Once again Leeds Flamenco Pena had a succesfull Flamenco weekend on the 14th - 16th September 2007. This was a residential weekend starting on Friday about 4 p.m. and finishing Sunday at 2 p.m.
The night was cold and windy as I drove down the small rough made road on my way to Herd Farm. It was after 4 o clock so it was also very dark with no street lighting to illuminate the road. The combination of horrible weather and winter darkness gave a nasty feel to the evening. That was until I saw the Herd Farm building and that gave out a big welcome glow. A large window in the dining room and a Christmas Tree with its coloured lights dancing up and down certainly made it feel more like the festive season.
Just as I pulled in to the car park my mobile rang and I thought it would be Mike Holland ringing me to make sure I had not missed my turning again. I had already done so a couple of times earlier and rang Mike to get precise directions. It was Mike and I am sure he must have thought how did I manage to get lost. Considering that the Herd Farm Web site has a very good detailed map on it with a print out option. I had left that on my desk along with a few other bits and bats I meant to take with me.
Mike showed me in to the place and told me it was meal time so I dropped off my guitar and case and headed to the dining room. I can’t really describe the welcome I felt walking into that room. I think it was a combination of things, firstly I knew just about everyone there and they all greeted me as I walked in. Then there was also a warm greeting from the Lady from Herd Farm I think her name is Lynn and she made all of us feel very comfortable. Last but not least the building is set out in a very modern way but not lacking any of its original atmosphere.
To my delight out side in the courtyard was a giant Chess set and Allison and Sylvia both knew how to play and gave me a couple of games. We stopped the first game after a couple of hours so we could join in the flamenco activities upstairs. Sadly the windy weather blew the pices over and we started over again the next day and I lost to the two ladies but in spite of having a bad cold I certainly enjoyed myself.
I think all who attended the weekend enjoyed it very much and considering just getting together for a Flamenco session is always a treat Herd Farm and what it had to offer was a bonus. It was also good to see some of our friends from Hebden Bridge who came to join us.
It is hard to believe that Herd Farm is so close to Leeds city centre, it was so good to wake up to breathtaking countryside, the view from my room was quite exceptional. On the Saturday I felt quite ill with that bug I had picked up but felt better for a walk around Eccup Resovoir in the company of the Flamenco ladies. The fellas were all fired up with the rythms of Flamenco and stayed at the farm and no doubt played till their fingers hurt. I must admit being the only male on our walk was really nice, I think the girls were spoiling me a little. Even though I felt pretty dreadfull I was glad I made the effort to go as because of some personal problems and the dam bug I was thinking of giving it a miss. I think if I had not gone Mandy and kathy would have come and dragged me there.
Herd Farm offers out side activities as well, including Archery and a High wire assault course, at least that is what I think it was. You can visit their site at www.herdfarm.co.uk and see for your selves what they have to offer.
What ever your group be it Flamenco or tiddleywinks I feel sure Herd Farm will enhance your experience and I must also mention the food and accomodation are extremly good value for money. I did not manage to catch the Chefs name but his cooking was spot on.
I think we shall return to Herd Farm in the not too distant future and when the nights are longer. Anyone who plays a wrong note or dances a wrong step will then have to have a go on the High Wire thingy.
This event took place on the 29th December to the 31st December 2006.
See you on the High Wire then.
Fue estupendo
Derek.
Below are some pictures of the event;
