BAERS and the English Regency's topics - tribe.net

PEERS Victorian 12th Night Ball, January 2, 2010

2009-12-13T02:12:35Z

A VICTORIAN TWELFTH NIGHT BALL

The Dickens Fair Reunion Ball
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue , San Mateo , CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 pm
Dance Lesson: 7:00 pm
Formal Dancing Begins: 8:00 pm
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by December 26)
Tickets at the door: $20.00
Band: Bangers & Mash

PEERS’ Website: http://www.peers.org
Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/12th2010.html

Dance, sing, feast and game at the season’s loveliest old-fashioned holiday party – a 12th Night Ball hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Bangers and Mash, the Bay Area’s most irresistible country dance band, will play a variety of Viennese and rotary waltzes, polkas, mazurka waltzes, schottisches, the Lancers, reels, and other set dances popular in the early and mid-19th century (As usual, all set dances will be taught or called and partners are not required. Indeed, introductions to partners will be cheerfully provided!).

Suggested costume is evening or day dress from 1837 through 1870 (the heyday of Dickens’ literary career), any class. Modern evening dress is, as always, a completely acceptable substitute for period costume, and there is no dress code for the evening. Ladies, if you’re wearing a ball gown or evening gown, please be sure to bring a wrap since the ballroom will be cold before the dancing starts. Once we start dancing, the ballroom warms up beautifully!

Intermission entertainment includes an interactive performance by the Peerless Music Hall and a special performance by our guest of honour, Mr. Charles Dickens. Gamers may enjoy either an intellectual game of whist or a rollicking game of Wink, and the evening will conclude with a glorious Hallelujah Chorus sing-a-long.

To sustain us through this vigorous evening of dancing, punch and a light Old English snack buffet will be served (As usual, your potluck contributions to Mrs. Fezziwig’s kitchen are very welcome).

To order advance tickets to the ball, send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue , Alameda , CA 94501 . To order tickets online via PayPal, please go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/12th2010.html and click on the PayPal icon for directions. The deadline for purchasing advance tickets is Saturday, December 26. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

If you have any questions or need more information, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Le Bal Des Vampires, November 7

2009-10-16T07:48:30Z

Waltz the night away in a beautiful candlelit ballroom with the San Francisco Bay Area’s most glamorous Undead at the 16th Annual Le Bal des Vampires.

Suggested costume is evening dress of the century and country of your “rebirth.” This may include dress uniform, period costume (authentic or fantasy), vintage attire, or modern evening dress. There is no dress code for the ball (We certainly don’t expect Spike to attend in black tie!), but you will see some of the most gorgeous and creative costumes of the social season at Le Bal des Vampires.

This year there will once again be simultaneous dancing on two separate floors:

Our band in the elegant upstairs ballroom is the stylish but always dashing chamber ensemble Bangers & Mash. As usual, haunting waltzes dominate the program, but the evening will feature a variety of dance music from across the centuries – from 18th century Baroque contredanses to 19th century Victorian rotary and Viennese waltzes, polkas, and mazurkas; to elegant early 20th century tangos, blues, and fox trots and even some classic rock and roll Swing. Please note that the band’s first dance set will start at 7:45 pm sharp – 15 minutes earlier than usual. The dance sets will be unusually long, even by Bangers & Mash’s high standards, so if you do plan to dance, please be certain to wear shoes or boots you can actually dance in.

For those preferring a more modern style of dance music and free-style dancing, join us downstairs in Le Bal des Vampires’ Dracula’s Daughter’s Discotheque for a wonderfully varied repertoire of music to stir the blood and spirit from 6:30 p.m. to Midnight. Hosted by our principal DJ, Dark Moon, the disco also features a no-host (cash) bar and light refreshments for our mortal guests.

Our half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by the celebrated Le Theatre des Vampires. Not recommended for the faint of heart but highly recommended for fans of the genre.

PLEASE NOTE: ALL TICKETS must be purchased in Advance. We expect this event to sell out.
$25.00 until October 24, 2009
$30.00 from October 25 - November 6, 2009
(Ticket sales will be discontinued when the event has sold out)

Saturday, November 7, 2009
Alameda Elks Lodge
2255 Santa Clara Ave, Alameda
Dancing on Two Floors
Doors Open: 6:30 pm
Vintage Dance Lesson: 7:00 pm
Formal vintage ballroom dancing: 7:45 - midnight
Featured Band: Bangers & Mash
Dracula's Daughter Discotheque & Bar: 6:30 - midnight

Tickets may be ordered by sending a check or money order to:

PEERS
2144 B Buena Vista Ave
Alameda CA 94501

You may also purchase tickets until November 6 (or until they have sold out) with a credit card using the PayPal system:
http://www.peers.org/vamp09.html

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Goyesqua: A Spanish Regency-Era Ball; October 10

2009-09-07T04:58:06Z

The beautiful (and sometimes willful) Duchess of Alba invites you to a ball in honor of her favourite painter, Francisco Goya. Senor Goya had produced fabulous portraits of the Duchess (but she is NOT that maja; you know the one we mean!).

Join the Duchess and the Bay Area English Regency Society celebrate the splendors of Espana as we dance in the perfumed evening air of Madrid. Sample the board, play a game of chance, or simply converse with the grandees of the Spanish court and their friends.

Music provided by the Divertimento Orchestra under the direction of James Langdell. Dance Master Alan Winston will teach and lead the dances.

Costumes admired, but not required. Gifts of comestibles for the table are appreciated. You need not bring a partner.

Saturday, October 10, 2009. 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., dancing starts at 8:00. Subscriptions are $15 in advance; $20 at the door.

Send checks to BAERS, c/o Vanessa Schnatmeier, 1122 Hudson St., Redwood City, CA 94061. For more information, go to our website:
http//www.baers.org.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Space Cowboys' Ball on September 5th

2009-08-05T04:40:57Z

THE SPACE COWBOYS’ BALL

Saturday, September 5, 2009

Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Ballroom

100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at the corner of Ellsworth & Tilton)

San Mateo , CA 94401

Doors Open: 6:45pm

Dance Lesson: 7:00 pm

Formal Dancing begins at 8:00pm

Band: Bangers & Mash

Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by Tuesday, August 29)

Tickets at the Door: $20.00

Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/space.html

Join us at this science fiction shindig for a rip-roaring, swashbuckling evening of music, dancing, and optional role-playing at our serene tribute to our favorite outer space western.

Bangers & Mash, that shiniest of bands in the ‘verse, whom some of you may remember from the Browncoats’ Ball in San Francisco, plans an evening of 19th century and Neo-19th century social dances: We will dance waltzes, polkas, mazurka waltzes, schottisches, elegant country dances, rousing contradances, and haunting Celtic and Neo-Celtic reels (If you don’t know them, don’t worry: All pattern dances will be briefly taught or called at the ball!). The band will also play such perennial space travelers’ favorites as “The Blue Danube Waltz,” “The Congress of Vienna Waltz,” “Sir Roger de Coverley,” and “Inara’s Waltz Cotillion.”

Western, 19th century or neo-19th century, Civil War or Post-Civil War costume or science fiction/fantasy costume from any universe if admired, but not required, and creative blending of past and future fashions is also encouraged. Just now, Old West, Chinese, and Indian motifs are fashionable and, of course, Browncoats are extremely welcome. We don’t care what you wear, ‘long as it’s legal.

There will be a no-host bar (that means you pay for your own drinks, pardner!), soft drinks for sale for temperance folk and minors, and a complimentary light buffet of Neo-Western snacks. Given local food shortages, your potluck contributions to the buffet are appreciated.

To order advance tickets to the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue , Alameda , CA 94501 . To order tickets online, please go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/space.html and click on the PayPal instructions for instructions. The deadline for purchasing advance tickets is Saturday, August 29. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

If you have any questions or need more information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org

__________________________________________________________
PERIOD EVENTS & ENTERTAINMENTS RE-CREATION SOCIETY INC.
Nunc est Bibendum, Nunc Pede Libero Pulsanda Tellus
(510) 522-1731 http://www.peers.org
Merchandise Available at http://www.cafepress.com/peers

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS Early American Dance Party - July 10 in Palo Alto

2009-07-08T06:18:40Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< http://www.baers.org >
is pleased to present
an Early American July 10, 2009 in Palo Alto

Celebrating the anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, you can
dance like Thomas Jefferson or Dolley Madison - enjoy music and dances from
the early years of the United Sates, between 1776 and 1815 - at our
casual-dress dance party.

The Bay Area English Regency Society sponsors informal (casual dress) dance
parties at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (600 Colorado Avenue, a block and a half
West of Middlefield, in Palo Alto) on the second Friday of each month (except
January, August, and December). Most months we focus on dances from Jane
Austen's England.

Admission $8. All dances taught or prompted, usually by Alan Winston (an
excellent beginner-friendly caller who has led country dancing in 10 states
and two countries).

Newcomers welcome, no experience necessary, no partners required - the custom
in the late 1700s was was to change partners frequently - live music. Casual
dress. Wear shoes you can dance in. Doors open at 7:45; dancing begins at
8:00 and continues (with a mid-evening break) until 10:30. Some light
refreshments are provided; contributed refreshments are welcome.

Here's the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our dance party in
March: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530

More info: < http://www.baers.org/fridays.html >

NEXT BAERS EVENTS:

Dance Parties: Friday, July 10, 2009 at St. Mark's - Early American theme
Friday, September 11, 2009 at St. Mark's
Friday, October 9, 2009 at St. Mark's
Friday, November 13, 2009 at St. Mark's

See all our 2009 events at http://www.baers.org/baerscal.html

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Secret Agents Ball on Saturday, June 6

2009-05-27T03:41:38Z

Hi everyone, this is a Prisoner/Avengers/James Bond-themed ball. There will be swing dancing, vintage ballroom dancing, Latin dancing, etc. For more info and to purchase tickets, visit:
http://peers.org/secret.html

Hope to see you there!

Cheers,
Jean

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Unseen University Ball on Saturday, Discount Tickets to April 28

2009-04-28T07:44:26Z

Since April is such a short month and came on us all so suddenly, we have extended the advance bargain ticket deadline for the Unseen University Ball to Tuesday, April 28. To order advance tickets to the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online, please go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/unseen.html and click on the PayPal instructions for instructions. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

Meanwhile, here is our current ball write-up.

THE UNSEEN UNIVERSITY BALL

A Graduation Ball for the Wizards of Ankh-Morpork

Inspired by the Disc World novels of Sir Terrence Pratchett

Saturday, May 2, 2009

Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Ballroom

100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at the corner of Ellsworth & Tilton)

San Mateo, CA 94401

Doors Open: 6:45pm

Dance Lesson: 7:00 pm

Formal Dancing begins at 8:00pm

Band: Avalon Rising

Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by Tuesday, April 28)

Tickets at the Door: $20.00

Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/unseen.html

Arch-Chancellor Mustrum Ridcully of Unseen University requests the pleasure of your company at a grand ball in the University's Great Hall in honour of its current crop of graduating wizards (those who have actually managed to survive until graduation, that is!).

We are once again proud to announce that the evenings' guest band is Avalon Rising - one of the most magical dance bands on this or any other world - equally at home playing Victorian and vintage ballroom dance music, hauntingly beautiful Celtic and Celtic Fusion, and Renaissance rock (Yes, you heard that right!).

We will be dancing waltzes, polkas, schottisches, mazurka waltzes, reels, contradances, and other popular couple and set dances of the 19th century; some elegant Renaissance dances; and even some "music with rocks in it," as the Arch-Chancellor himself describes it. While some of the dances are choreographed set dances (which will be taught or called), others are open to free-form improvisation (Everything from free-style rock to Victorian polkas and Irish polka sets are some times danced to the very same music when Avalon Rising plays. We're not sure how, but think it's some form of magic!).

Fantasy costumes from the Disc World novels of Terry Pratchett, fantasy costumes from any universe, and, of course, magical or wizard costumes are admired but not required. Yes, here's your chance to sport your Harry Potter costumes! Guests may also come in period costume and still be in style. In the city of Ankh-Morpork, fashions range from Renaissance to Edwardian. Since the University also has a budding computer science department (which is a kind of magic in itself), Victorian Steampunk costumes (and gadgets) are also very appropriate. And, as always, vintage or modern evening dress is welcome.

There will (of course!) be a no-host bar and a light snack buffet (We know very well how seriously the Faculty of Unseen University take their meals, and your potluck contributions to the buffet are most welcome!).

If you have any questions or need more information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org

And remember our school motto: "Nunc id vides; nunc ne vides!"

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Girl Genius Ball (with Set Dances), April 4, Saturday

2009-03-14T06:41:54Z

THE GIRL GENIUS VICTORIAN MAD SCIENCE BALL

A Steampunk/Gaslamp Fantasy Ball

Saturday, April 4, 2009
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo
Doors Open: 6:45p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing Begins: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by March 28)
At the door: $20.00

Advance tickets may be ordered by sending a check or money order to:

PEERS
2144 B Buena Vista Ave
Alameda CA 94501

You may also purchase tickets until March 28 with a credit card using the PayPal system.

You don’t need to be a genius, a spark, or even a mad scientist to enjoy the Girl Genius Ball. Join us for an evening of adventure and dancing in Europa, home of Agatha Heterodyne, Baron Klaus Wulfenbach, and the irrpressable Jägermonsters. This is a Victorian Steampunk themed event. Imagine the Victorians with high technology: flight (often in Zeppelins), highly programmed “intelligent” robots, and computer-like machines.

Costumes can range from historically accurate Victorian costume (1840-1900) to Victorian attire with technological updates (leather corset bodices, crinolines that can be converted to step ladders, utili-kilts, etc.), to perky 19th century peasant garb in synch with the vaguely Germanic, vaguely Eastern European setting of the “Girl Genius” graphic novels.

PEERS is honoured to welcome Avalon Rising as our guest band for the evening. Celebrated for their brilliant arrangements of Medieval and Renaissance rock, Celtic and Celtic Fusion, Avalon Rising is a rock band equally at home playing Victorian and vintage ballroom dance music – and just about everything else. Dance music for the evening will range from wonderful 19th century waltzes, polkas, and mazurkas to Celtic reels and jigs, elegant Renaissance dance music, to straight-up rock. While some of the set dances are highly choreographed (and will be taught or called on the spot), some of the other dances are open to free-form styling. We’ve seen people dancing polkas, Irish Polka Sets, swing, and rock – all to the same Avalon Rising tune. Even if you think you can’t dance, you CAN dance to this band but there will also be a pre-ball dance lesson to help you get through the ballroom dances on the program.

Punch and a light snack buffet will be served throughout the evening (your potluck contributions are very welcome).

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL BALL - Saturday, February 7, 2009

2009-01-19T21:00:50Z

THE SCARLET PIMPERNEL BALL
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Location: San Mateo Masonic Temple Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton), San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: Bangers & Mash
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by January 31, 2009)
Tickets: $20.00 at the door
Ball website: http://www.peers.org/Pimpernel.html

They seek him here,
They seek him there,
Those Frenchies seek him everywhere.
Is he in Heaven or is he in Hell?
That demmed, elusive Pimpernel?

Sir Percy and Lady Blakeney and her grace, Georgiana, Duchess of Devonshire, request the pleasure of your company at a ball in honour of His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales. M. Chauvelin, the witty but ruthless French Ambassador, will be there. Will his arch-nemesis – the daring superhero and master of disguise, the Scarlet Pimpernel –
also make an appearance? And what will the beautiful Georgiana wear to the ball? Only time will tell.

The Duchess decrees that late 18th century, Directoire, or Regency costume is admired but not required (The year is 1792 but she won’t hold you to that) and, as usual, modern evening dress is also welcome (Sir Percy has just invented it, after all!).

The celebrated chamber ensemble Bangers & Mash plays an evening of gorgeous waltzes and dashing but elegant 18th century French and English country dances. There will be a pre-ball workshop in 18th century country dance and early Waltz – highly recommended since we’ll be teaching some of the ball dances during the class. Those of you planning to arrive fashionably late, however, can be assured that all country dances will also be briefly taught and called during the ball.

Punch and a complimentary light buffet of French and English snacks will be served (As always, your potluck contributions are much appreciated).

To order advance tickets for the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online via PayPal, go to the ball site at http://www.peers.org/Pimpernel.html and click on the PayPal icon for instructions. The deadline for advance ticket purchases is Saturday, January 31. Tickets will be $20.00 at the door.

For costume inspiration and background, we recommend “The Duchess,” (2008), the 1931 version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel” with Leslie Howard, and the less faithful but very pretty 1982 version of “The Scarlet Pimpernel” with Anthony Andrews and Jane Seymour, and, of course, “Blackadder 3,” the third and most hilarious season of the British miniseries. The original “Scarlet Pimpernel” novel by Baroness Orczy is a fun read and available both online and in most good public libraries and there are several sequels still in print.

If you have any questions, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

THE DICKENS FAIR REUNION BALL - Saturday, January 3

2008-12-30T00:24:25Z

A VICTORIAN TWELFTH NIGHT BALL
The Dickens Fair Reunion Ball
Saturday, January 3, 2009
Masonic Lodge of San Mateo Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open: 6:45 pm
Dance Lesson: 7:00 pm
Formal Dancing Begins: 8:00 pm
Tickets: $15.00 in advance (by December 29)
Tickets at the door: $20.00
Band: Bangers & Mash
PEERS’ Website: http://www.peers.org
Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/12th09.html

Dance, sing, feast and game at the season’s loveliest old-fashioned holiday party – a 12th Night Ball hosted by Mr. and Mrs. Fezziwig from Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Bangers and Mash, the Bay Area’s most irresistible country dance band, will play a variety of Viennese and rotary waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, the Lancers, reels, and other set dances popular in the early and mid-19th century (As usual, all set dances will be taught or called and partners are not required. Indeed, Introductions to partners will be cheerfully provided!).

Suggested costume is evening or day dress from 1837 through 1870 (the heyday of Dickens’ literary career), any class. Modern evening dress is, as always, a completely acceptable substitute for period costume, and there is no dress code for the evening. Ladies, if you’re wearing a ball gown or evening gown, please be sure to bring a wrap since the ballroom will be cold before the dancing starts. Once we start dancing, the ballroom warms up beautifully!

Intermission entertainment includes performances by the Peerless Music Hall (including some very French Cancan) and our guest of honour, Mr. Charles Dickens. Gamers may enjoy either an intellectual game of whist or a rollicking game of Wink, and the evening will conclude with a glorious Hallelujah Chorus sing-a-long.

Complimentary Punch and a light Old English snack buffet will be served (As usual, your potluck contributions to Mrs. Fezziwig’s kitchen are very welcome).

To order advance tickets to the ball, send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online via PayPal, please go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/12th09.html and click on the PayPal icon for directions. The deadline for purchasing advance tickets is Saturday, December 29.

If you have any questions or need more information, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

THE 15TH ANNUAL LE BAL DES VAMPIRES - Saturday, November 1

2008-10-31T15:29:28Z

We will be doing some late Georgian and Regency dancing as well as the Congress of Vienna Waltz at Le Bal des Vampires. 18th century and Regency costuming is definitely welcome at the ball and we'd love to see our Regency dancing friends attend.

LE BAL DES VAMPIRES
Saturday, November 1, 2008
Alameda Elks Lodge
2255 Santa Clara Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501
Dancing on Two Floors
Doors Open: 6:30pm
Vintage Waltz Lesson: 7:00 pm in the Grand Ballroom
Formal vintage ballroom dancing: 7:45 – midnight
Featured Band: Bangers & Mash (Grand Ballroom)
Dracula’s Daughter Discotheque & Bar: 6:30 – midnight
Tickets: $17.50 in advance (by October 25)
$25.00 at the door
Ball Website: http://www.peers.org/vamp08.html

Waltz the night away in a beautiful candlelit ballroom with the San Francisco Bay Area’s most glamorous Undead at the 15th Annual Le Bal des Vampires held once again in the Alameda Elks Lodge, a stately neo-Colonial mansion with a stunning Edwardian ballroom, a photogenic Edwardian parlor and staircase, and a film noir style discotheque.

Suggested costume is evening dress of the century and country of your “rebirth.” This may include dress uniform, period costume (authentic or fantasy), vintage attire, or modern evening dress. There is no dress code for the ball (We certainly don’t expect Spike to attend in black tie), but you will see some of the most gorgeous and creative costumes of the social season at Le Bal des Vampires.

This year there will once again be simultaneous dancing on two separate floors:

Our band in the elegant upstairs ballroom is the stylish but always dashing chamber ensemble Bangers & Mash. As usual, haunting waltzes dominate the program, but the evening will feature a variety of dance music from across the centuries – from 18th century Baroque contredances to 19th century Victorian rotary and Viennese waltzes, polkas, and mazurkas; to elegant early 20th century tangoes, blues, and fox trots and even some classic rock and roll Swing. Please note that the band’s first dance set will start at 7:45 pm sharp – 15 minutes earlier than usual. The dance sets will be unusually long, even by Bangers & Mash’s high standards, so if you do plan to dance, please be certain to wear shoes or boots you can actually dance in.

For those preferring a more modern style of dance music and free-style dancing, join us in Le Bal des Vampires’ Dracula’s Daughter’s Discotheque in the hall’s Ratskellar for a wonderfully varied repertoire of music to stir the blood and spirit from 6:30 p.m. to Midnight. Once again our hosts and D.J.s at Dracula’s Daughter will be the debonair Robin Scott Forbes and the beautiful Ariyana Le Fey. The disco also features a no-host (cash) bar and light refreshments for our mortal guests.

Our half-time show in the ballroom is a performance by the celebrated Le Theatre des Vampires. Not recommended for the faint of heart but highly recommended for fans of the genre. Also featured are special guest performances by the legendary Vampire Lestat and the always amazing Alameda Vintage Dancers.

To order advance tickets, please send a check for $17.50 to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order advance tickets online, go to http://www.peers.org/vamp08.html , click on the PayPal icon and follow the instructions. The deadline for advance ticket purchase is Saturday, October 25.

For further information, see the ball website, call (510) 522-1731, or email peers@peers.org For information on PEERS’ 2008-2009 season, please see http://www.peers.org

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 2 replies

BAERS War and Peace Ball - October 11, Saturday

2008-10-03T19:58:45Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society cordially invites you to the

WAR AND PEACE BALL

The War of the Three Emperors is over. Russia and France are now
friends and allies. Come celebrate the peace (while we can) and dance at
the Winter Ball in the company of the Czar of all the Russias and his
many French, English and even Austrian guests. Will Andrei fall in love
with Natasha? Attend and see.

Added attraction: Kitri House, a troupe of Russian singers and dancers to
entertain the guests.

Costumes admired but not required. Dance partners not required and
dances are taught at the ball. Take part in games of chance, lively
conversation and the hospitality of the court's table (gifts of
comestibles are appreciated).

Saturday, October 11, 2008
52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA

Doors open 7:30 pm; Dancing at 8:00

Music by the Divertimento Orchestra

Dance Master Alan Winston

Preview the dances the night before at the Palo Alto dance party
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue (off Middlefield),
8:00 pm on October 10.

Subscriptions $15 in advance (must be received no later than Oct. 9);
$20 at the door.

$2 discount for members of GBACG, BACDS and Brigade Napoleon.

Get a copy of the flyer at www.baers.org

Send form and checks to BAERS c/o Vanessa Schnatmeier
1122 Hudson St. Redwood City, CA 94061

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Oakland Ceilidh and Waltz This Friday 9/26

2008-09-24T02:42:43Z

Don't forget about this Friday's barn dance at Humanist Hall! Not only
do we have the calling talents of the British dance leader Jonathan Coxhead,
we've got the Bay Area's English-pub-style band Across the Pond, fresh from
their performance at the Princeton Traditional Music Festival in Vancouver,
British Columbia.

*OAKLAND CEILIDH DANCE*

When: Friday, September 26th, 2008, 7-10 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Jonathan Coxhead calling, music by Across The Pond (Dick Bagwell, Alan
Lochhead, and Colette and Jody Veahman)
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94609

Phone for info: 650-365-2913
http://www.bacds.org/series/ceilidh/oakland/

Generous waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners encouraged! All
dances taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes.
Great dance to bring family, previously non-dancing friends, etc.
You don't need to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children
8 years old and over.

Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids.
Family and group discounts available. (Advance inquiries welcome)

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS dance party in Palo Alto - Friday , September 12

2008-09-12T07:49:05Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< http://www.baers.org >
is pleased to present
a dance party September 12, 2008 in Palo Alto

Dance like Jane Austen - enjoy music and dances from her lifetime at our
casual-dress dance party.

(The Bay Area English Regency Society sponsors informal (casual dress) dance
parties at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (600 Colorado Avenue, a block and a half
West of Middlefield, in Palo Alto) on the second Friday of each month (except
January, August, and December).

Admission $8. All dances taught or prompted, usually by Alan Winston (an
excellent beginner-friendly caller who has led country dancing in 10 states
and two countries).

Newcomers welcome, no experience necessary, no partners required - the custom
in the late 1700s was was to change partners frequently - live music. Casual
dress. Wear shoes you can dance in. Doors open at 7:45; dancing begins at
8:00 and continues (with a mid-evening break) until 10:30. Some light
refreshments are provided; contributed refreshments are welcome.

Here's the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our dance party in
February: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530

More info: < http://www.baers.org/fridays.html >

NEXT BAERS EVENTS:

Dance Parties: Friday, October 10, 2008 at St. Mark's in Palo Alto
Friday, November 14, 2008 at St. Mark's in Palo Alto
(and then off until January)

See all our 2008 events at http://www.baers.org/baerscal.html

Balls: The War and Peace Ball
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington

The Cyprians' Ball
Saturday, February 14
Location to be confirmed

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

SPACE 1889: A VICTORIAN STEAMPUNK BALL

2008-08-27T01:56:02Z

SPACE 1889: A Victorian Steampunk Ball
(The Adventure of Le Cirque de Venus)
Sponsored by the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society
Saturday, September 6, 2008
San Mateo Masonic Lodge Ballroom
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at the corner of Ellsworth & Tilton)
San Mateo, CA 94401
Doors Open at 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Advance General Tickets: $15.00
Tickets at the Door: $20.00
For information: Call (510) 522-1731, email peers@peers.org or see www.peers.org
Ball Website: http://peers.org/space1889.html

Rule, Britannia!
Britannia rule the stars!
Britain’s flag extends to Venus, Mercury and Mars!

Don't miss PEERS' third venture into the world of Victorian Steampunk: Space 1889 - a Victorian Ball in Space. Program your Babbage Analytical Engines, sail the luminiferous ether between the worlds to this Nineteenth Century science fiction ball, and keep Venus British!

The year is an alternate 1889 in which, thanks to inventor Thomas Alva Edison, computer engineer Thomas Babbage, software developer Ada, Countess of Lovelace, visionary scientists Herbert George Wells and Jules Verne, and many other distinguished men and women of science and engineering, the Victorians have air and space travel, high technology, computers (analytical engines), calculators (difference engines), efficient software (the versatile and elegant ADA), and even email (“electric messaging”). The Great Game has extended to Outer Space with Great Britain, Germany, Russia and those intrepid Americans rushing to colonize every planet in sight. Welcome to Space 1889. This is the milieu of our ball.

Join His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales and His Excellency, the Governor of Her Majesty’s Crown Colony of Venus, for a formal ball to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of British rule on the planet. Diplomats, explorers, scientists and artists from Earth and from around the galaxy are cordially invited to attend.

Bangers & Mash, that most British of American dance bands, plays the greatest dance hits of the 1880’s, 1890’s, and early 1900's for an evening of vintage ballroom dancing. Dance beautiful waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, reels, The Lancers, and some of those dashing new American dances (the Ragtime Two-Step and the Tango from Argentina). All “new” dances and pattern dances will be (briefly) taught or called, and partners are not required. For those of you wishing to brush up on the ballroom dances of the late 19th century, there will also be a pre-ball dance class at 7:00 pm.

Suggested costume is late Victorian or Edwardian evening dress, dress uniform (the year is technically 1889 but this IS an alternate universe so you can use your imagination), “Venusian” evening dress or science fiction/fantasy costume appropriate to the balls theme. As usual, however, costumes are admired, not required. You scientists, engineers, and inventors are also most welcome to bring your latest gadgets and portable inventions (We’d love to see your Victorian laptops, cell phones and pagers, for instance!).

We are honoured to announce a special guest performance by the Queen of the Venusian Trapeze and star of the Cirque de Venus, Ariyana le Fey, and an appearance by our guests of honour, the celebrated Le Legion Fantastique.

The evening also features a no-host (cash) bar, a light snack buffet (your potluck contributions are, as always, very welcome), and an interactive performance by the Peerless Music Hall. Reminder: the deadline for advance bargain tickets for PEERS’ September 6 Space 1889 Ball (a Victorian Steampunk Ball in Space) is Saturday, August 30. To order advance tickets, please send a check to PEERS, 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online via PayPal, please go to the ball website at http://peers.org/space1889.html for instructions.

For further information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

EMERALD CITY BALL - SATURDAY, JULY 5

2008-07-03T02:37:50Z

Tickets are still available for PEERS’ Emerald City Ball and will be sold at the door for $20.00 each. We have a few other fun updates on the ball that we’d like to share with you:

The Emerald City Ball
(sponsored by the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, July 5, 2008
Doors Open at 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m. (Edwardian and Ragtime Dances)
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Band: The Divertimento Dance Orchestra
Tickets at the Door: $20.00
Ball Website: http://peers.org/emerald.html

We're off to see the Wizard at a ball in the glorious capital city of Oz. Come join us in honouring the singular courage of Dorothy Gale and her intrepid companions as they prepare to embark on their dangerous mission to the West.

There is definitely no need to stress about costumes for this ball. You have a huge range of choices: Fantasy costume, period costume (Medieval to Edwardian), or a combination of the two is admired but not required and, of course, green attire and costumes inspired by the Oz universe will be very welcome. While the ball is technically set in 1900, the citizens of Oz wear a variety of costumes ranging from Medieval gowns and tunics all the way up to late Victorian and Edwardian frocks and frock coats. Vintage or modern evening dress is also appropriate since the most unusual visitors do occasionally arrive in the Land of Oz.

Our Emerald City band is the Divertimento Dance Orchestra, a vintage dance band known for their elegance, authenticity and versatility. Dance music for the evening will range from graceful Edwardian ballroom dance music to the Great Wizard’s own favorite Ragtime tunes from his distant native star Omaha, Amerika. Dance waltzes, polkas, schottisches, reels, contradances, mixers and other popular turn of the century dances as well as the newer Ragtime one-step, two-step and tango. The Wizard will provide music for every taste (If you’re familiar with the 1939 film version of “The Wizard of Oz,” you will definitely recognize some of the tunes.).

For those wishing a brush-up in the latest dances, the pre-ball dance class will focus on the “new” dances of the Edwardian and Ragtime age: The lively One-Step, the sinuous One-Step Tango, the beautiful Hesitation Waltz, and the Turning Two-Step, an smooth and fun 1890’s alternative to the Polka.

The ball will also feature our famous No-Host (cash) bar, serving both alcoholic and soft drinks. The Wizard will also provide a complimentary light snack buffet (Your potluck contributions to the buffet are most welcome. The Emerald City is very expensive to maintain!).

For more information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org before Saturday.

Driving Directions:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS Great Regency Shipwreck Ball - June 21, 2008, Kensington, CA

2008-06-21T00:56:02Z

The Bay Area English Regency Dance Society (www.baers.org) Presents:
The Great Regency Shipwreck Ball (or "Regency Survivor")

We can't get off this island, so we might as well entertain ourselves!
Caller Alan Winston (who led the Pride and Prejudice Ball this March) with
The Divertimento Dance Orchestra (who'll play at the Emerald City Ball in July)
Saturday June 21, 2008 8:00-11:30pm
Arlington Church (52 Arlington Ave, Kensington, CA)

The Divertimento Orchestra will provide jolly music. The marooned elite, in
any remaining finery, are invited to dance arm-in-arm with the ships'
captain and crew. Meet up at 8PM sharp aboard the ruins for dance, drink
and good company!

Come as you are, whether Passenger, Pirate, Native, Merfolk or member of Her
Majesty's Royal Navy. If your wardrobe was relocated to Davy Jones' Locker
during the fateful storm, fashion yourself new togs from local flora (grass
skirts are all the rage among the natives!).

We've made peace with the island inhabitants and the merfolk in the bay, so
we will feast with them on seafood, fresh fruits, springwater and provisions
salvaged from the hold. The contribution of exotic new delicacies from
forays inland are welcome - as long as *you* have already tried them first.

Subscriptions are $20 at the door, $15 in advance.
$2 discount for GBACG, and BACDS members.
Advance mail registrations must be received by us no later than June 18th.
Costumes admired but not required. All dances taught during the ball. No
partner required.

Make out checks to "BAERS", and send them to
BAERS c/o Vanessa Schnatmeier 1122 Hudson Street Redwood City, CA 94061

Name(s): __________________________________________________________
Street Address: ________________________________________________
City, State, ZIP: ______________________________________________
Phone: (____________) ____________ - ________________

Email: ______________________________________________

Mark if new address for mailing list: __ Number of admissions desired ______

See the flyer: http://flickr.com/photos/dancingisland/2490962848/sizes/l/

Preview the dances at the June 13 dance party in Palo Alto: http://www.baers.org/fridays.html

What is the English Regency? See http://www.baers.org

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 3 replies

not Regency, but Alan winston co-calls a barn dance in Oakland this Friday, 5/30

2008-05-30T03:48:04Z

Looking for a bit of cheerful dancing this Friday night? Come over to the
barn dance in Oakland.

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with a room of happy people. Erik Hoffman and Alan Winston will
lead the dancing, with live music by Across The Pond (Dick Bagwell, Alan
Loughead, and Jody and Colette Veahman), a band steeped in the hearty
rhythm of English traditional music.

Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances - even easier than most of the
Regency dances.. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.

Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids.
Family and group discounts available.

When: Friday, May 30th, 7 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Erik Hoffman and Alan Winston calling, music by Across The Pond
(Dick Bagwell, Alan Loughead, Jody and Colette Veahman, Alan Loughead)
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94609
Info: 650-365-2913, http://www.bacds.org/series/ceilidh/oakland/

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Fri., April 11: Regency Dance Party in Palo Alto

2008-04-07T08:59:37Z

BAERS Second Friday Dance Parties
http://baers.org/

What: Learn Regency dances in an informal, supportive atmosphere. Dances led by Alan Winston and guest callers.

How Much: A mere $8!

Where: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue (off Middlefield), Palo Alto
Map to church available here

When: 8:00-10:30 p.m., second Fridays, September through November, and February through July. (Doors open 7:30, dance at 8:00 for sure, or earlier if there are enough people.)

Dress: Casual. We recommend comfortable low-heeled shoes. Skirts worn by many women, but pants are definitely acceptable.

Music: Live music by William Allen, Jan Battles, Paul Kostka, James Langdell, and Nettie Wijsman. Musicians who care to sit in get in free!

See the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our second Friday dance parties!
http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

ROYAL DEBUTANTE BALL - Saturday, April 5

2008-03-25T22:36:46Z

Just a reminder that the deadline for purchasing advance bargain tickets to the Royal Debutante Ball is Saturday, March 29. To order advance tickets to the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501.
If you would like to buy tickets online, go to the ball website at http://peers.org/debutante.html , scroll down to the PayPal icon and click on it for instructions. Tickets will be sold for $20.00 at the door.

Here's our latest write-up. There will certainly be some Regency style dancing at the ball, though the main focus is, of course, late Victorian waltzes and other couple dances a la Gaskell's.

THE ROYAL DEBUTANTE BALL
(Sponsored by the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Site: The San Mateo Masonic Temple, 100 N. Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton), San Mateo
Doors Open at 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Advance General Tickets: $15.00 (by Saturday, March 29)
Tickets at the Door: $20.00
Band: Bangers & Mash
Ball Website: http://peers.org/debutante.html

Their Royal Highnesses, Edward Albert, Prince of Wales, and Alexandra, Princess of Wales, request the pleasure of your company at a ball in honour of the debut in Society of their eldest daughter, Her Royal Highness, Princess Louise.

Suggested costume is mid- to late-Victorian evening dress, dress uniform, or vintage or modern evening dress (the year is 1885 but please don't feel compelled to have a new gown made just for this occasion, ladies, unless you really wish to!). As usual, costumes are admired, not required.

Young ladies wishing to make their debut along with the Princess Louise are extremely welcome. Although the customary ensemble for a debutante is white, we can stretch a point for those preferring ivory or cream (and Her Majesty certainly won’t expel you from Court if you insist on wearing another colour). Ladies already "out," of course, have an unlimited choice of colors for their ensemble.

Bangers & Mash plays an evening of elegant Victorian dance music, focusing on waltzes, quadrilles, reels, grand marches, and other set dances, but also including polkas, schottisches, and mazurka waltzes. There will be a pre-ball dance class at 7:00 pm, but all set dances will be briefly taught and called at the ball.

Punch and a light snack buffet will be served throughout the evening (Your potluck contributions to the Royal Kitchen will be very welcome!).

For further information, please call (510) 522-1731 or email peers@peers.org.

Driving Directions to the Ball:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks, and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge is the large, 3-story Colonial style Edwardian building located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

The Great Regency Shipwreck Ball

2008-03-18T19:18:09Z

Hello all... I'm new here. I saw a mentioning on the BAERS site for The Great Regency Shipwreck Ball. It sounded interesting, and the date was far enough away that I could feasibly whip up a couple of outfits in time. I was wondering, is it the same dress attire as the other events that are typical of the group? With a name like The Great Regency Shipwreck Ball, I was not sure if it was a pirate theme. (And my boyfriend would want to be in the proper coat, of course that means that I would be happier if he was in the proper coat...)

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 2 replies

Any thoughts about the Cyprians' Ball?

2008-02-27T06:00:31Z

If you went to Cyprians and have comments about that
(things you liked, things you didn't, things you'd like changed,
things you'd like to help with), please post in this thread.

If you didn't go and there was some interesting reason
(didn't sound like fun because ... always have a conflict
on that weekend because ...) consider posting here as
well.

If you have questions I'll try to answer them.

-- Alan

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

PRIDE & PREJUDICE BALL

2008-02-21T06:32:53Z

The Pride & Prejudice Ball
(Sponsored by PEERS – the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society)
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Location: San Mateo Masonic Temple
100 N. Ellsworth Avenue, San Mateo, CA 94401
(at the corner of Ellsworth & Tilton)
Dance Lesson: 7:00 - 8:00 pm with Dance Master Alan WinstoN
Formal Dancing: 8:00 pm to midnight
Band: Bangers & Mash
Tickets: $15 in advance; $20 at the door

Mr. Bingley requests the pleasure of your company at Netherfield Manor. Join us for an evening of elegant dancing, wit, romance and intrigue.

Late Georgian or Regency costume, day or evening, is admired, not required, and either generic Romantic costume or modern dress is perfectly acceptable. Given the changeable nature of our English weather, wraps are recommended for the ladies, who may find the early part of the evening chilly. Once dancing begins, of course, the ballroom warms up charmingly. We suggest that our guests attend the ball in character as well (choosing from among Miss Austen's other novels for your characters).

That most British of California bands - Bangers & Mash - plays an evening of delightful English country dances (which will be briefly taught or called on the spot) and slightly anachronistic but exquisite waltzes. If you need to brush up on your Regency dancing, there will be a pre-ball dance lesson at 7:00 pm. Partners, fortunately, are not required since it is customary to change partners after every dance set and we will be happy to introduce you to partners, if desired.

Other potential amusements include cards (both Whist and Speculation), music, singing (including a period round, catch and glee sing-a-long), witty conversation and elegant flirtation. There will be a light period snack buffet (Your potluck contributions to our host's kitchen are most welcome).

For more information, please email peers@peers.org,call (510) 522-1731, or see our website at http://www.peers.org To order advance tickets, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online, please go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/prideprej.html, scroll down to the PayPal icon, and follow the directions. Tickets will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

The Cyprians' Ball is this Saturday, February 16, in San Mateo!

2008-02-13T07:29:51Z

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 16, 2008

at the

SAN MATEO MASONIC LODGE
(San Mateo)
100 N. Ellsworth, at Tilton

Doors open 7:30

The ball starts with "Congress of Vienna" at 8:00
$20 at the door

Scandalous early-1800s costume - the era of "Pride and Prejudice" admired
but not required. We cannot, in good conscience, recommend that young ladies
damp their muslins in the Bay Area in February.

For more information, call 650/365-2913 or visit
http://www.baers.org (where you can download a registration form)

Directions: From Highway 101, exit at 3d Avenue. Go west on 3d, turn right
at N. Ellsworth. The temple is at the corner of N. Ellsworth and Tilton.

(Note: "The Cyprian" was a Regency nickname for Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, who
was associated with the island of Cyprus. Cyprians, then, were devotees of
Aphrodite; in other words, courtesans, who held an annual ball to shop for new
"protectors" who could keep them in good style. So there's an extra degree of
flirtatiousness at the Cyprians' Ball.)

All country dances taught and prompted. Fun will be had!

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Transportation

2008-01-23T22:36:44Z

Is it possible to get to Palo Alto from the East Bay without a car? I'm over in Berkeley and I'd like to try to make it to an event or two, but not driving makes things difficult.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

BAERS 2008 Calendar

2008-01-10T10:38:46Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society (www. baers.org),
the Bay Area's premiere organization for English Regency / Jane Austen / Early American dance and culture
announces its schedule for 2008.

All events open to the public (for a fee) , no advance classes required, no partner required, all welcome.
Great way to get your feet wet dancing.

For musicales and dance parties, find info at http://www.baers.org/fridays.html
Doors open 7:30, things start happening at 8:00 pm and finish by 10:30.

January 11: Musicale, St Mark's (600 Colorado Avenue, off Middlefield), Palo Alto

February 8: Dance Party, St Mark's (Cyprians' Dances)
February 16: Cyprians Ball, San Mateo Masonic Lodge (100 N. Ellsworth, at Tilton)

March 1: PEERS Pride and Prejudice Ball (not a BAERS event, but we're in favor of it), San Mateo Masonic Lodge

March 14: Dance Party, St Mark's

April 11: Dance Party, St Mark's

May 9, Dance Party, St Mark's

May 23,25: Regency dancing at Baycon, see www.Baycon.org for details

June 13, Dance Party, St Mark's (Shipwreck Ball dances)
June 21: Regency Shipwreck Ball, Arlington Community Church, Kensington

July 11: Early American Dance Party, St. Mark's, Palo Alto

August: Hiatus for dance parties

September 12: Dance party, St Marks
October 10: Dance party, St Marks - War and Peace Ball dances

October 11: War and Peace Ball, Arlington Community Church, Kensington

November 14: Last dance party of the year; favorites.

December: Hiatus for dance parties.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

History of Portsmouth England - Home of The Royal navy

2007-11-20T02:16:38Z

Famous People Who were Born and/or Lived in Portsmouth

My name is Paul Hussey and I was born in Portsmouth England in 1961. As your society relates to English Regency History I thought you may like to learn about
a city where History is imbued in the very air we breathe.

The history of Portsmouth is entwined with the history of The Royal Navy and Portsmouth Harbour. Her Majesty's Naval Base Portsmouth extends almost two thousand years. The time when the Romans first recognized its strategic significance and built the fort "Portus Adurni". and now the home to 80% of the Royal Navy's surface fleet.

As so many Famous events and People were Born, Lived and worked in Portsmouth over the centuries I thought it would be a good idea to tell its story and some of its famous people's history.

=====================================================================================
George Villiers, 1st Duke of Buckingham(28/08/1592-23/08/1628)
Buckingham with his wife Katherine Manners, their daughter Mary and son George, 1628.

While organizing a second campaign he was stabbed and killed at Portsmouth on August 23, 1628 by John Felton, an army officer who had been wounded in the earlier military adventure. Felton was hanged in November and Buckingham was buried in Westminster Abbey. His tomb bears a Latin inscription translating: "The Enigma of the World" and was also one of the most rewarded royal courtiers in all history.

Buckingham, George Villiers, 1st duke of (vil'yurz, bŭk'ing-um) [key], 1592–1628, English courtier and royal favorite. He arrived (1614) at the English court as James I was tiring of his favorite, Robert Carr, earl of Somerset. Villiers was made a gentleman of the bedchamber (1615) and, after Somerset's disgrace, rose rapidly, becoming earl of Buckingham (1617), marquess (1618), and lord high admiral (1619). In 1620 he married Lady Katherine Manners, daughter of the Roman Catholic earl of Rutland. By this time Buckingham controlled dispensation of the king's patronage, which enabled him to grant lucrative monopolies to his relatives. In 1621, Parliament began to investigate abuses of these monopolies, but Buckingham prevented action against himself (though not against his friend Sir Francis Bacon) by joining in the condemnation of his relatives. Buckingham favored the proposed marriage of Prince Charles (later Charles I) with the Infanta Maria of Spain and in 1623 went with Charles to Madrid. There his arrogance contributed to the final breakdown of the long deadlocked marriage negotiations. Buckingham, now a duke, returned to England, advocating war with Spain, which made him the hero of Parliament. He lost that popularity rapidly by negotiating (1624) the marriage of Charles with another Catholic princess, Henrietta Maria, sister of Louis XIII of France. He was also blamed for the disastrous failure (Feb.–Mar., 1625) of an English expedition, under Graf von Mansfeld, to recover the Palatinate for Frederick the Winter King; Buckingham failed to supply it adequately. By this time Charles had become king, and Buckingham was more powerful than ever, a fact that enraged Parliament. After the embarrassing failure (Oct., 1625) of an expedition against Cádiz, Buckingham was impeached (1626), and Charles dissolved Parliament to prevent his trial. The following year Buckingham led an expedition (another disaster) to relieve the Huguenots of La Rochelle, and Parliament delivered another remonstrance against him. The duke was at Portsmouth preparing yet another expedition for La Rochelle when he was killed by John Felton, a disgruntled naval officer. The romantic aspects of the duke's career figure largely in Alexander Dumas's historical novel, The Three Musketeers.

Admiral Lord George Anson ( April 23rd. 1697 - 1762 )

George Anson, 1st Baron Anson was a British admiral and a wealthy aristocrat, noted for his circumnavigation of the globe.
Sailed around the world between 1740-1744 on HMS Centurion and brought back 500,000 pounds sterling value of Gold ( Equivalent in todays money 250 Million Pounds!!) as Booty from the Spanish in South America.

George's father was William Anson of Shugborough in Staffordshire and his mother was Isabella Carrier, who was the sister-in-law of Thomas Parker, 1st Earl of Macclesfield, the Lord Chancellor, a relationship that proved very useful to the future admiral.

George Anson entered the navy in February 1712, and by rapid steps became lieutenant in 1716, commander in 1722, and post-captain in 1724. In this rank, he served twice on the North American station as captain of HMS Scarborough and of Squirrel from 1724 to 1730 and from 1733 to 1735. In 1737 he gained the command of the ship of the line, Centurion 60. In 1740, on the eve of the War of the Austrian Succession (1740–1748), he became commander (with the rank of commodore) of the squadron sent to attack Spanish possessions in South America.

Anson was Member of Parliament (MP) for Hedon for 1744 to 1747.

In 1747, Anson commanded the fleet that defeated the French Admiral de la Jonquière at the First Battle of Cape Finisterre, capturing four ships of the line, two frigates and seven merchantmen. In consequence, Anson became very popular, and was promoted to Vice Admiral and elevated to the peerage as Baron Anson of Soberton.

Anson subsequently continued his naval career with distinction as an administrator, becoming First Lord of the Admiralty (1757–1762). Seven British warships have borne the name HMS Anson in his honour.

Jonas Hanway (1712-1786)
Born in Portsmouth & Pioneer of Umbrella.

English traveller and philanthropist, was born at Portsmouth in 1712. While still a child, his father, a victualler, died, and the family moved to London. In 172 9 Jonas was apprenticed to a merchant in Lisbon. In 1 743, after he had been some time in business for himself in London, he became a partner with Mr Dingley, a merchant in St Petersburg, and in this way was led to travel in Russia and Persia. Leaving St Petersburg on the 10th of September 1743, and passing south by Moscow, Tsaritsyn and Astrakhan, he embarked on the Caspian on the 22nd of November, and arrived at Astrabad on the 18th of December. Here his goods were seized by Mohammed Hassan Beg, and it was only after great privations that he reached the camp of Nadir Shah, under whose protection he recovered most (85%) of his property. His return journey was embarrassed by sickness (at Resht), by attacks from pirates, and by six weeks' quarantine; and he only reappeared at St Petersburg on the 1st of January 1745. He again left the Russian capital on the 9th of July 1750 and travelled through Germany and Holland to England (28th of October). The rest of his life was mostly spent in London, where the narrative of his travels (published in 1753) soon made him a man of note, and where he devoted himself to philanthropy and good citizenship. In 1756 he founded the Marine Society, to keep up the supply of British seamen; in 1758 he became a governor of the Foundling, and established the Magdalen, hospital; in 1761 he procured a better system of parochial birth-registration in London; and in 1762 he was appointed a commissioner for victualling the navy (loth of July); this office he held till October 1783. He died, unmarried, on the 5th of September 1786. He was the first Londoner, it is said, to carry an umbrella, and he lived to triumph over all the hackney coachmen who tried to hoot and hustle him down. He attacked "wail-giving," or tipping, with some temporary success; by his onslaught upon tea-drinking he became involved in controversy with Johnson and Goldsmith. His last efforts were on behalf of little chimney-sweeps. His advocacy of solitary confinement for prisoners and opposition to Jewish naturalization were more questionable instances of his activity in social matters.

Lord Admiral Nelson ( 1758-1805 )

( Nelson and his mistress Emma lived for a time in Portsmouth )

Vice-Admiral Horatio Nelson, 1st Viscount Nelson, KB (29 September 1758 – 21 October 1805) was a British admiral famous for his participation in the Napoleonic Wars, most notably in the Battle of Trafalgar, a decisive British victory in the war, during which he lost his life.[1] Nelson was noted for his considerable ability to inspire and bring out the best in his men, to the point that it gained a name: "The Nelson Touch". His actions during these wars meant that before and after his death he was revered like few military figures have been throughout British history.

During the 18th century, even though he had been married for some time, Nelson became famous for his love affair with Emma, Lady Hamilton, the wife of the British Ambassador to Naples and she became Nelson's mistress, returning to the United Kingdom to live openly with him, and eventually they had a daughter, Horatia. It was the public knowledge of this affair that induced the Navy to send Nelson back out to sea after he had been recalled. By his death in 1805 Nelson had become a national hero, and he was given a State Funeral. To this day his memory lives on in numerous monuments, the most notable of which is London's Nelson's Column, which stands in the centre of Trafalgar Square.

John Pounds (1766-1839)

John Pounds was born in Portsmouth on 17th June 1766. His father was a sawyer in the royal dockyard and when was twelve years old, his father arranged for him to be apprenticed as a shipwright. Three years later John fell into a dry dock and was crippled for life.
Unable to work as a shipwright, John became a shoemaker and by 1803 had his own shop in St. Mary Street, Portsmouth. While working in the shop, John began teaching local children how to read. His reputation as a teacher grew and he soon had over 40 pupils attending his lessons. Unlike other schools, John did not charge a fee for teaching the poor of Portsmouth. As well as reading and arithmetic, John gave lessons in cooking, carpentry and shoe making. John Pounds died in 1839.

Jeremiah Chubb (1793-1860) and Charles Chubb (1779-1846)
Both brothers lived and worked in Portsmouth & are Famous Chubb Locksmiths.

The name of Chubb is famous in the lock world for the invention of the detector lock and for the production of high quality lever locks of outstanding security during a period of 140 years. The detector lock was patented in 1818 by Jeremiah Chubb of Portsmouth, England, who gained the reward offered by the Government for a lock which could not be opened by any but its own key. It is recorded that, after the appearance of this detector lock, a convict on board one of the prison ships at Portsmouth Dockyard, who was by profession a lockmaker, ad had been employed in London in making and repairing locks, asserted that he had picked with ease some of the best locks, and that he could pick Chubb's lock with equal facility. One of these was given to the convict together with all the tools which he stated to be necessary, as well as blank keys fitted to the drill pin of the lock and a lock made on exactly the same principle, so that he might make himself master of the construction. Promises of a reward of £100 from Mr Chubb, and a free pardon by the Government were made to him in the event of his success. After trying for two or three months to pick the lock, during which time he repeated overlifted the detector, which was as often undetected or readjusted for his subsequent attempts, he gave up, saying that Chubb's were the most secure locks he had ever met with, and that it was impossible for any man to pick or to open them with false instruments. Improvements in the lock were subsequently made under various patents by Jeremiah Chubb and his brother Charles.

Isambard Kingdom Brunel ( 1806-1859 )

Brunel, perhaps, was the most prodigious Engineer of his time and many of his works, which challenged and inspired his colleagues during this period, have survived to our own time and some are still in use.

He was born in 1806, the son of a distinguished French engineer, Sir Marc Brunel, who had come to England at the time of the French Revolution. Unlike most engineers of the time, Isambard Brunel received a sound education and practical training - partly in France - before entering his father's office and taking full charge of the Thames Tunnel at Rotherhithe when he was only 20.

At the age of 26, he was appointed Engineer to the newly-formed Great Western Railway and acted with characteristic boldness and energy. His great civil engineering works on the line between London and Bristol, are used by today's high-speed trains and bear witness to his genius He eventually engineered over 1,200 miles of railway, including lines in Ireland, Italy and Bengal.

Each of his three ships represented a major step forward in naval architecture.

Brunel's other works included docks, viaducts, tunnels and buildings and the remarkable prefabricated hospital, with its air-conditioning and drainage systems for use in the Crimean War. Inevitably, in such a prolific career, there were setbacks and disappointments such as the atmospheric railway but he readily admitted his mistakes. Indeed he himself suffered financially by supporting his ventures with his own money.

As his sketch-books and note-books show, he concerned himself with every aspect of the projects in which he was involved and his designs were the result of calculations and experiment.

Brunel suffered several years of ill health, with kidney problems, before succumbing to a stroke at the age of 53. Brunel was said to smoke up to 40 cigars a day and to sleep as few as four hours each night.

Charles Dickens (1812-1870)

Charles Dickens was born in Landport, Portsmouth in Hampshire, the second of eight children to John Dickens (1786–1851), a clerk in the Navy Pay Office at Portsmouth, and his wife Elizabeth Dickens (née Barrow, 1789–1863) on February 7, 1812. When he was five, the family moved to Chatham, Kent. In 1822, when he was ten, the family relocated to 16 Bayham Street, Camden Town in London.
Charles Dickens published over a dozen major novels, a large number of short stories (including a number of Christmas-themed stories), a handful of plays, and several nonfiction books. Dickens's novels were initially serialised in weekly and monthly magazines, then reprinted in standard book formats.

The travelling shows were extremely popular and, after three tours of British Isles, Dickens gave his first public reading in the United States at a New York City theatre on 2 December 1867.

The effort and passion he put into these readings with individual character voices is also thought to have contributed to his death. When he undertook another English tour of readings (1869–1870), he became ill and five years to the day after the Staplehurst crash, on 9 June 1870, he died at home at Gad's Hill Place after suffering a stroke, after a full, interesting and varied life. He was mourned by all his readers.

George Meredith (1828-1909)

Famous Novelist & Poet who was born in Portsmouth.

Contributed poems to various periodicals; an associate of the Pre-Raphaelite
group around Dante Gabriel Rossetti and Algernon Swinburne; published
the poem Modern Love 1862; author of several novels including
Diana of the Crossways 1885, which first brought him popular acclaim.

George Vicat Cole (1833-1893)

George Vicat Cole (usually known as Vicat Cole) was an important landscape painter working in the mid-19th century. In keeping with the realist mood of that period, he painted naturalistic English landscape scenes, without attempting deeper meanings or looking for rustic ideals. His speciality was the effect of atmosphere and light.

Cole was born in Portsmouth, and trained in the studio of his father George Cole (1810-1883), an eminent painter of landscapes, animals and portraits who rose as far as the Vice-Presidency of the Society of British Artists. As a young man, Cole copied prints of works of Turner, Constable and Cox, and the paintings of these men had a strong influence on him.

Cole had a difficult start as a professional painter in the early 1850s, when his pictures never sold for more than forty shillings. However, in 1854 he had his first picture at the RA Summer Exhibition, and from then on things looked up. At first his pictures were badly hung, but John Millais, seeing one of Cole's works placed where it would never be seen, interceded on his behalf. Gradually Cole's landscapes became increasingly popular, his technique more assured, and in 1870 he became ARA, the only painter to do so in that year. In 1880 he became RA, and in 1888 his work The Pool of London was bought under the terms of the Chantrey Bequest. His later work included much in the way of Thames scenes, which led him to be criticised by the Magazine of Art as having 'tied himself down to tickle the public taste with prettiness'.

Sir Walter Besant (14/08/9/06/1836-1901) Famous Novelist/Scientist and historian from London. His sister-in-law was Annie Besant.

The son of a merchant, he was born at Portsmouth, Hampshire and attended school at St Paul's, Southsea, Stockwell Grammar, London and King's College London. In 1855, he was admitted as a pensioner to Christ's College, Cambridge, where he graduated in 1859 as 18th wrangler. After a year as Mathematical Master at Rossall School, Fleetwood, Lancashire and a year at Leamington College, he spent 6 years as professor of mathematics at the Royal College, Mauritius. A breakdown in health compelled him to resign, and he returned to England and settled in London in 1867. He took the duties of Secretary to the Palestine Exploration Fund, which he held 1868–85. In 1871, he was admitted to Lincoln's Inn

He published in 1868 Studies in French Poetry. Three years later he began his collaboration with James Rice. Among their joint productions are Ready-money Mortiboy (1872), and the Golden Butterfly (1876), both, especially the latter, very successful. This connection was brought to an end by the death of Rice in 1882. Thereafter Besant continued to write voluminously at his own hand, his leading novels being All in a Garden Fair (which Rudyard Kipling credited in Something of Myself with inspiring him to leave India and make a career as a writer), Dorothy Forster (his own favorite), Children of Gibeon, and All Sorts and Conditions of Men. The two latter belonged to a series in which he endeavored to arouse the public conscience to a sense of the sadness of life among the poorest classes in cities. In this crusade Besant had considerable success, the establishment of The People's Palace in the East of London being one result. In addition to his work in fiction B. wrote largely on the history and topography of London. His plans in this field were left unfinished: among his books on this subject is London in the 18th Century.

Besant was a freemason, serving as Master Mason in the Marquis of Dalhousie Lodge, London from 1873. He conceived the idea of a Masonic research lodge, the Quatuor Coronati Lodge of which he was first treasurer from 1886.

Lionel William Wylie (1851-1931)

Famous Marine Artist who Lived and died in Portsmouth. Wyllie was born into a family of artists in 1851.
The rather bohemian family spent their summers on the coast of northern France.
Wyllie recalled the journey by steamer down the crowded Thames from London on their way to Boulogne.
When he was about 12 he went to art school in London, and in 1866 he started at the Royal Academy Schools.
In 1869 he won the Turner Gold Medal for landscape. In 1870 one of the first pictures he exhibited at the
Royal Academy was London from the Monument, a panoramic view of the city and the river and he began
working as an illustrator of maritime subjects for The Graphic magazine. He had to reproduce detail
accurately in black and white, and this discipline probably influenced him when he began making etchings
in the early 1880s. Wyllie's first known etching, made in 1884, is Toil, glitter, grime and wealth on
a flowing tide. It was commissioned by the print publisher Robert Dunthorne. Wyllie's Thames pictures
led him to be elected an Associate of the Royal Academy in 1889. By 1907, when he became a Royal Academician,
he had moved to a house at the entrance of Portsmouth Harbour. He had largely turned to painting naval
and historical subjects. Nevertheless, he continued to make prints of London and the Thames to the end
of his life.

==================================================================================
Sir Arthur Conan Doyle ( 1859-1930 )

Arthur Ignatius Conan Doyle was born on May 22, 1859, in Edinburgh, Scotland. The Doyles were a prosperous Irish-Catholic family, who had a prominent position in the world of Art. Charles Altamont Doyle, Arthur's father, a chronic alcoholic, was the only member of his family, who apart from fathering a brilliant son, never accomplished anything of note. At the age of twenty-two, Charles had married Mary Foley, a vivacious and very well educated young woman of seventeen.

Mary Doyle had a passion for books and was a master storyteller. Her son Arthur wrote of his mother's gift of "sinking her voice to a horror-stricken whisper" when she reached the culminating point of a story. There was little money in the family and even less harmony on account of his father's excesses and erratic behavior. Arthur's touching description of his mother's beneficial influence is also poignantly described in his biography, "In my early childhood, as far as I can remember anything at all, the vivid stories she would tell me stand out so clearly that they obscure the real facts of my life."

After Arthur reached his ninth birthday, the wealthy members of the Doyle family offered to pay for his studies. He was in tears all the way to England, where for seven years he had to go to a Jesuit boarding school. Arthur loathed the bigotry surrounding his studies and rebelled at corporal punishment, which was prevalent and incredibly brutal in most English schools of that epoch.

During those grueling years, Arthur's only moments of happiness were when he wrote to his mother, a regular habit that lasted for the rest of her life, and also when he practiced sports, mainly cricket, at which he was very good. It was during these difficult years at boarding school, that Arthur realized he also had a talent for storytelling. He was often found, surrounded by a bevy of totally enraptured younger students, listening to the amazing stories he would make up to amuse them.

By 1876, graduating at the age of seventeen, Arthur Doyle, (as he was called, before adding his middle name "Conan" to his surname), was a surprisingly normal young man. With his innate sense of humor and his sportsmanship, having ruled out any feelings of self-pity, Arthur was ready and willing to face the world and make up for some of his father's shortcomings.

Family tradition would have dictated the pursuit of an artistic career, yet Arthur decided to follow a medical one. This decision was influenced by Dr. Bryan Charles Waller, a young lodger his mother had taken-in to make ends meet. Dr. Waller had trained in the University of Edinburgh and that is where Arthur was sent to carry out his medical studies.

The young medical student met a number of future authors who were also attending the university, such as for instance James Barrie and Robert Louis Stevenson. But the man who most impressed and influenced him, was without a doubt, one of his teachers, Dr. Joseph Bell. The good doctor was a master at observation, logic, deduction, and diagnosis. All these qualities were later to be found in the persona of the celebrated detective Sherlock Holmes.

A couple of years into his studies, Arthur decided to try his pen at writing a short story. Although the result called The Mystery of Sasassa Valley was very evocative of the works of Edgar Alan Poe and Bret Harte, his favorite authors at the time, it was accepted in an Edinburgh magazine called Chamber's Journal, which had published Thomas Hardy's first work.

Dr. Arthur Conan Doyle's first gainful employment after his graduation was as a medical officer on the steamer Mayumba, a battered old vessel navigating between Liverpool and the west coast of Africa.

Unfortunately he found Africa as detestable as he had found the Arctic seductive, so he gave-up that position as soon as the boat landed back in England. Then came a short but quite dramatic stint with an unscrupulous doctor in Plymouth of which Conan Doyle gave a vivid account of forty years later in The Stark Munro Letters. After that debacle, and on the verge of bankruptcy, Conan Doyle left for Portsmouth, to open his first practice.

He rented a house but was only able to furnish the two rooms his patients would see. The rest of the house was almost bare and his practice was off to a rocky start. But he was compassionate and hard working, so that by the end of the third year, his practice started to earn him a comfortable income.

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle also became one of the first goalkeepers of Portsmouth Football club in the 1880s.

During the next years, the young man divided his time between trying to be a good doctor and struggling to become a recognized author. In August of 1885, he found the time to marry a young woman called Louisa Hawkins. He described her in his memoirs as having been "gentle and amiable."

In March 1886, Conan Doyle started writing the novel which catapulted him to fame. At first it was named A Tangled Skein and the two main characters were called Sheridan Hope and Ormond Sacker. Two years later this novel was published in Beeton's Christmas Annual, under the title A Study in Scarlet which introduced us to the immortal Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson. Conan Doyle much preferred his next novel Micah Clark, which though well received, is by now almost forgotten. This marked the start of a serious dichotomy in the author's life. There was Sherlock Holmes, who very quickly became world famous, in stories its author considered at best "commercial" and there were a number of serious historical novels, poems and plays, based upon which Conan Doyle expected to be recognized as a serious author.

In the autumn of 1929, in spite of having been diagnosed with Angina Pectoris, Conan Doyle went off for his last Psychic tour to Holland, Denmark, Sweden and Norway. He was in such pain by the time he returned, that he had to be carried ashore. Bedridden from that time on, he managed to have one last quixotic adventure on a cold spring day in 1930. He rose from his bed, and unseen went into the garden. When he was found, he was lying on the ground, one hand clutching his heart, the other holding a single white snowdrop.

Arthur Conan Doyle died on Monday, July 7, 1930, surrounded by his family. His last words before departing for "the greatest and most glorious adventure of all," were addressed to his wife. He whispered, "You are wonderful."

Rudyard Kipling (1865-1936)

Famous Author who lived & Schooled in Portsmouth.

Kipling's days of "strong light and darkness" in Bombay were to end when he was six years old. As was the custom in British India, he and his three-year-old sister, Alice ("Trix"), were taken to England—in their case to Southsea (Portsmouth), to be cared for by a couple that took in children of British nationals living in India. The two children would live with the couple, Captain and Mrs. Holloway, at their house, Lorne Lodge, for the next six years. In his autobiography, written some 65 years later, Kipling would recall this time with horror, and wonder ironically if the combination of cruelty and neglect he experienced there at the hands of Mrs. Holloway might not have hastened the onset of his literary life.

Kipling kept writing until the early 1930s, but at a slower pace and with much less success than before. He died of a hemorrhage from a perforated duodenal ulcer on 18 January 1936, two days before George V, at the age of 70. (His death had in fact previously been incorrectly announced in a magazine, to which he wrote, "I've just read that I am dead. Don't forget to delete me from your list of subscribers.")

Rudyard Kipling's ashes were buried in Poets' Corner, part of the South Transept of Westminster Abbey, where many literary people are buried or commemorated.

Herbert George Wells (1866 – 1946), known as H.G. Wells,

w

as an English writer best known for such science fiction novels as The Time Machine, The War of the Worlds, The Invisible Man, The First Men in the Moon and The Island of Doctor Moreau. He was a prolific writer of both fiction and non-fiction, and produced works in many different genres, including contemporary novels, history, and social commentary. He was also an outspoken socialist. His later works become increasingly political and didactic, and only his early science fiction novels are widely read today. Both Wells and Jules Verne are sometimes referred to as "The Father of Science Fiction".[1]

No longer able to support themselves financially, the family instead sought to place their boys as apprentices to various professions. From 1881 to 1883 Wells had an unhappy apprenticeship as a draper at the Southsea Drapery Emporium. His experiences were later used as inspiration for his novels The Wheels of Chance and Kipps, which describe the life of a draper's apprentice as well as being a critique of the world's distribution of wealth.

In 1883, Wells's employer dismissed him, claiming to be dissatisfied with him. The young man was reportedly not displeased with this ending to his apprenticeship. Later that year, he became an assistant teacher at Midhurst Grammar School, in West Sussex (teaching students such as A.A. Milne, until he won a scholarship to the Normal School of Science (later the Royal College of Science, now part of Imperial College London), studying biology under T. H. Huxley. As an alumnus, he later helped to set up the Royal College of Science Association, of which he became the first president in 1909. Wells studied in his new school until 1887 with an allowance of twenty-one shillings a week thanks to his scholarship.

Neville Shute (1899-1960)
Famous Author/Aero-Engineer who worked in Portsmouth.

Born in Somerset Road, Ealing, London, he was educated at the Dragon School, Shrewsbury School and Balliol College, Oxford. Shute's father, Arthur Hamilton Norway, was the head of the post office in Dublin in 1916 and Shute was commended for his role as a stretcher bearer during the Easter Rising. Shute attended the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich but because of his stammer was unable to take up a commission in the Royal Flying Corps, instead serving in World War I as a soldier in the Suffolk Regiment. An aeronautical engineer as well as a pilot, he began his engineering career with de Havilland Aircraft Company but, dissatisfied with the lack of opportunities for advancement, took a position in 1924 with Vickers Ltd., where he was involved with the development of airships. Shute worked as Chief Calculator (stress engineer) on the R100 Airship project for the subsidiary Airship Guarantee Company. In 1929, he was promoted to Deputy Chief Engineer of the R100 project under Sir Barnes Wallis.

Sir Alec Rose (13 July 1908 - 11 January 1991)

was a nursery owner and fruit merchant in Portsmouth England who had a passion for amateur single-handed sailing, for which he was ultimately knighted.

Alec Rose was born in Canterbury. During World War II he served in the British Navy as a diesel mechanic on a convoy escort, the HMS Leith. In 1964, Rose participated in the second single-handed transatlantic race, placing fourth across the line in his 36 foot cutter Lively Lady, originally built of paduak by Mr. Cambridge, the previous owner, in Calcutta.

Rose then modified the boat, including the addition of a mizzenmast, to sail single-handed around the world. He attempted to start this journey at2 approximately the same time as Francis Chichester sailing Gypsy Moth IV in 1966, but a series of misfortunes delayed Rose's departure until the following year. The journey was closely followed by the British and international press, and culminated in his successful return in Portsmouth on July 4, 1968, 354 days later, to cheering crowds of hundreds of thousands. The following day he was knighted by Queen Elizabeth II, and nine days later he turned 60 years old. His voyages are detailed in his book "My Lively Lady."

On 17 December 1967, the then Australian Prime Minister, Harold Holt, drove with some family members to Port Phillip Heads, south of Melbourne, to view Rose complete this leg of his voyage. Holt then went for a swim at nearby Cheviot Beach, but the surf was rough, he disappeared from view, and was presumed to have drowned.

Callaghan of Cardiff,Leonard James Callaghan,Baron,(1912-2005)
Born and Schooled in Portsmouth.

British statesman. He was first elected to Parliament as a Labour member in 1945. As chancellor of the exchequer (1964–67), he introduced extremely controversial taxation policies, including employment taxes; he resigned when he was forced to accept devaluation of the pound. Prime Minister Harold Wilson Wilson, Harold (James Harold Wilson, Baron Wilson of Rievaulx), 1916–95, British statesman. A graduate of Oxford, he became an economics lecturer there (1937) and a fellow of University College (1938).

Callaghan served as foreign secretary (1974–76). He succeeded Wilson when the latter resigned as prime minister in 1976. Callaghan was by nature a moderate man, but his government was plagued by inflation, unemployment, and its inability to restrain trade unions' wage demands, and foundered after a series of paralyzing labor strikes in the winter of 1978–79. In the elections later in 1979, the Labour party lost to the Conservatives, led by Margaret Thatcher, Margaret Hilda Roberts Thatcher, Baroness, 1925–, British political leader.

Written and produced by Paul Hussey November 2007.
My Website: http://wwww.Fabprints.com

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

not regency, but: Alan Winston calls a Barn dance (waltz, easy country dances) with musicians from Bangers & Mash: Oakland, 10/26, Humanist Hall

2007-10-25T23:41:19Z

Get revved up for the weekend at the barn dance in Oakland!

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with a room of happy people. Alan Winston will lead
the dancing, with live music by Stan & Susan Kramer (the flute and fiddle from
Bangers and Mash, the band you know from Fezziwig's and PEERS dances.)

Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.

Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids.
Family and group discounts available.

When: Friday, October 26th, 8 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Alan Winston calling, music by Stan & Susan Kramer
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94
Info: 650-365-2913, www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Early american dance party and Yorktown Victory Ball this Friday (10/12) and Saturday (10/13)

2007-10-09T00:16:23Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< http://www.baers.org >
is pleased to present
an Early American dance party October 12 2007 in Palo Alto
and the Yorktown Victory Anniversary Ball October 13 in Kensington.

Get a preview of the dances for the ball at our casual-dress dance party. (The
Bay Area English Regency Society sponsors informal (casual dress) dance parties
at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (600 Colorado Avenue, a block and a half West of
Middlefield, in Palo Alto) on the second Friday of each month (except January,
sometimes July, August, and December).

Admission $8. All dances taught or prompted, this time by Philip Rayment..
Newcomers welcome, no partners required - the custom in the late 1700s was was
to change partners frequently - live music. Casual dress. Doors open at 7:45;
dancing begins at 8:00 and continues (with a mid-evening break) until 10:30.
Some light refreshments are provided; contributed refreshments are welcome.

Here's the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our dance party in
February: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530

More info: < http://www.baers.org/fridays.html >

Saturday night, celebrate Washington's epochal victory over Cornwallis at
Yorktown, which ended the American Revolution with the Americans victorious!
Philip Rayment leads the dancing, the Divertimento Dance Orchestra plays,
with an assortment of country dances, cotillions, and anachronistic waltzes.
All dances taught on the spot; no partner required; period (1780s) costume
admired but not required.

Arlington Community Church, 52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington, CA. Dance at 8:00
pm.

Admission $15 in advance (must be received by Thursday, October 11), $20 at the
door. (Advance rate on admission is available if paid at the October 12 dance
party.)

Info and registraton form: http://www.baers.org/yorktownflyer.doc

NEXT BAERS EVENTS:

Dance Parties: Friday, November 9, 2007 at St. Mark's in Palo Alto
(Last dance party of the year! We'll take December off,
and return in January with a special musicale.)

See all our 2007 events at http://www.baers.org/baerscal.html

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Alan Winston calls Barn Dance in Oakland Friday 6/22

2007-06-19T09:46:24Z

Come on Friday June 22nd to Humanist Hall in Oakland for a modern-dress
evening of easy dances and friendly fun.

Alan Winston will call and Across the Pond (Dick Bagwell, Alan Lochhead,
Jody and Colette Veahman) will play for an evening of community dancing.

(Alan is the house caller for the Bay Area English Regency Society,
and a frequent caller of modern-dress English Country and contra dance. He says
"this stuff is waaaay easy, but you'll still end up sweaty.)

The dances will be the same kind of set dance that you get at Gaskell (and
we may do Strip the Willow or Roger de Coverly, but also other easy dances
you probably haven't seen, like Nottingham Swing or Demon's Rant.)

No brainbenders, and these dances will typically run fairly short - you're not
stuck with your set or your partner for fifteen minutes.

There'll be some polkas and waltzes and schottisches interspersed, but it's
not like Gaskell with one set dance to 8 couple dances; there's lots of set
dances. Many of the dances are Victorian in origin but this is a modern day event -
wear comfortable clothes and danceable shoes.

See the flyer: www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

The band is Across The Pond. They're deeply interested in the English
folk tradition, and will be playing tunes from the English countryside -
polkas, reels, waltzes, and a few jigs. Very different from the classical style
tunes that the Regency group plays. Members of Across The Pond play for
Deer Creek Morris and Bufflehead Morris. They'll give punchy, driving tunes
that get your heart rate up.

Next Friday, June 22d, at Humanist Hall in Oakland, 8:00 pm.
(Keep reading for details)

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with an entire room of happy people. Alan Winston will lead
the dancing, with live music from the Berkeley band Across The Pond.
Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.
Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids. Family and group discounts
available.

When: Friday, June 22d, 8 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Alan Winston, performing with the band Across the Pond
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94
Info: 650-365-2913, www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Wear Regency and Sing Along!

2007-06-03T05:07:51Z

Lyric Theatre Sails to Our 100th Production with H.M.S. Pinafore!

For this centennial production, HMS Pinafore is set in the Regency period and Lyric is hosting an event of particular interest to costumers and music lovers: A special Sing-Along Performance, Thursday, June 21st at 8pm.

Thursday's special performance features longtime Lyric favorite performers reprising their leading roles on stage with the usual chorus in costume and full
orchestra. You are invited to sing along with the choruses; lyrics will be shown by supertitles, and the conductor will cue chorus entrances. You are encouraged to come in costume and to bring a score if you have one. Regular ticket prices apply for this performance. Box Office (408) 986-1455

Lyric Theatre's success has been the result of its loyal community of volunteers, performers, donors, and audience members - let's all gather together to celebrate our accomplishments!

If you cannot make the special performance, we hope you will plan to attend one of our other performances of H.M.S. Pinafore on June 16, 17, 22, 23, or 24 or our Celebration Party on June 23. Box Office (408) 986-1455

Celebration Party, Saturday, June 23, 6pm - 7pm Location: Montgomery Theater Courtyard Box Office (408) 986-1455

This pre-show party will give you the chance to mingle with your Lyric Theatre friends while enjoying a variety of fine wines, sparkling juice, light hors d'oeuvres, and live jazz music. Tickets for the reception are $20 and do not include tickets to the performance (but you are encouraged to attend both!)

Save money on Lyric Theatre tickets when you purchase for a group of ten or more. A night at the theater is a great outing for your club, co-workers, friends, or family. Please contact our Ticketing Manager, Chris Frye at groupsales@lyrictheatre.org, to discuss your group's needs. Group sales are not supported through our online box office.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Regency Dancing at BayCon this weekend?

2007-05-25T15:45:00Z

Are people going to the Regency Dancing at all? I think it's both Friday & Sunday nights, starting at 8pm but going until an unknown time.

I've never been - how's the turnout, usually?

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Sensible Prejudices Ball Saturday April 28th BAERS

2007-04-28T23:04:32Z

We grandly invite you to Sensible Prejudices, "The Bad Jane Ball" with
Congress of Vienna, Waltzes, and Jane Austen era dances on Saturday
April 28th at the San Mateo Masonic Lodge.

Flyer with discount for advance ticket purchase is here:
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=364935910&size=l

The date will be Monday, Oct 21st 1811. The night of Mr.
Lucas's Assembly where Elizabeth and Darcy first meet.
And any other Jane Austen characters who want to come along!

For those looking for color themes for outfits, the stage will be
dainty in a white with floral print, somewhat of a
tearoom in look, not too grand, but certainly respectable:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dancingisland/419669496/
http://www.flickr.com/photo_zoom.gne?id=419669781&size=o

Will open with Congress of Vienna, 8pm sharp!

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 2 replies

Costume Con 26 Rates Go Up May 1! Get your membership NOW!

2007-04-24T19:49:19Z

CC26: Rates on the Rise

Been *meaning* to get your Costume-Con 26 membership before the rates
go up? Well, now is the time to act: rates go up on May Day! (5/1/07)

Our current rate is $75. On May 1st, we hop up to $85. Supporting
memberships, Kids-In-Tow and Youth memberships stay at the current
rate. If you voted for CC26 in Silicon Valley, you may apply your $10
voting fee towards your memberships.

What are you getting for your membership you ask?

Answer: Lots of opportunities to compete against and chill with other
costumers and designers - and lots of reasons to get your picture
taken! You'll find plenty of inspiration in our vendors area, and from
the costumes in the halls. Show off your finest doll couture, your
bushiest tail, or your sharpest vest crease. Pick up tips and
techniques for making almost anything from our experts!

Costume-Con offers an abundance of educational workshops,
competitions, and social events. Check out http://www.cc26.info for
the latest on our offerings.

We'll show our town off to its costuming best, guiding you to fabric,
museums, and restaurants. This is California! Expect great weather and
endless opportunities for fun.

Don't forget your time-traveling togs!

Join us at Costume-Con 26. Visit http://www.cc26.info and register
before the fees ascend! The Doubletree Hotel San Jose will soon create
a Private Online Group Page for online reservations. More news soon!

Please forward freely.

"Costume-Con" is a registered service mark of Karen Dick, used by
permission.
"CC26! Adventures in the Costume Continuum" is a project of The
Unconventional Foundation.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Jane Austen Personality Type Test

2007-04-23T22:03:44Z

If you've ever wondered, which character from Jane Austen's novels you're most like, here's your chance:

http://www.channel4.com/history/microsites/R/regencyhouse/catch/index.html

I came out as Catherine Morland as I do have a flair for the dramatic and am always imagining outrageous things :-)

~Jean

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

Erik Hoffman calls a barn dance in Oakland, 4/27

2007-04-17T21:12:20Z

Want to try an easy, bouncy community dance style that doesn't need
costumes? Ceilidh ("kaylee" or barn dancing ) dancing is simple
enough for children and drunks, yet rewarding fun for dancers. This series
is organized by BAERS's own Vanessa Schnatmeier.

It's easy compared to the BAERS dances, even, which are on the easy
end of English country dancing. This is a lot more Thomas Hardy (or, with
Erik calling, Laura Ingalls Wilder) than it is Jane Austen. Erik is a friendly,
relaxed caller and musician who'll guarantee a good time.

www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

The band is Across The Pond. They're deeply interested in the English
folk tradition, and will be playing tunes from the English countryside -
polkas, reels, waltzes, and a few jigs. Very different from the classical style
tunes that the Regency group plays. Members of Across The Pond play for
Deer Creek Morris and Bufflehead Morris. They'll give punchy, driving tunes
that get your heart rate up.

Next Friday, April 27th, at Humanist Hall in Oakland, 8:00 pm.
(Keep reading for details)

Contact: Vanessa Schnatmeier, vanessa@moocow.com

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with an entire room of happy people. Erik Hoffman will lead
the dancing, with live music from the Berkeley band Across The Pond.
Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.
Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids. Family and group discounts
available.

When: Friday, April 27th, 8 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Erik Hoffman, performing with the band Across the Pond
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94
Info: 650-365-2913, www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS dance party in Palo Alto this Friday, 4/13

2007-04-12T22:28:43Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< http://www.baers.org >
is pleased to present a Regency dance party
on FRIDAY, April 13 in Palo Alto.

Did you enjoy the dancing in "Pride and Prejudice"? Come and dance in
the spirit of Jane Austen's era!

The Bay Area English Regency Society sponsors informal (casual dress) dance
parties at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (600 Colorado Avenue, a block and a half
West of Middlefield, in Palo Alto) on the second Friday of each month (except
January, sometimes July, August, and December).

Here's the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our dance party in
February: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530

These dance parties are an opportunity to learn and dance the flirtatious
waltzes, spirited country dances, and vigorous cotillions of Jane Austen's day
(the late 1700s and early 1800s), in the graceful spirit of the English
Regency. Some provide previews of the programs for each of our several annual
Balls; all are fun events in themselves.

Admission $8. All dances taught or prompted, usually by Alan Winston.
Newcomers welcome, no partners required - the custom in Jane Austen's era was to
change partners frequently - live music. Casual dress. Doors open at 7:45;
dancing begins at 8:00 and continues (with a mid-evening break) until 10:30.
Some light refreshments are provided; contributed refreshments are welcome.

April 13 (Dances for the April 28 Austen Ball)

More info: < http://www.baers.org/fridays.html >

Hope to see you there!

NEXT BAERS EVENTS:

Dance Parties: Friday, April 13, 2007 at St. Mark's in Palo Alto
(Dance parties continue through July, skip August, and
return September-November).

Balls: "Sensible Prejudices" (A Diverted Austen Ball)
w/ waltzes and country dances)
at the San Mateo Masonic Temple (100 N. Ellsworth @ Temple),
Saturday, April 28, 2007

The Yorktown Victory Ball (an Early American ball)
at Arlington Community Church (52 Arlington Avenue, Kensington)
Saturday, October 13, 2007

See all our 2007 events at http://www.baers.org/baerscal.html

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS Dance Party in Palo Alto tonight! (3/9/07)

2007-03-09T13:57:57Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< http://www.baers.org >
is pleased to present a Regency dance party
on FRIDAY, March 9 in Palo Alto.

Did you enjoy the dancing in "Pride and Prejudice"? Come and dance in
the spirit of Jane Austen's era!

The Bay Area English Regency Society sponsors informal (casual dress) dance
parties at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (600 Colorado Avenue, a block and a half
West of Middlefield, in Palo Alto) on the second Friday of each month (except
January, sometimes July, August, and December).

Here's the Palo Alto Weekly's story and slide show on our dance party in
February: http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530
These dance parties are an opportunity to learn and dance the flirtatious
waltzes, spirited country dances, and vigorous cotillions of Jane Austen's day
(the late 1700s and early 1800s), in the graceful spirit of the English
Regency. Some provide previews of the programs for each of our several annual
Balls; all are fun events in themselves.

Admission $8. All dances taught or prompted, usually by Alan Winston.
Newcomers welcome, no partners required - the custom in Jane Austen's era was to
change partners frequently - live music. Casual dress. Doors open at 7:45;
dancing begins at 8:00 and continues (with a mid-evening break) until 10:30.
Some light refreshments are provided; contributed refreshments are welcome.

March 9 (Dances for the April 28 Austen Ball)

More info: < http://www.baers.org/fridays.html >

Hope to see you there!

NEXT BAERS EVENTS:

Dance Parties: Friday, March 9, 2007 at St. Mark's in Palo Alto
(Dance parties continue through July, skip August, and
return September-November).

Balls: "Sensible Prejudices" (A Diverted Austen Ball)
w/ waltzes and country dances)
at the San Mateo Masonic Temple (100 N. Ellsworth @ Temple),
Saturday, April 28, 2007

The Yorktown Victory Ball (an Early American ball)
Saturday, October 13, 2007

See all our 2007 events at http://www.baers.org/baerscal.html

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS in Palo Alto Weekly

2007-02-18T11:16:49Z

http://www.paloaltoonline.com/news/show_story.php?id=4530

The arts editor of the Palo Alto Weekly came to our dance party with a photographer and wrote
this story. The slideshow and audio collage is really good.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Alan Winston calls an English Ceilidh in Oakland Friday 2/23

2007-02-16T02:51:42Z

Want to try an easy, bouncy community dance style that doesn't need
costumes? Ceilidh ("kaylee" or barn dancing ) dancing is simple
enough for children and drunks, yet rewarding fun for dancers.

It's easy compared to the BAERS dances, even, which are on the easy
end of English country dancing. This is a lot more Thomas Hardy than it
is Jane Austen.

http://www.liveavator.com/ceilidh

The band is Across The Pond. They're deeply interested in the English
folk tradition, and will be playing tunes from the English countryside -
polkas, reels, waltzes, and a few jigs. Very different from the classical style
tunes that the Regency group plays. Members of Across The Pond play for
Deer Creek Morris and Bufflehead Morris. They'll give punchy, driving tunes
that get your heart rate up.

Next Friday, February 23d, at Humanist Hall in Oakland, 8:00 pm.
(Keep reading for details)

Contact: Vanessa Schnatmeier, vanessa@moocow.com

Community dance (also called "barn dance" or "ceilidh") is a dance style
from Great Britain that lets you dance not just with your partner of the
moment but with an entire room of happy people. Alan Winston will lead
the dancing, with live music from the Berkeley band Across The Pond.
Comfortable waltzes and easy group dances. Beginners welcome, all dances
taught and called, casual dress -- wear comfortable shoes. You don't need
to bring a partner. Dancing accessible for children 8 years old and over.
Admission $10, $5 for students/low-income/kids. Family and group discounts
available.

When: Friday, February 23rd, 8 p.m.
What: Community Dance Party
Who: Alan Winston, performing with the band Across the Pond
Where: Humanist Hall, 390 27th Street, Oakland, CA 94
Info: 650-365-2913, http://www.liveavatar.com/ceilidh

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Cyprians' Ball - this Saturday, 2/17, San Mateo

2007-02-13T02:23:46Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< http://www.baers.org >
is pleased to present the Cyprians' Ball
on SATURDAY, February 17, 2007 in San Mateo.

Don't miss this year's best chance for flirtatious country dances and
scandalous waltzes -- everything taught and called by dancing master Alan
Winston with music by the Divertimento Dance Orchestra under the direction of
James Langdell.

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 17, 2007

at the

SAN MATEO MASONIC LODGE
(San Mateo)
100 N. Ellsworth, at Tilton

Doors open 7:30

The ball starts with "Congress of Vienna" at 8:00
$15 in advance (by 2/14)
$20 at the door

Scandalous early-1800s costume - the era of "Pride and Prejudice" - admired
but not required. (Dress festively - it's a ball!) No partner required.

There'll be a mix of easy, flirtatious English country dances and a dozen free waltzes, plus
"An Easy Competence" (taught) and "Congress of Vienna) twice.

BAERS balls require no prior experience. (Admittedly, if you don't know how to
waltz, you can't do the waltzes. But the English dances are taught from
scratch, and range from easy to *really* easy.)

If you're an experienced English dancer, expect no challenges, but enjoy easy,
flirtatious, flowing dances with people who are happy to be there. These
are very suitable evenings to which to bring previously non-dancing friends.

For more information, call 650/365-2913, 510/465-0533, or visit
http://www.baers.org (where you can download a registration form)

Directions: From Highway 101, exit at 3d Avenue. Go west on 3d, turn right
at N. Ellsworth. The temple is at the corner of N. Ellsworth and Tilton.

(Note: "The Cyprian" was a Regency nickname for Aphrodite, Goddess of Love, who
was associated with the island of Cyprus. Cyprians, then, were devotees of
Aphrodite; in other words, courtesans, who held an annual ball to shop for new
"protectors" who could keep them in good style. So there's an extra degree of
flirtatiousness at the Cyprians' Ball.)

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

2007 Baers schedule

2007-01-12T05:42:17Z

This 2007 BEARS schedule currently is:

February 9 - Dance Party St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue, Palo Alto
February 17 - Cyprians Ball at San Mateo Masonic
March 9 - Dance Party
April 13 - Dance Party
May 11 - Dance Party
June 8 - Dance Party
June 23 -- Regency Sailors Shipwreck Survivor's Ball at San Mateo Masonic
July 13 - Dance Party (with Andrew Shaw from England)
August 4 --Peers Pride and Prejudice Picnic (check http://peers.org --most of the GBACG are hoping Peers would consider moving to Aug 11th because there's 80 GBACG members at the LA Costume Convention Aug 4th)
September 14 - Dance Party
October 12 - Dance Party
October 13 - Yorktown Victory Ball at Arlington
November 9 - last dance party of the year

This is now on the http://gbacg.org/ Community Calendar pages,
and will soon be on the http://baers.org/ calendar as well.

Still yet to be scheduled:
Regency Science Fair
Frolics

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

10th anniversary deluxe set of P&P --nothing really new here.

2006-11-06T21:13:17Z

Yep, there's yet another 10th anniversary of AE's P&P. It's the same DVD (with the colors still faded compared to the VCR version) now packaged with the "The Making of" paperback.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F0UUT6/sr=8-3/qid=1162847002

Nothing really new here.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS 2007 Planning Meeting this Tuesday, 10/17, Redwood City

2006-10-17T01:28:08Z

Regency enthusiasts --

We just now finally coordinated the calendars of the bulk of the existing BAERS
organizers, and scheduled a 2007 planning meeting for Tuesday night,
10/17/2006, 7:30 pm.

If you're interested in participating in organizing BAERS events - either
originating and running, suggesting ideas and helping out, etc - you're invited
to this dinner meeting. (We pay our own dinner tabs but get a 10% discount on
the overall bill. Don't like Thai food? Eat before you come and you don't pay
a share of the bill.)

Please let me know if you're coming (via winston AT slac.stanford.edu ) so I can tell the restaurant how big a
table we need; with the confirmed organizers we're getting up toward 10.

Baers 2007 Planning meeting
7:30 pm, Bangkok Bay Thai Restaurant.

Bangkok Bay is more-or-less on the corner of El Camino and Broadway in Redwood
City. (They share a parking lot with "Venus Cafe", which is the building
actually on the corner.) That's about halfway between the Whipple and Woodside
offramps from 101.

825 El Camino Real, Redwood City.

http://www.bangkokbay.com/

Sorry for the short notice, but this just coalesced.

Bring event ideas, calendars, any information that might be useful.

Thanks,

-- Alan

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS Hellfire Club Ball, September 30, San Mateo

2006-09-05T07:56:14Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS) < http://www.baers.org > is pleased to present the Hellfire Club Ball on SATURDAY, September 30, 2006, in San Mateo. For information and subscription, see http://www.baers.org/hellfire06.html .

The bawdy, naughty members of the Hellfire Club invite you to enjoy an evening of elegantly transgressive dance and subterranean carousing. Avoid the scandal of Recognition -- come in disguise! Masks, cloaks, and hoods encouraged. Dance in the shadows as a monk or nun, or flaunt your noble standing, if you dare. Women of low birth and reputation also welcome to join the revels.

All dances will be taught and called by our dance master for the evening, Alan “Bacchus” Winston. Music will be provided by that scandalous band, The Divertimento Dance Orchestra (under assumed names) and led by James Langdell.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 30, 2006

at the

SAN MATEO MASONIC LODGE
(San Mateo)
100 N. Ellsworth, at Tilton

Doors open 7:30, opening dance at 8:00
$15 in advance
$20 at the door

Costume is admired, but never required. What do we suggest for this evening's revels? Traditional Regency attire is fine, of course! Masks are strongly recommended. Given our whimsical take on this darker theme, please feel free to wear garments you would not normally think of for Regency balls -- leather, clerical costumes and the like. For more information, see sites like http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hellfire_Club or http://easyweb.easynet.co.uk/~rebis/ts-artic4.htm .

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Sacramento Ballroom Society

2006-08-18T07:27:43Z

You are invited to join the Sacramento Ballroom Society, a brand new not-for-profit organization in Sacramento featuring modern and vintage dances and lessons by some of the finest instructors and DJs. Our dance hall has a 3,600 square foot wood floor, plenty of table seating, and a state of the art sound system.

Location:

Ultimate DanceSport
9181c Kiefer Blvd.
Sacramento, CA 95826
10 minutes from Sac State University right off Highway 50 & Watt exit.

Parking: Large free parking lot in front.

Dates: 2nd & 4th Sundays of the month are for modern ballroom, latin and swing. The 3rd Sunday of the month is devoted to vintage ballroom.

Admission: $5 for members, $8 for guests. 1 hour lesson by champion instructors $2. Membership for the remainder of 2006 is just $5.

Website: www.sacballroomsociety.org
Contact: info@sacballroomsociety.org

Next dance: August 20th, vintage dance Lesson: Beginning rotary waltz

Featured Special Events: September 10th Exhibition Show, see top competitors perform their very best dances in formal ballroom exhibitions and vintage dance demonstrations in honor of our official Grand Opening. Sorry, no advance tickets or table seating available at this time. Check the website for details.

Cheers,

Robert Barchfeld
Sacramento Ballroom Society

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Darcy Fitzwilliam, Gentleman triology

2006-07-01T06:49:50Z

We've all read numerous Pride and Prejudice knock-offs over the years. Many of them so-so, most forced in style, some of them just wrong.

But the Darcy Fitzwilliam triology by Pamela Aidan is more than "tolerable", as Darcy himself might say. In fact it's handsome enough to put P+P fans into squeals of delight multiple times throughout.
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0743291344

One of the interesting things that Aidan takes advantage that her audience knows how it turns out. And we know everything from Lizzy's side of the story. But we only have Lizzy's perceptions and Lizzys viewpoint. The casual reader will enjoy here a good story, but for the hardcore Austen fans, she lingers in all the right spots, drawing out favorite scenes and adding more layers of detail and iteraction, fleshing out not just Darcy, but Bingsley and his whole household. Aidan obviously was in contact with the on-line Austen fan community, and their guidance makes this triology far better than previous attempts by isolated authors.

The second book, where Darcy basicly disappears in P+P, Aidan has decided to use the free reigns to write a gothic novel, which those not familiar with the style or having different expectations might find off putting. But the author returns back to Austen terra firma in V3 once again, ending with the best book of the series.

Now Simon & Schuster is now doing its own printing and giving wider distribution to this self-published small press triology. But the text is the same either printing.

Recommended.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

SF Free Folk Festival Saturday June 24 and Sunday June 25

2006-06-22T17:26:15Z

FREE!
Cathleen Myers from PEERS will be teaching Quadrilles at 5pm on Saturday
Alan Winston from BAERS and BACDS will be teaching English Country Dance and English Regency Dance on Sunday 12pm and 1pm

dances on Saturday and Sunday nights
lots of dancin' and singin'
and day long free folk concerts.

http://www.sffolkfest.org/

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Regency event: Romantic Poetry Gathering (SF - Golden Gate Park)

2006-06-14T21:00:56Z

Join the Greater Bay Area Costumers Guild and the Bay Area English Regency Society for:

THE ROMANTIC POETRY GATHERING
Sunday, July 16th 2006 -- 1-5pm
Stow Lake, Golden Gate Park, San Francisco

Boating on Stowe Lake, picnicking, and readings of the works of the Romantic poets

Attire: Regency era (1795-1825)

Cost: No ticket price, no need to RSVP. Just show up! You will need to pay for your own boat rental and bring your own picnic.

More info: www.gbacg.org/RPG7-06.htm

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Photos from Thieves Kitchen Ball

2006-05-15T06:57:08Z

http://ladyleandra.smugmug.com/gallery/1458148

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Volunteers Needed for BAERS Thieves Kitchen Ball, May 13

2006-04-12T00:40:45Z

Hi everyone, Chris and Christy Bertani and I are organizing the upcoming BAERS Thieves' Kitchen Ball in San Mateo on May 13. Here are the details:
http://www.baers.org/thieveskitchen.html

We are looking for volunteers to help us out. It's a good way to have fun and get involved in making a ball happen. Please let me know by May 1st if you can help out and in what capacity. Here's what we're needing:
* Kitchen - one or two people to help prepare food and drinks
* Food - sweet and savory items are more than welcome (something rustic and looks like they could have been stolen from the tables of our betters, or just something plain delicious and easy to eat during a ball)
* Stage setup - one person to be there at 6:30pm
* Hall setup - one or two people to be there at 6:30pm
* Cleanup crew - two or more people at 11:30pm
* Door/Box Office - one or two people for half an hour or an hour from 7:30pm-9:00pm (depending on how many people we get to volunteer)

If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me. Looking forward to hearing from you! Thanks!

Cheers,
Jean Martin

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Fairy Tale Ball, May 6

2006-04-11T18:24:57Z

THE FAIRY TALE MASQUERADE BALL
http://www.peers.org/fairy.html
Saturday, May 6, 2006
Location: The San Mateo Masonic Temple
Address: 100 North Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by Saturday, April 29)
Tickets at the door: $20.00

Waltz the night away among the fairies, goblins, wizards, sorceresses, enchanted princesses, charming princes, intelligent cats, and Fairy Tale characters of every other description at the most magical ball of the season. Fantasy, fairy, or fairy tale costume from any tradition is admired, not required. Period costume (authentic or creatively "mixed"), vintage evening dress, or modern evening dress is also welcome, as are perfectly normal mortals. Masks, either worn or hand-held, are strongly recommended.

Our guest band is The Brazen Hussey - one of the most exciting Celtic and Celtic fusion bands in the country; they are that rarity - a classically trained rock band. Though the ball's focus is, as usual, on the waltz, the band will play a variety of music: five centuries of exquisite and exciting ballroom dance music, ranging from courtly Renaissance and Baroque tunes to romantic waltzes and tangos; from thrilling polkas, reels, contra and country dances to Celtic fusion rock. As usual, all set dances will be taught or called at the ball and partners are not necessary.

Intermission entertainment includes dance performances and more ballroom dancing to the romantic music of DJ Robyn Scott Forbes. Complimentary light refreshments will be served throughout the evening and, as usual, your potluck contributions are very welcome.

For more information please call (510) 522-1731, email peers@peers.org or see the PEERS website at http://www.peers.org/fairy.html

Directions to the Ball:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Regency Dance Party in Palo Alto This Friday, 4/14

2006-04-10T17:30:14Z

The Bay Area English Regency Society (BAERS)
< http://www.baers.org >
is pleased to present a Regency dance party
on FRIDAY April 14 in Palo Alto.

Did you enjoy the dancing in "Pride and Prejudice"? Come and dance in
the spirit of Jane Austen's era!

The Bay Area English Regency Society sponsors informal (casual dress)
dance
parties at St. Mark's Episcopal Church (600 Colorado Avenue, a block
and a half
West of Middlefield, in Palo Alto) on the second Friday of each month
(except
January, sometimes July, August, and December).

These dance parties are an opportunity to learn and dance the
flirtatious
waltzes, spirited country dances, and vigorous cotillions of Jane
Austen's day
(the late 1700s and early 1800s), in the graceful spirit of the English
Regency. Some provide previews of the programs for each of our several
annual
Balls; all are fun events in themselves.

Admission $8. All dances taught or prompted, usually by Alan Winston.
Newcomers welcome, no partners required - the custom in Jane Austen's
era was to
change partners frequently - live music. Casual dress. Doors open at
7:45;
dancing begins at 8:00 and continues (with a mid-evening break) until
10:30.
Some light refreshments are provided; contributed refreshments are
welcome.

April 14 (Favorites and Thieves' Kitchenball dances)

(The Thieves' Kitchen Ball is Saturday night, May 13 in San Mateo!)

More info: < http://www.baers.org/fridays.html >

Hope to see you there!

NEXT BAERS EVENTS:

2006 is the tricentennial of Benjamin Franklin's birth, and we'll have
some
tributes to ol' Ben in our events this year.

Dance Parties: Friday, April 13, 2006 at St. Mark's in Palo Alto
(Focus on Thieves' Kitchen dances)
Friday, May 12, 2006 at St. Mark's in Palo Alto
(Dance parties continue through July, skip August, and
return September-November).

Balls: The "Thieves' Kitchen" tavern dance
(with Smilin' Jack, the Highwayman)
at the San Mateo Masonic Temple (100 N. Ellsworth, at Tilton)
Saturday, May 13, 2006

The "Hellfire Club" ball at the San Mateo Masonic Temple
Saturday, September 30, 2006

Other events:

Regency Science presentations at Maker Faire, April 22/23d.
Romantic Poetry gathering at Stow Lake, July 16, 1-5 pm
A Regency Musicale: November/December date, TBA

See all our 2006 events at http://www.baers.org/baerscal.html

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Monday Night Belly Dance in Palo Alto with Shanna - Posted by Yvette Keller

2006-04-04T20:01:43Z

Sorry if this is off topic, but I hope some of you will consider a NEW type of dancing since the Spring has been so RAINY! If you have EVER considered learning about Belly Dance now is your chance! Fight the rainy doldrums by signing up for a FUN indoor workout!

The sessions are through the City of Palo Alto (see below for links and registration info). This class usually has 18 – 25 people, but the Registrar left the class out of the Spring brochure by accident. Now we need three more signups to make sure the class can go.

Just think: it will be like PRIVATE instruction because our class will be small. You do not need to attend all sessions to enjoy these wonderful classes.

Shanna is an amazing instructor – my husband and I have been taking her classes for the past few years (Yes – MY HUSBAND. Men can belly dance too, and this is a SAFE environment for them and YOU). Shanna is funny, she is “real,” and her instruction is excellent. The class is based on learning techniques or “moves,” and includes improvised free-dancing at the end of most classes. Unlike other classes I have attended, there is no need to worry about choreography, performance or purchasing costumes to join. Just be ready to stretch, ready to be introduced to muscles you didn’t know you had and ready to have a LOT of fun!

Please forward this to any other friends you think might be interested.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
From: Shanna

Just a note to let you know that the Spring Bellydance Session at the Palo Alto Art Center has begun. If you haven't registered already, please do so this week. The Art Center neglected to include our classes in the Spring brochure, so class actually began last night!

Here is the link to enroll online. http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/enjoy

Beginners: 7pm - 8pm
Class Code ADA005

Intermediate: 8:15pm - 9:15pm
Class Code ADA006

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Toon Town Hop on April 1st

2006-03-09T22:30:32Z

THE TOON TOWN HOP
http://www.peers.org/toon.html
Saturday, April 1, 2006
Location: The San Mateo Masonic Temple
Address: 100 North Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Vintage Ballroom Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by Saturday, March 25)
Tickets at the door: $20.00

Advance tickets are available for PEERS' Toon Town Hop and what better way to spend April Fools' Day? As any cartoon aficionado can tell you, some of the very best film music is in animated films. In celebration of both the classic and modern age of animation, we invite you to the Toon Town Hop, a vintage dance ball inspired by our favorite cartoon music.

Suggested costume is vintage or modern evening dress (Mouse ears optional!). Guests may also attend as their favorite cartoon character, vintage or modern.

The dazzlingly versatile Divertimento Dance Orchestra will play a multi-period program of beautiful and energetic cartoon dance music from the 1920's to the present. As usual, waltzes will dominate the program but it also includes classic polkas, ragtime 'teens and 20's dances, Art Deco style Fox Trot, Swing, Tango and Latin dances, and other ballroom and set dances at this wildly varied event. As usual, all set dances will be taught or called at the ball, partners are not necessary, and there will be a pre-ball vintage ballroom dance lesson covering some of the "newer" dances on the ball program.

For us diehard dancers, our Toon Town DJ James Shattuck will provide his usual unusual mix of fun and always highly danceable music during the intermissions.

Other intermission entertainment includes a vintage dance performance by the PEERS Flying CirCUS. We're also please to announce the return of our famous Toon Town No-Host Bar and our notorious TV snack buffet (As always, your potluck contributions to the buffet are very welcome).

To order advance tickets, please send a check for $15 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. To order tickets online by PayPal, go to the ball website at http://www.peers.org/toon.html, click on the PayPal icon and follow the directions. The deadline for advance purchase tickets is Saturday, March 25.

If you have any questions about the ball, please email us at peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731 but we can more effectively answer your questions if you email or call us before the day of the ball!

Directions to the Ball:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Phantom of the Opera Ball this Saturday!

2006-03-03T18:30:19Z

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA BALL
Sponsored by PEERS - the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society
Information: http://www.peers.org/opera.html
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Location: The San Mateo Masonic Temple
Address: 100 North Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Victorian Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20.00 at the door

Tickets are still available for this Saturday's Phantom of the Opera Ball and will be sold at the door for $20.00 each.

Don't let those wild rumors of an Opera Ghost keep you from attending the social event of the season, the annual Opera Ball at the Paris Opera Populaire. The event is destined to be the most spectacular of all our masquerade balls and the Management has assured us that "Everything is under control."
Our special guests - Monsieur Frank Beau Davis, the American trumpet virtuoso, and his brilliant Brassworks Band from San Francisco - will play an evening of opera and ballet tunes and light classics arranged for ballroom dancing in a program including Viennese waltzes, rotary waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, reels and the Quadrille. The Brassworks will also play those perennial favorites, "The Congress of Vienna Waltz" and "Sir Roger de Coverley" (the latter with a distinctly Wagnerian edge!). As usual, all set dances will be taught or called at the ball and there will be a pre-ball dance class to help you cope with the increasingly popular fast waltzes and the latest quadrille.

Mid-to-late Victorian evening or ball dress (circa 1860 - 1900), dress uniform, period fancy dress costume, or modern evening dress is admired, but not required. Masks, either worn or handheld, are strongly suggested but not required, either.

Opera and ballet afficionados and the fashionable young gentlemen of the Jockey Club will be pleased to know that the evening's entertainment includes both light operatic excerpts performed by the company's stars, a ballet from Charles Gounod's new opera "Sappho," and the Bacchanale from Offenbach's notorious "Orpheus in the Underworld."

For more information on the ball, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

Directions to the Ball:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Phantom of the Opera Ball 3/4/06

2006-02-15T23:08:24Z

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA BALL
Sponsored by PEERS - the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society
Information: http://www.peers.org/opera.html
Saturday, March 4, 2006
Location: The San Mateo Masonic Temple
Address: 100 North Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Victorian Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by February 28)
Tickets: $20.00 at the door
Don't let those wild rumors of an Opera Ghost keep you from attending the social event of the season, the annual Opera Ball at the Paris Opera Populaire. The event is destined to be the most spectacular of all our masquerade balls and the Management has assured us that "Everything is under control."

Our special guests - Monsieur Frank Beau Davis, the American trumpet virtuoso, and his brilliant Brassworks Band from San Francisco - will play an evening of opera and ballet tunes and light classics arranged for ballroom dancing in a program including Viennese waltzes, rotary waltzes, polkas, mazurkas, schottisches, reels and the Quadrille. The Brassworks will also play those perennial favorites, "The Congress of Vienna Waltz" and "Sir Roger de Coverley" (the latter with a distinctly Wagnerian edge!). As usual, all set dances will be taught or called at the ball and there will be a pre-ball dance class to help you cope with the increasingly popular fast waltzes and the latest quadrille.

Mid-to-late Victorian evening or ball dress (circa 1860 - 1900), dress uniform, period fancy dress costume, or modern evening dress is admired, but not required. Masks are strongly suggested.

Opera and ballet afficionados and the fashionable young gentlemen of the Jockey Club will be pleased to know that the evening's entertainment includes both light operatic excerpts performed by the company's stars, and a ballet from the new opera "Sappho" choreographed by our ballet mistress Mme. Giry herself.

For more information on the ball, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731. To order advance tickets for the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. If you wish to order tickets online by PayPal, please go to the ball website http://www.peers.org/opera.html for directions. The deadline for advance purchase tickets is Sunday, February 28.

Directions to the Ball:
Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Cyprians Ball tonight!

2006-02-11T23:16:00Z

Cyprian's Ball is tonight at the San Mateo hall. 8pm-11:30pm

Looking forward to seeing everyone!

More info at:
http://baers.org/cyp-reg06.html

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

PEERS Titanic Ball 2/4/06

2006-01-24T05:55:32Z

Just a reminder that the deadline for advance ticket purchase for the Titanic Ball is Saturday, January 28. To order advance tickets for the ball, please send a check for $15.00 each to PEERS at 2144 B Buena Vista Avenue, Alameda, CA 94501. If you wish to order tickets online by PayPal, please go to the ball website http://www.peers.org/titanic.html for directions.

This is our latest ball update.

THE TITANIC BALL
Sponsored by PEERS - the Period Events & Entertainments Re-Creation Society
Information: http://www.peers.org/titanic.html
Saturday, February 4, 2006
Location: The San Mateo Masonic Temple
Address: 100 North Ellsworth Avenue (at Tilton)
Doors Open: 6:45 p.m.
Vintage Dance Lesson: 7:00 p.m.
Dancing begins: 8:00 p.m.
Advance Tickets: $15.00 (by January 28)
Tickets: $20.00 at the door
Join us for an elegant evening of vintage ballroom dancing in the first class dining salon of RMS Titanic, the most luxurious of all luxury liners.

Bangers & Mash - the finest band on the Atlantic - plays the greatest hits of the early 1900's, ranging from exquisite rotary and Viennese waltzes, thrilling polkas; and stylish schottisches to the latest American ragtime one-steps and two steps and that romantic new dance called the tango. As usual, the band will play those perennial PEERS favorites the Congress of Vienna Waltz, the Blue Danube Waltz, the Bohemian National Polka, and Sir Roger de Coverley, and will conclude with the ineffably beautiful Songe d'Automne - the last waltz played on the Titanic. (In short, the dance sets will resemble a Gaskell ball program - but with the addition of ragtme and tango music)

As usual, all set dances will be taught or called at the ball and the newer American dances will also be briefly taught. If you are new to the dances of the ragtime era or want some pre-ball dance practice, you may want to attend the pre-ball dance lesson at 7:00 p.m.

Period evening dress (circa 1900-1912), dress uniform, or vintage or modern evening dress is admired, but not required. For you "crashing" Steerage passengers, period working class or ethnic costume is also welcome! Lifebelts are optional.

Intermission entertainment includes a performance of the latest ragtime dances by the Alameda Vintage Dancers and a rousing Irish dance performance by the Peers Flying CirCUS. As usual, complimentary refreshments will be served but since we don't quite have the Titanic's catering budget, your potluck contributions are extremely welcome!

For more information on the ball, please email peers@peers.org or call (510) 522-1731.

Directions to the Ball:

Take the 3rd Avenue exit off 101, going west into San Mateo. Follow 3rd Avenue across the railroad tracks and turn right on Ellsworth Avenue. The Masonic Lodge - a white three-story Colonial style Edwardian building - is located on the corner of Ellsworth and Tilton.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Anyone want to see the movie Pride and Prejudice?

2006-01-19T05:38:19Z

This is getting really good reviews. Can't wait to see it. Anyone interested in getting a group together to see this some weekday evening in the Peninsula area?

~Jean

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 3 replies

BAERS Regency Dance Party, Friday, 1/13/06

2006-01-07T07:43:25Z

Learn Regency dances in an informal, supportive atmosphere. Dances led by Alan Winston and guest callers.

How Much: A mere $8!

Where: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue (off Middlefield), Palo Alto
members.aol.com/pomanders/...stmarks.gif

When: 8:00-10:30 p.m., Jan. 13, Friday (Doors open 7:30, dance at 8:00 for sure, or earlier if there are enough people.)

Dress: Casual. We recommend comfortable low-heeled shoes. Skirts worn by many women, but pants are definitely acceptable.

Music: Live music by William Allen, Jan Battles, Paul Kostka, James Langdell, and Nettie Wijsman. Musicians who care to sit in get in free!

Web Site: http://baers.org/

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Next dance party?

2006-01-06T02:19:43Z

Are we having a dance party this month on Friday the 13th???

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

P&P 1995 --still in the top 20 DVDs on amazon 10 years later

2006-01-02T21:28:31Z

I was very amused to see the A&E 1995 version of Pride and Prejudice (the Colin Firth version) is still in amazon's top 20 best selling DVDs... 10 years later. (Currently #14)

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/new-for-you/top-sellers/-/dvd/all

English Country Dance descriptions of all the dances on the 1995 DVD ...and now the 2005 movie, both have been laid out.

http://www.earthlydelights.com.au/english3.htm

Susi and I are having fun stepping through the dances printed off the internet while rewatching the DVD again this rainy night.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

12/22/05 Fantasy Gothic Waltz Party Article and Photos Needed

2005-12-16T23:52:23Z

Hi, I really would like some coverage on this event that’s happening on December 22 in San Francisco. I don’t think I can make it myself. If anyone would please write up an article and send me pictures, that would be fantastic! Please contact me if you have any questions or to let me know if you’re willing and able to do this.

http://www.fantasygothicwaltz.com/

Thanks,
Jean Martin
Editor
Science Fiction/San Francisco
jean_p_martin@comcast.net

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Interesting Mr. Darcy Article on MSNBC

2005-11-12T00:46:21Z

Other than a few mistakes (I can't believe she misspelled Jane Austen's name!), this article is quite interesting...

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/9995610

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

10th anniversary A&E Pride and Prejudice review

2005-11-09T13:57:31Z

The good news: A 10th anniversary edition of A&E Pride And Prejudice was just put out
http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/B0009WT58W/qid=1131428559
The bad news: The problems with the DVD edition being cold and blue tinted compared the warm colors of the VCR version have not been corrected. In fact, it's just the same A&E DVD they've been selling for 10 years... with a new box cover.
Even more bad news: Zone 2 only, not playable on US DVDs

The summary: Not recommended over the US version. If you're really picky about color and still have a VCR, buy the tapes instead --the DVD special edition add ons are dull.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

Persuasion: BBC Version from the 70s

2005-11-05T05:46:36Z

Wow, just saw this on DVD. Long but very worth it. The costumes were exquisite! And they had a little bit of English Country dancing in it. It runs like a play and looks kinda dated but the characters come shining through and there's just something so bittersweet about the Anne Elliot/Captain Wentworth love story that just tugs at my heartstrings.

Oh, and interesting how one of the actresses (Morag Hood) went on to play Natasha in the Anthony Hopkins version of War and Peace (another great old BBC miniseries) and another, Mel Martin, went on to play Demelza in Poldark (a 1996 revival of the popular 70s miniseries). Both these shows are among my all-time favorite stories set in the Regency/Napolean era.

Of course, the definitive version is the one with Amanda Root and Ciaran Hinds from 1995. Interesting how Ciaran Hinds is now a big name 10 years later with the HBO series Rome. Which I still haven't seen coz I don't have HBO. Have to wait for this to come out on DVD!

Anyway, anyone seen this 1971 BBC Persuasion and what did you think of it?

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

SJ Rep Pride and Prejudice Play with Jane Austen Society Members

2005-11-05T05:39:10Z

Anyone interested? I need to let my friend who's a member of JASNA know by tomorrow so she can get tickets. There are limited tickets for non-JASNA members. So the sooner the better. It's on November 27 at 2PM that we're trying to coordinate to go to. I think it includes meeting the cast and that kind of stuff. It would be great to go to this in costume, maybe?

~Jean

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Trafalgar Ball Article in Latest Issue of SF/SF

2005-11-04T22:55:52Z

Hi all, I wrote an article about the Trafalgar Ball in the latest issue of SF/SF. There's also an article about Gaskells and the PEERS Vamps Ball. Enjoy!

http://efanzines.com/SFSF/SFSF11.pdf

~Jean

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS Regency Dance Party, Friday, 11/11

2005-11-03T04:36:47Z

Learn Regency dances in an informal, supportive atmosphere. Dances led by Alan Winston and guest callers.

How Much: A mere $8!

Where: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue (off Middlefield), Palo Alto
members.aol.com/pomanders/...stmarks.gif

When: 8:00-10:30 p.m., Nov. 11, Friday (Doors open 7:30, dance at 8:00 for sure, or earlier if there are enough people.)

Dress: Casual. We recommend comfortable low-heeled shoes. Skirts worn by many women, but pants are definitely acceptable.

Music: Live music by William Allen, Jan Battles, Paul Kostka, James Langdell, and Nettie Wijsman. Musicians who care to sit in get in free!

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Fourth Wednesday Sewing Circle

2005-10-24T20:36:09Z

This Wednesday, being the fourth Wednesday of the month, I am hosting Fourth Wednesday Sewing Circle at my house in Mountain View. This is an informal get together for the purposes of working on sewing and crafting, with an emphasis on costume construction. Come with your sewing, your research or just your questions. Get help fitting muslins, marking hems or brainstorming solutions for your costume projects. Or just come for a little encouragement or company while you do your handwork.

Show up any time after 6pm, on the understanding that I will begin kicking people out at 10:30. I'll put the kettle on and have some sweets, but if you want real dinner you should eat beforehand or bring food with you.

For address and directions, email me at tamago at livejournal dot com.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS Members Shown/Mentioned in LOTR Feast Article

2005-10-23T23:50:34Z

Hi all, here's the latest and greatest... we're over 100 pages this issue! Lots of fun stories (Lord of the Rings Feast, Casa Ren Faire, SiliCon, Sally Ride Festival, etc.) and amazing pictures. Oh, and my very cool Editorial :-) Feel free to pass this on. Enjoy!

http://efanzines.com/SFSF/SFSF10.pdf

Cheers,
Jean
--
Jean P. Martin
Editor
SF/SF: Science Fiction/San Francisco
http://efanzines.com/SFSF/index.htm
(650) 867-8826

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 2 replies

Reenactment of Admiral Nelson's funeral

2005-09-25T10:55:43Z

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20050916/ap_on_re_eu/britain_horatio_nelson

Thought a few of you might be interested :)

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 3 replies

9/24 Pride and Prejudice Party

2005-09-19T04:06:08Z

BACDS will be holding an English Country dance party celebrating the release of Pride and Prejudice (with Keira Knightley). There will be Jane Austen readings as well as elegant comestibles.

When: September 24, Saturday
Time: 8:00 - 11:00 PM
Where: Grace North Church, 2138 Cedar Street, Berkeley
Cost: $8 for BACDS members; $10 for non-members; $5 for students

Period costume admired but not required.

For film and dinner plans (the movie won't actually be out until November), see: www.bacds.org

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

BAERS Regency Dance Party, Friday, 9/9

2005-09-09T02:35:54Z

Learn Regency dances in an informal, supportive atmosphere. Dances led by Alan Winston and guest callers.

How Much: A mere $8!

Where: St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue (off Middlefield), Palo Alto
http://members.aol.com/pomanders/graphic/mapstmarks.gif

When: 8:00-10:30 p.m., Sep. 9, Friday (Doors open 7:30, dance at 8:00 for sure, or earlier if there are enough people.)

Dress: Casual. We recommend comfortable low-heeled shoes. Skirts worn by many women, but pants are definitely acceptable.

Music: Live music by William Allen, Jan Battles, Paul Kostka, James Langdell, and Nettie Wijsman. Musicians who care to sit in get in free!

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

Anyone know Eleanor?

2005-08-31T15:32:55Z

Hi, don't know if this is how she spells her name but she's attended BAERS events before and I've seen her at Gaskells and PEERS too. I'd love to invite her to join our tribe and to send her pictures of her from the Vanity Fair Ball. She's the one with the awesome blue outfit.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 2 replies

6 Tickets to Three Musketeers at $15. - Can anyone use them?

2005-08-31T04:27:09Z

Hello!

I was going to go to the Ball Saturday with friends, but the plan has imploded. Would anyone like these tickets for the early, discounted rate of $15 each?

Please call Yvette at (650) 248-3103.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

The Brothers Grimm

2005-08-30T16:56:08Z

I saw the movie, The Brothers Grimm, this past Sunday. The film itself isn't that great. But in case you didn't know I wanted to tell the tribe that it is set during the French Empire period. Military wear was featured. I think Matt Damon's outfit was pretty neat (a waistcoat and outer coat), and was supposed to be English Regency.
If you saw this movie, what do you think of the Ginger Bread man made from tar?

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

New Pride and Prejudice Trailer

2005-08-26T03:44:43Z

http://movies.yahoo.com/feature/prideandprejudice.html

Looks fantastic! Can't wait to see it. Maybe we can all get together and watch it at the same time and wear our Regency costumes :-)

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 2 replies

BACDS Pride and Prejudice Release Party

2005-08-17T00:47:33Z

Well, someone else beat us to this! But that's okay... that means we can just all enjoy the event and not have to worry about organizing anything :-)

Hope to see you all there! If anyone wants to carpool with me (I'm in the mid-Peninsula) let me know.

Oh, I posted the actual details as an event so if you're not seeing it as one of your events, let me know and I'll email you the details. This is actually not posted on BACDS's web site just yet.

Cheers,
Jean

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

SF Opera Costume and Prop Sale

2005-07-19T05:53:49Z

sanfrancisco.tribe.net/event/...f62b-3503-407c-b55e-35c442c49818

If anyone wants to go let me know and maybe I'll tag along. I'm hoping they have something from the Regency period. Wigs would be good too. Oh, and maybe a Valkyrie costume :-)

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

Regency House

2005-07-19T05:39:51Z

Anyone catch Regency House on PBS about a year ago?
It was a "reality" show where a group of people lived in an English manor and wore Regency costume and had to act like they lived in Regency England.
I saw the episode where the men learned how to walk with emphasis, and the women did their hair with egg whites. Other things happened as well. Such as there was a division of class where there were servants who were hired to be servants and then there was a "contestant" who was like a poor relation and she had to beg the servants to help her get dressed and she couldn't eat with the wealthy guests.
I just remembered the show today and thought I'd make a postintg about it. I was thinking about ordering the series.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 10 replies

Regency Hairstyles

2005-06-21T05:26:11Z

Anyone know how to create Regency hairstyles for women? What type of curling iron works best for the curly wisps that were so popular in that time period? Also, my hair tends to get easily damaged by curling irons, anyone know where to get hair attachments that would work as well? I've seen Victorian style ones at the Dickens Faire. Would those work and where can I get them? Thanks!

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 2 replies

Few pictures of Vanity Fair stage

2005-06-21T01:55:13Z

There's a few pictures for how the San Mateo stage looked for Vanity Fair and one for Cyprians here:

http://photos.yahoo.com/g_mcquary

I keep hoping others better with a camera will share their shots from the event too.

Ah well! ;-)

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 1 reply

Favorite Regency Movies?

2005-06-21T01:41:19Z

Hey, let's share our thoughts on Regency movies. There haven't been very many lately except for Vanity Fair with Reese Witherspoon. I loved that movie by the way. Very colorful and beautifully filmed. Reese was convincing and James Purefoy... yummm!

Sense and Sensibility is my favorite Jane Austen book and it was great when two of my favorite female actresses (Kate Winslet and Emma Thompson) startted in it. And of course, my all-time favorite actor, Hugh Grant :-)

One of my favorite Jane Austen movies is Persuasion with Amanda Root. Loved that it was set in Bath and Lyme Regis. I just felt like I was really there with her. And boy, the smoldering but hidden passion that built between Captain Wentworth and Anne Elliot was just so mesmerizing!

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 7 replies

Napoleonic War Movies

2005-06-20T07:07:45Z

On to more adventurous movies (i.e., non-Jane Austen). Anyone loved Horatio Hornblower and the Sharpe Series as much as I did? Welsh actor Ioan Gruffudd was dashing as British naval officer Hornblower. He's slowly gaining recognition across the pond. And everyone knows Sean Bean who played a more rugged Captain Sharpe.

Didn't quite like Master and Commander as much. Paul Bettany was great in it but I think Russell Crowe wasn't as good as he was in Gladiator. Also, I was getting flashbacks from a Beautiful Mind as these were the same actors in that movie :-)

I loved all the historical details in all these three movies though. All the military strategy, the struggles they went through and of course all the adventures.

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 2 replies

Welcome all new BAERS tribe members!

2005-06-17T05:01:47Z

This is our home on tribe.net. So feel free to post your thoughts about BAERS and anything about the English Regency period.

Recommendations on books, costuming tips, movie reviews, etc. There's a place for it all on this tribe. As long as it pertains to the Regency period (early 1800s).

It would be great if we could build this community and get other people involved too. So tell your friends all about us!

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

7/8 - BAERS Second Friday Dance Party (Revised)

2005-06-15T04:45:55Z

July 8: BAERS Second Friday Dance Party

Learn Regency dances in an informal, supportive atmosphere.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue (off Middlefield), Palo Alto

8:00-10:30 p.m. (Doors open 7:30, dance at 8:00 for sure, or earlier if there are enough people.)

$8 at the door.

www.baers.org/fridays.html

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies

July 8: BAERS Second Friday Dance Party

2005-06-15T04:42:26Z

Learn Regency dances in an informal, supportive atmosphere.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 600 Colorado Avenue (off Middlefield), Palo Alto

8:00-10:30 p.m. (Doors open 7:30, dance at 8:00 for sure, or earlier if there are enough people.)

http://www.baers.org/fridays.html

posted in BAERS and the English Regency - 0 replies