Coddenham Revisited – Sunday 1 March 2026
An Afternoon of Music, Song and Dance
Eamonn Andrews

We had a very strong turnout for our most recent afternoon of music, song and dance, returning to Coddenham only a few months after a successful afternoon at the same venue back in October 2025.

The spacious and well equipped hall with good car park, and easy access from the A14 and A140 roads, attracted participants and audience from as far away as Ely, Thetford and Hethersett as well as more locally from Ipswich and surrounding area.

It was great to welcome several first time participants and first time visitors to one of these Sunday afternoon events alongside many regulars.

There was no rapper or Morris dance this time around, but dance was still featured, with traditional East Anglian stepping led by regulars Michael Czarnobaj and Dorren West O’Connor, and a distinctive broom dance in Fenland style from Michael. Jig dolls were active at times too.

Musical and singing contributions were to the fore. In total we had about 30 “turns” from individual singers and musicians, duets and small groups, and some popular tunes where all those with instruments had an opportunity to join in. 

There were three songs from the Stowmarket U3A group led by Hilary, including “Windy Old Weather”, sometimes known as “Happisburgh Light” a well-known song across the region, with a good chorus which many joined in with.

Whilst a lot of the songs sung and tunes played on the day have been local to East Anglia down the years, a variety from further afield, and some self-written songs, added to the overall entertainment and interest. There was “Jamaica Farewell” from Dave and Dimity Gosling; “Spanish Ladies” from Patricia and Jeremy Fox, and possibly a first time sighting and hearing of a Puerto Rican Quattro, a type of citterne, played by Des Hart accompanied by Ruth on recorder. The most “local” of songs was offered by Mick Hearn with “An Old Woman from Coddenham” which on closer hearing was Mick’s bespoke variation on the well know song “Marrowbones”. 

The afternoon was run in the now tried and tested format with seating around an informal arena; teas, coffees and cakes available before the start and during a social break mid-way through, a stall with EATMT books, jig dolls and other items for sale, and a raffle. Although the format is similar from one event to the next no two afternoons are alike, with the great variety of songs and tunes from the repertoires of those taking their turns.

Everyone is welcome to take part in these afternoons so if you haven’t sung, played music or danced with us before then we would be delighted to have you join in. Please arrive in good time and let the MC know. If you have taken part before then thanks for your songs, tunes and dances, and please do come again….!

Without our volunteers these events wouldn’t be possible. On this occasion thanks are due to Robin from Stowmarket U3A, Michael Czarnobaj, Doreen West O’Connor and Dimity Gosling; Jannine Parry and Judy Andrews for making cakes and sausage rolls, and especially Jan Robinson for co-ordinating things. Also, thanks to those who donated raffle prizes.

These afternoons are free to attend but wouldn’t be sustainable without your kind donations, purchases of raffle tickets, tea and cakes and so on. The Coddenham event was well attended, and EATMT was very pleased with the donations and level of support, thank you everyone.

Eammon Andrews – March 2026