Local Organisations

The group was founded in the late 1980s by the Parish Council with the intention of entering the villages in the Britain in Bloom competition. Since then a tremendous amount of hard work has been put in by many dedicated villagers to establish and maintain planted areas. As a result considerable success has been achieved over the years in the Yorkshire in Bloom and Britain in Bloom competitions. Unfortunately, due to the inevitable ageing process, the current group decided that entering the competition with the accompanying judging sessions in spring and summer was becoming too stressful. Consequently in 2008 and again in 2009 the decision was made to continue maintaining the appearance of the villages but not to enter any competitions.

 

The Parish Council is our main financial sponsor but other generous contributions are made by the Carnival Society, the Harthill Morris Men and the W.I. 

 

The maintenance strategy of the group is that each member agrees to work on a particular area which is convenient for them. This includes planting for spring and summer displays, weeding, dead-heading and, in some cases, grass cutting. Most of the plants are purchased by the group from village growers Graham Stones and Jim Dixon.

 

We hold meetings just twice a year to discuss future plans and any problems which arise from time to time but attendance is by no means compulsory.

 

New members are always welcome – even if it is only for a few hours at busy times such as when planting out the summer bedding. In particular help is urgently needed in Woodall. If you would like to offer some assistance to keep our villages looking attractive please contact our secretary, Wendy Thompson (01909-773271) or the chairman, Barrie Lancaster (01909-771335).

 

 

 

 

 

The Three Shires are a group of ladies, of various age, shape and size, who meet together to dance in the style of North West Morris.

 

The original team was formed in Harthill, the most southerly village in Yorkshire, in August 1990. The name “The Three Shires” came about because of the close proximity of Harthill to the three counties of Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Yorkshire, and the fact that different members of the team lived or worked in these counties.

 

The membership has, of course, changed as the years have gone by, with many people moving away, retiring etc., and new people joining. There is always room for new recruits!

 

 

The Three Shires dance in the North West Morris style, using sticks, garlands and slings.

The dancing year is split into two. From September to the following May, the team practises and learns new dances. The “dance out” season starts with a May Day tour, and the team gives displays over the next few months at carnivals, fetes, charity events and other special occasions, sometimes joining other teams at a variety of venues.

 

Being based in Harthill they support local events such as the Well Dressing and carnival in the summer and also dance outside the two local pubs on Boxing Day, alongside Harthill Morris.

 

Some of the ladies have learnt “step clogging”, dancing with intricate and precise steps, and they perform these dances during the dance-outs.

 

 

The Three Shires outfit is very distinctive and looks bright and colourful. The members wear blue skirts, long sleeve white blouses, red and blue waistcoats, red sashes and red tights – not forgetting the clogs (with bells!). Their slings and sticks are red, white and blue and the garlands decorated with colourful flowers and ribbons. This makes a very impressive and eye-catching sight. Of course, the sun does not always shine and the team are prepared for the odd shower with blue umbrellas to use in place of their garlands.

 

 

The dancers are the most visual part of the team, but the backbone of any dance side are the musicians, who not only play for the practice sessions, but also for “dancing out” at the different venues. They even manage to play while walking in processions!

 

The tunes used for dancing are mainly traditional, with some very well known melodies among them. The present musician’s leader arranges the tunes to fit the dances, using parts of one tune, then moving effortlessly into another. A good memory is essential!

 

 

For anyone who would like to have a go, either dancing or as a musician, the following gives an idea of what happens.

 

The team meet on Tuesday evenings at the schoolroom of Harthill parish church from 7.30p.m. until 9.30p.m. Those involved in step clog have a half hour’s practice before hand. Twice a year there is an “instructional” meeting, usually on a Sunday morning in April and again in October, in the hall. At the April get together all the dances are practised before the start of the dance out season in October a new dance may be learnt.

 

On practice nights all you need to do is come along, wearing shoes and clothes suitable for dancing. Sticks and practice garlands are provided.

 

Different dances are practised, often repeating parts over and over again until the movement of feet, bodies, sticks, slings or garlands are co-ordinated. During the evening the team stops for a brief meeting, called a “bagging”, (so called because originally all information was kept in a bag!). This is when any business is dealt with and the secretary informs everyone of invitations for performing at various functions and finds out who will be available to dance.

 

When you have learnt some of the dances, or tunes if you join the musicians, you will be invited to dance out or play as part of the team.

 

We are always ready to welcome new members, either for dancing or as musicians. Why not come along to one of our practice sessions and have a go, it’s fun and good exercise! Bring a friend or two along with you. No dancing experience necessary!

 

 

 

Three Shires only dance at charity events, carnivals and fetes, but are also available for weddings, anniversaries, birthday parties or that special occasion, for which a small fee will be charged.

 

 

Check the programme on the Three Shires website www.threeshiresclog.org.uk or to enquire regarding a booking please phone Lesley E. on 01909 770129 or Leslie. R on 0114 248 9503