Hill Top Farm - August 27th 2010 |
On August 27th 1910, Cecil Sharp saw the Grenoside Sword Dance performed in the Cruck Barn at Hill Top Farm. This was the first time he had seen the dance and he went on to include it in his book "Sword Dances of Northern England, Vol. 1."
Sharp stayed at the Rectory in Hooten Roberts at the request of the Reverend Reginal Gatty. He was then accompanied on his trip to Grenoside by Reginald’s wife, Florence, by pony and trap.
To celebrate this event, the Grenoside Sword Dancers performed their dance in the Cruck Barn 100 years to the day since Sharp's visit.
See photos of the event in our gallery.
We were joined by past dancers, family, friends, th Lord Mayor of Sheffield and other invited guests to help celebrate this momentous occasion.
The itinerary of the day's celebrations were as follows:
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10am-11am A gathering at the The Earl of Strafford pub in Hooten Roberts. (Sharp stayed in Hooten Roberts with the Gatty family when he came to see the Grenoside dance). 'Sharp' gave a small talk and the team danced outside, then went to see the rectory where Sharp stayed with the Gattys during his visit.
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12.45pm-1.00pm Cecil Sharp (played by Grenoside sword dancer Joe Dunn) and Mrs Florence Gatty (Val McNerney of Hill Top Farm) arrived at Hill Top Farm.
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1.15pm-1.45pm Joe Dunn and John Newman gave a short talk about the significance of the day, with the help of Raymond Boler who lives at Hill Top Farm. Raymond's father was a farmer here at the time of Sharp's visit. The Grenoside Sword Dancers then performed the sword dance for Cecil Sharp.
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1.45pm-2.15pm Refreshments.
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2.15pm-2.45pm The Grenoside Sword Dance was performed for the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Alan Law. Then some of the former team members tried their hand at the dance to see if they still remembered the moves.
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3.00pm Onwards We all retired to the Old Harrow pub for Buffet Meal, some drinks and reminiscing.
There were be a number of display boards, and memorabilia such as jackets through the ages, on display in a marquee outside the barn.
