rod brought us a Spring-and-fling themed programme of dances, starting with the waltz he wrote for the occasion, Spring Chick Waltz Mixer. I think it would be safe to say we were all well-mixed one way or another during that dance!

Other dances included Corstorphine Fair, Spring Fever, a more traditional mixer Canadian Barn Dance (by which time we had our wits more about us), Springtime in Kuckucksnest and Tartan Fling. We finished the night with the well-known and well-loved dance, De’il Amang the Tailors to send us home happy.

An occasion like this takes quite a bit of organisation. Thanks to Allison who again took on the role of kitchen organiser, ably assisted by Maureen Sullivan and our young kitchen helpers Emily and Sylvia.

Thanks also to Rod, who spent time seeking out interesting on-theme dances to teach us, and to members who came early or stayed late to help with hall set-up and pack-up.

It was a great night of fun and friendship, made successful by the friendly support of all members and the have-a-go attitude of their guests.

See Loralee Hyde’s photos of the night’s fun which are guaranteed to bring back memories of a good time had by all.

Kristin Downey
3 December 2020