Something different for Saturday afternoon
In May 2008 we were contacted by a lady organising a hen weekend in Scotland for her friend. The group were spending the weekend near Loch Lomond and had planned a mixture of activities, including walking and horse riding, before going out for dinner on the Saturday evening.
For Saturday afternoon they wanted something indoors that everyone could enjoy together. We no longer have the original enquiry or booking paperwork, so we can't be certain how they found us, but our recollection is that Line Dancing was probably what first attracted them. They didn't want just a dance lesson, though — they wanted other fun activities as part of the session too.
Adults can play too
One of the things we have always enjoyed about this sort of booking is proving that participatory entertainment isn't only for children. Once people stop worrying about looking silly, very simple activities can produce an enormous amount of laughter.
Alongside the Line Dancing we brought circus skills and games, including our large Disney Balzac ball. One of the simplest games was Keepy-Uppy: everyone worked together to hit, tap or kick the huge ball back into the air and tried to keep it from touching the floor.
Circus skills and parachute games
The afternoon also included hands-on circus activities. Rather than sitting and watching a performance, the guests had a go themselves, trying different skills and encouraging one another along the way.
A very different hen party
There was nothing formal about the afternoon. It was simply a few hours of energetic, slightly silly, completely participatory entertainment before the group got ready for their Saturday-night dinner.
We don't have a written testimonial from the booking, but both Hazel and I remember the ladies having a great time and being very happy with what we provided.
There and back in a day
For us it was quite a journey for an afternoon booking. Hazel and I travelled from Richmond to Scotland, provided the complete session and drove home again the same day.
Looking back at the photographs now, what makes the booking worth remembering isn't a famous venue or a huge production. It is the sheer enjoyment on people's faces. Sometimes all you need is a hall, some music, a few unusual activities and a group of people willing to have a go.
