Invitation to join Weekly Ceilidh Dance Exercise Classes at Minehead Rugby Club, Ellicombe, Minehead

Calling all residents of Dunster, Blue Anchor, Selworthy, Allerford, Porlock, Luccombe, Old Cleeve, Culbone, Carhampton, Timberscombe, Bossington, Wootton Courtenay and other West Somerset and Exmoor villages – your Wednesday evenings could get a whole lot more fun!

If you’ve ever found yourself tapping your foot to lively folk tunes or secretly wishing you could whirl around the dance floor at a barn dance, now’s your chance! Starting Wednesday 17th September, Judy’s Minehead Ceilidh Dance Exercise Classes will be held every Wednesday from 5pm to 6pm at the popular Minehead Rugby Club hall, just off the Ellicombe roundabout. It’s a venue already well known for successful ceilidh and barn dances and there’s lots of space in the hall for dancing plus a large (and free) car park. It’s going to be loads of fun!

What’s a Ceilidh?

A ceilidh (pronounced “kay-lee”) is a social event with traditional folk music and dancing. It’s joyful, energetic, and all about having fun – not about getting the steps perfect. You don’t need to come with a partner, you don’t need experience, and you certainly don’t need any special clothes (although comfy shoes are a plus!).

The dances are easy to learn, and everything will be taught and walked through in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.

Meet Your Teacher: Judy Mapledoram

The Minehead Rugby Club classes are a new venue for the already successful Minehead Ceilidh Dance Exercise Classes and will be led, as usual, by Judy Mapledoram. Judy is a well-known face in the local folk scene. She is also leader and organiser of the Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band, a popular locally based group that provides toe-tapping music for ceilidhs and barn dances all across Somerset and Devon.

With years of experience and a real passion for folk dance, Judy brings warmth, encouragement, and a great sense of fun to every class. Whether you’ve never danced before or you’re looking to brush up your moves, Judy will guide you through with a smile.

Dance to the Sound of the Barnbuskers

Each class will feature recorded music from the Barnbuskers, giving you that authentic ceilidh vibe every week. It’s the next best thing to dancing at a real barn dance — and who knows, maybe you’ll feel confident enough to join one by the time the season rolls around! (Insider info! There could be one in the planning with Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band live at the Rugby Club before Christmas To learn more, come along to the class!)

Why You Should Come Along

• It’s social. Meet new people from your local area and have a laugh together.
• It’s good exercise. Ceilidh dancing is a gentle, joyful way to stay active.
• It’s rooted in tradition. These are the dances our ancestors enjoyed – and it’s our turn now!
• It’s something different. Step away from the screen, and step onto the dance floor.

Practical Details

🕕 When: Every Wednesday from 5pm to 6pm, starting Wednesday 17th September 2025
📍 Where: The excellent and large Minehead Rugby Club hall, just off the Ellicombe roundabout, Minehead
💃 Who: Open to all – no experience or partner needed
🎶 Music: Recorded music from the beloved Barnbuskers Ceilidh Barn Dance Band
🕺 Led by: Judy Mapledoram

Whether you’re from Dunster or Porlock, Timberscombe or Wootton Courtenay or wherever in nearby West Somerset or Exmoor villages, why not try something new (or rediscover an old favourite)? Come along and give ceilidh dancing a go – you might just fall in love with it.

So gather your friends, bring your neighbours, and let’s fill the hall with music, movement, and laughter. See you on the dance floor!

Interested? The best way to find out if the classes suit you is to come along. You will be made welcome. To give Judy an idea of numbers, it would be helpful if you could contact her via the WhatsApp button below, or at the telephone number in the poster below!