But here came the first failure of the famous Teutonic thoroughness, for Gabriele rushed off without telling them what was to happen next. All of a sudden the curtains opened and the stage lights blazed, to reveal to the audience in the hall a bedraggled line of Earls, some facing left, some right, some with their backs to the crowd, scratching backsides, picking noses, etc.., but all unanimous in the one act of standing there and asking, “What’s happening?” as a voice boomed out the introduction ‘Die Earls of Essex’. Then the curtains closed, much to their relief.

Our heroes trooped into the hall for refreshments: soft drinks only, as the headmaster would only allow them beer in the staff room. Len installed himself in a chair on the stage, and Janet took up station beside him to begin calling the first dance. But despite her immaculate English, none of the 150 or so Germans present ventured out onto the floor. They were obviously suspicious of what was going to happen to them; after all, the North is not-well-known for dancing and this was the first time that Morris had shown its face in Bremen.

But our heroes were not put off by their reluctance to enjoy themselves: they marched around the room hauling people to their feet with cries of “Aufstehen and Tanzen”. After dragging several protesting couples to their feet, starting with Gabriele and her friends and other people they knew, they then dived into the darkness to haul out desperately struggling partners for themselves - to Len it probably looked like ‘Morris Men demanding their fertility rites’.

The first couple of dances went remarkably well, considering the Germans had no idea what the hell was gong on and often had to follow or be pushed by Earls strategically placed in the sets, but they could still detect some reluctance on the part of the majority to join in. While sitting round their crate of beer (the head had relented and let them bring it into the hall) discussing this problem, they decided to liven up the proceedings by doing a spot. “Do shooting’ - even Mick knows that one” John appointed Toddy as caller: unfortunately Toddy had arrived at the last minute and was still uncertain of what was going on as they trooped out in their usual disorganised fashion into the middle of the floor.