A Shildon dance society which has been bringing people together on the dance floor for three quarters of a century will celebrate its 75th anniversary with a special free event next month.
Shildon Railway Institute Modern Sequence Dance Society can trace its beginnings to 5 September 1951 and has continued to meet at the Institute ever since, making regular use of the building’s famously spacious dance floor.
To mark the remarkable milestone, a special 75th Anniversary Dance will take place at Shildon Railway Institute from 2pm on Saturday, 19 September, with free admission thanks to sponsorship from Railpen, which administers pensions for thousands of former railway workers.
Adding to the celebrations will be well-known Shildon musician Graeme Scarlett, who will provide the afternoon’s music at the organ, while guests will also be treated to a buffet.
The Railway Institute team will be on hand throughout the afternoon to help make the anniversary celebration a memorable occasion for the dancers and their guests.
Institute Chairman Dave Reynolds said the longevity of the society was something worth celebrating.
“It’s remarkable that this resilient little Sequence Dance Society has been turning up at the Institute to enjoy its huge dance floor for three quarters of a century.
“We couldn’t let that milestone pass without celebration, so we teamed up with Railpen and Graeme to plan a celebration worthy of the occasion.
“They’re such a lovely and loyal group and we really value their regular Tuesday evening visits to the Institute, which appear to keep them all so light on their feet through the years.
“We’ve opened the event up to the wider public beyond the Dance Society members, so that perhaps a few more folk might come along out of curiosity — or even consider joining them.
“Wouldn’t it be great if this resilient little society were still going strong for another 75 years?”
Although the anniversary dance is free to attend, admission is by ticket to ensure numbers can be catered for. Tickets are available from members of the Modern Sequence Dance Society, with a limited number also available from the bar at Shildon Railway Institute.
The anniversary offers an opportunity not only for existing dancers to celebrate 75 years of friendship and dancing, but also for anyone who has wondered what modern sequence dancing is all about to come along, enjoy the music and perhaps take their own first steps onto the floor.
Shildon & District's local community newspaper.
