When Leek Morris went to Italy.

Friday morning: the side gathered at the Hotel Beatrice and walked through the castle grounds to dance, first outside the Tourist Office and then in the Piazza Maggiore. They were invited to lunch at the Patronato SS Redentore and given the run of the courtyard - a fountain, terrapins basking in the sun.

An evening dance by the Union Jack. Saturday brought the official welcome of the Mayor of Este and the town's large weekly market - time for a bit of shopping. Party that night at the Barchessa Di Vigna Contarena.

Sunday morning: the grounds of the Villa Benvenuti, run by Este's scout group. Wine, salami and breadsticks at the top of a hill, followed by a coach ride into the Euganean hills and a tour of the Monte Fasolo farm wine cellars. Some of the side even managed a "pumpkin" lunch.

The closing ceremony of the Eurofest that evening. A group photo with the Mayor, Dr. Roberta Gallana. A final-day trip to Venice on the train.

Three years later, Leek Morris was back in Este. A day trip to Verona - the Roman amphitheatre, the Ponte di Castelvecchio, "descending the steps, Leek Morris style". A pumpkin festival on the Sunday with lasagna and risotto. The Barchessa was the side's home for the week.

A visit to a cemetery in Calaone. Three little boys gazing into the sweet shop window. The largest pumpkin anyone had ever seen. By the end, the side was ready for home - but quite reluctantly.