Dancing for Neilston Development

Added on 30 September 2022

Fun, Fitness, Friendship AND Food!!

  Yes, that was what was on offer as a group of   Glasgow Branch dancers visited Neilston Development Trust on Wednesday 21^st September First, we had a quick rehearsal of some popular dances, guided by Debbie McAlees and accompanied by Billy Gray. The Trust holds a weekly “You, Me and a Cup of tea” activity for local elderly ladies, when they have the opportunity to gather for a home cooked meal before the afternoon`s entertainment. Thanks to the Trust for including us in this lunch, where dancers and ladies could swap stories and share past and present experiences. Many of the ladies had previously attended local Scottish Country Dancing classes, so they were especially looking forward to seeing the performance. The programme of six dances began with “Good Hearted Glasgow”, progressing through “The Raven`s Dance”, “City of Belfast”, “Irish Rover”, “Shiftin Bobbins” and finally finishing with Mairi’s Wedding. The Trust even provided everyone with some home baking to take home instead of wedding cake!!

We were delighted to receive a request for some of the ladies to participate, so “The Virginia Reel” was completed, at a slightly slower pace, with much hilarity. It was wonderful that our visit was the source of so much enjoyment and excitement, both from the dancers and the audience. We have been invited to repeat the activity early in 2023. We can`t wait!

My thanks go to Jan, Chief Executive of NDT, and to Billy, Debbie, Anne, Sheena, Ina, Douglas, Liz and Ken.

Susan Ewington      Outreach Convenor.