The three members of Rufty Tufty are Margaret Taylor, Charlotte Grumball and Jeff Sayer. Margaret's keyboard playing is the rhythmic
foundation of the group and Charlotte's mandolin and Jeff's fiddle play the dance melodies on top. But there are other possibilities, as can be seen below.
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Margaret Taylor
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Margaret has over 20 years experience playing the recorder and keyboard
with various bands in the London area, and recently in the Midlands. She
is also a keen Milverton Dance Group member, enjoying the lively dances
included in a barn dance romp, as well as the more elegant and complex
dances performed by the Wayfarers demonstration team, to which she also
belongs. She used to call regularly, 30-40 barn dances a year, and really
loves introducing the fun of folk dancing to anyone willing to have a go.
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Charlotte Grumball
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Charlotte is a keen musician and dancer and as well as playing the mandolin she also plays the recorder.
She also plays for the Alcester Folk Dance Club and occasionally plays with various other bands.
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Jeff Sayer
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Jeff was first introduced to English country dancing at school and has played musical instruments
since he was a boy. His main instrument in Rufty Tufty is the fiddle but he also plays the mandolin, banjo
or guitar when the tune or dance requires it. As well as playing in Rufty Tufty, he plays for the Alcester Folk Dance Club
and plays with the Worcestershire Players Club, and occasionally plays with other dance bands.
He has recently published a second volume of dance tunes which he has composed entitled 'Generous Measures 2'. You can find more information on his tunes here.
Callers
Some of the callers we work with are:
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Keith Orchard
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Keith, one of our regular callers, has a huge repertoire of dances, from
easy dances for first timers to more complicated ones for dance club
members. Over many years he has developed a style of calling which ensures
that all, beginners and more experienced dancers, can join in with
confidence. His instructions are clear, and he always explains what to do
with good humour and patience. He is happy to include Scottish dances to
give a Scottish flavour to the evening if required.
Des Thompson
Des, chairman of the Stonesfield Dance Club, is another of our callers. He
loves to feel the elation and exhaustion which follow an evening of
ceilidh dancing. His infectious enthusiasm gets everyone on their feet,
and his quirky sense of fun puts dancers at their ease. He also has a
large repertoire of dances, suitable for all occasions.
