Being literary types, we chose pub number three because of its name: “Far from the Madding Crowd”. A disappointingly modern building, but the tankards of beer and cider made up for it.
We met the team that would go on to win a slew of awards, the Manchester Kingsmen, here. They were great fun: northern, loud, friendly and slightly pickled. Although they were raucously light-hearted, they also retained a competitive edge, asking about how the other teams had faired earlier in the day. They were also impressed with our attempts at scoring.
They made a real entrance, charging onto the stage, roaring and brandishing their rappers above their heads. We were all very impressed with their performance: fine footwork, sword-play, tumbling and an engaging Tommy – even a Betty that would not have looked out of place on a rugby field (except for the pink dress and tickler). Naturally, and to their delight, we scored them highly.
It was members of the Kingsmen that taught us our first steps of rapper dancing. Pure Aled and Kevin of course, talking to the dancers, drink flowing – it was inevitable that we would eventually pick up the rappers and have a go ourselves!
First thing we learnt to do was hold the rapper properly. You grasp your own rapper in your right hand and the rapper of the person in front of you in your left (!) making sure that your knuckles are on the top (overhand hold). Next, we learnt some steps. Just imagine Morris-dancing-type twirling or maypole etc. etc. We then made a breastplate-like shape. This has probably got some sort of name. Check it out:
(Left to Right: Aled, Kevin, me)
It was amazing and we will always be indebted to the Kingsmen for providing us with a wonderful, unique experience.
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