DERT 2008
...so the time was nigh for DERT 2008 and it fell on some young charge to once more lead the unruly nuisance of cats (the correct collective noun, I checked!) of Sallyport onwards, cats with sore heads that is. It may be considered that Robert Cain's gain was our loss, or vice versa depending on which side of the bar you stand I suppose. Still, at around 10.28 on Saturday we had amassed a full team of dancers and were ‘ready’ for the off.
The day didn't start well in the lukewarm-up pub, I lost my jumper and it wasn't exactly shirtsleeve order as I recall (it was later discovered that said jumper had fallen into the Kingsmens' hands, it has been returned and has been sent for quarantine). Being paired up with Pengwyn meant it was much like any other Saturday afternoon for your average Sallyport man (minus a ‘trip to the shops’) and thus we rose to the occasion appropriately...
It was always felt that 7pm was late in the day for a dance competition and that certain ‘risks’ may be experienced in attempting to dance at such a juncture, certainly Beadnell may have been a better option for some of our members who appeared to have donned (not mentioning any names, obviously!) their sea-legs and at the very least appeared to be swaying as if there was a force 10 blowing.
Having survived a stormy competition day the waters had at least calmed by Sunday and so to the Ship and Mitre we returned for ale and scouse (and very tasty it was too!), and a proficient and enjoyable Winlaton (a rare example of aging men peaking too late perhaps?!?!)
A big thank you to Southport for a splendidly organized weekend and cheers to everyone who took part...