Filwood dance group seeks new members

By Community Reporter Rianna Newman

Pictures by Grace Previte

A long-established dance group is looking for new members to join them for a weekly “chat, cup of tea and some exercise.”

Filwood Community Dance Club has been thriving for more than 25 years – and its long-term dancers show no signs of slowing down.

Located in the community centre on Filwood Broadway, this Monday dance group is popular with current members – who are looking for new people to boost their numbers.

Vice- Chair and Treasurer Jackie Crook (82) says: “It’s a nice, friendly group, quite relaxed and there’s no pressure to dance – everybody is welcome. Some people come for a good chat and a cup of tea.

“We even try to arrange a roast dinner twice a year and birthdays get celebrated too…”

Chair, Kenny Downes (72) who has come along with wife, Pat, for over 10 years agrees: “You can have a laugh, some company, some exercise – it’s somewhere nice to go.”

Knowle resident Beryl Todd, (90) told the Knowledge she comes “for the atmosphere and friendliness.”

She says: “Even if I couldn’t dance I would come! It’s nice that they try to get people together – one of the worst things about getting old is being alone so often, so this is good so people can integrate with others.”

As well as dancing, the group has both a tea and biscuit break and a raffle. Numbers can change each week, with sometimes 35 people, other times just ten – but the welcome is the same.

The group runs every Monday at Filwood Community Centre from 1.45 – 4.15pm. Anyone who would like to join can simply turn up or ring Jackie on 0117 9721 424.