But we didn't dose-i-doe

Two dilemmas - well, not dilemmas as much as questions - faced me before the barn dance. Firstly, should I wear make-up?

I needed to because I have a huge cold sore on my cheek - I've only ever had them up my nose in the past and I do not like this development - but having a cold sore probably meant it would be unwise to wear make-up. Also I knew I would be red, hot, and sweaty before the evening had progressed very far. So I didn't.

Secondly, do I have a pair of pale knickers I trust to stay up? Rummaging through my underwear I wasn't convinced I did. In the end I wore what seemed the best bet and prayed.

Anyway it was a great evening. A few no-shows but everyone who came along had a brilliant time, and we raised £360 for Sketty Foodbank. The barbecue part went fine. I can say that as I wasn't in the kitchen pre-cooking the burgers in the oven, which although new is universally described as useless. Kudos to the chefs.

Nigel, the caller, was amazing, entertaining as he explained the history of the dances, and commanding when he persuaded just about everyone they needed to be up and dancing and not sitting down.

Stripping the willow proved to be challenging for some of us but there was plenty of laughter, and sweating. Husband did all the dances with me and survived. So that's good! And my knickers stayed up.

Kim brought along a selection of red tablecloths and I picked a mix of flowers from the garden. It's difficult to make a church hall look very rustic but I think it looked cheery.