Spinning Jenny dancers merits your attention

If it appeals, Sussex Spinning Jenny has the very thing - clog dancing.

The group is currently looking for new members and either men or women will do, even if they have never danced before.

Based in Bexhill, Sussex Spinning Jenny meets every Thursday evening during term time at Glyne Gap school for practice from 8pm.

The activity is generally followed by tea and "nibbles", with the likelihood of replenishing any calories that might have been burned off during exercise, as socialising and enjoyment have become an important part of Spinning Jenny tradition.

There are 11 dancers at present, accompanied by three or sometimes four musicians playing instruments such as concertina and banjo.

Judy Mann, of St James Close, began clog dancing because it was "something different".

She said: "There was nothing else like it in Bexhill in 1986, when the side was formed.

"It perpetuates the old traditions of processional dancing and street entertainment.

"It's good exercise, good fun and gets us out to visit interesting places and to meet interesting people."

Their style is the North-West type of clog-dancing which stems from the mining communities of Lancashire and Cheshire and is a derivation of Morris dancing, while the other type is from the North-East and is step-clogging, much more related to Irish dancing with complex foot movement. Clog-dancing started off as a male preserve, as an accompaniment to the local brass band which would perform in towns and villages especially during Wake's Week, and during the Spring celebrations around Whitsunside.

For further details call on 01424 218059.