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‘Wunderbar’! The best word that that could be used to describe the visit of North Nottinghamshire’s Rattlejag Morris dancers to Newark’s twin town of Emmendingen in Germany. In the middle of August a coach full of dancers, musicians and their supporters made their way to the annual Weinfest in this beautiful old town that sits between the Rhine and the Black Forest.

‘We could not have been made more welcome,’ said one of the visit organisers, Sam Millard. ‘From the second that we arrived we knew that this was going to be a very special weekend.’

The party were wined and dined in style. On Saturday, following a guided tour of the nearby university town of Freiburg, the team returned to Emmendingen to perform in front of a very appreciative audience on the hottest day of the year - 38 degrees centigrade. True to style, Rattlejag went through their dances with energy and enthusiasm.

Sunday saw a day to relax with the host families before another two performances in the town later in the evening when it was much cooler, only 35 degrees. Once again the mixture of local morris and clog dances was well received, with members of the audience joining in for the rousing final dance. Monday saw a day to unwind with a visit into the Black Forest organised by the hosts.

All agreed on the way back that the long journey was well worth it. Eine wunderbare Zeit!

Rattlejag Morris, a lively, mixed side which celebrated its 10th birthday this year, takes its dances and music to many interesting events and places - but only across England before this exciting excursion across the sea. The team starts back for its winter practices from Monday 3rd September at 8.30 pm, through to April, at Grove Street Methodist hall, Retford, DN22 6LB, and if you are curious about the dancing or the music, you are welcome to call in – no experience needed! More information is on the website www.rattlejagmorris.org.uk or contact Jayne on 01522 703510 or enquiries@rattlejagmorris.org.uk.

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