Final Day

We woke up with rather sore feet and aching legs, reminding ourselves that there were still two workshops plus another show dance session and photo call before the weekend would come to a close.

The first workshop was a jive session with Tony Bennett - which Graeme started but couldn't finish - followed by a Natalie and Ian workshop on the fox trot.  This time it was Elizabeth whom Natalie chose to manipulate to improve her posture, so I did miss out this time.

We both got through that session and then there was a short break for some social dancing - we opted out! - and then Natalie and Ian treated us to a jive, some paso doble, a Charlston and an American Smooth.

While Natalie was having costume changes, Ian entertained us with some 'Strictly' gossip plus some info on the forthcoming season.

Each professional couple seemed to be able to outdo the ones before them and Natalie and Ian were truly stunning.  Such a shame that we weren't allowed to record any of it!

The came the photo call - it's hard to choose the very best, so I've put a lot on here!

Paul Donahey, who organises the events as well as running a dance school in Manchester

Photocall

There was the usual photcall of the stars towards the end of the evening ....

Maria and Leandro leaving the photocall

Black Tie Ball

By now we have seriously aching feet and legs, so thank goodness that there's more limited time for dancing tonight.

Today we started off with a Latin fun line dance session with Paul Donahey.  Then we started the dance workshops proper with Cha-Cha from Tony Bennett of 'City Limits' fame, followed by Rumba with Darren and Lilia.  Then there was an audience with Darren and Lilia.  After lunch came the Argentine Tango with specialists from Buenos Aires, Maria Tsiatsiani and Leandro Palou.  They've done demos on 'Strictly' and Leandro has an Argentine Tango school in the UK.  The trouble was they used music for their session which sounded like a plagiarised version of the 'Fawlty Towers' theme tune each time we started off with the moves!  Finally Aljaž and Janette gave us a session on waltz to round off the afternoon.

We started off the evening with a 'Red Carpet Photocall' where Donahey's staff take your photo on your camera.  Then Tony Goodwin's 'Big Band' from Manchester came in.  This was followed by guests dancing until the show dances started up.

There were show dances from all the workshop teachers except Tony Bennett, but also from a couple of 'Stars of the Future' Kaari Kink and David Cockram - both 20 years old and each with a string of wins behind them.  He comes from Cannock and she from Estonia and Kaari is a student in Bath.

No photos or video of anything in the main ballroom are allowed while performers are there.

There were some very nice dresses ....

Old Windsor

We managed to slip away for an hour or so at lunchtime and had a look round Old Windsor.

Quite a few very large houses with at least two double garages and extensive grounds, electric gates plus an intercom to gain access - and when they're called something 'Place' you know you're in serious money territory!

There is a property on the market in Old Windsor for just £4.4 million - just wondered if they might be open to an offer - http://www.rightmove.co.uk/property-for-sale/property-34969455.html.  Only 8 bedrooms, though .....

Looked this chap up on the web - he seems to own Sines Park Homes in Old Windsor and is worth quite a few million apparently

Hotel entrance

Quick Photocall with Tony Bennett of City Limits and father of Darren

With Anton and Erin

Beaumont Estates Hotel at Windsor

A walk around the grounds - 

The main building

Under the Heathrow flight path!