Horsham Folk Dance Club celebrates 60th birthday

The club was recognised by the English Folk Dance and Song Society on May 10 1954, and celebrated exactly 60 years later with a dance at Broadbridge Heath Village Centre.

The group has had a number of homes over the years and now meet in the barn in the Causeway, Horsham, on the second Saturday of each month from 7.30pm to 10pm.

Treasurer Jean Mitchell said: “We are very pleased to see newcomers and are happy to introduce them to some of the joys of the cultural heritage of England. We all think it is a pleasant and friendly way to get some exercise.

“Our members are a mixed group and the same can be said about our dances, which although they are English folk dances can range from the very simple to the quite complicated.

“It can be quite hilarious while we are trying out dances that are new to us.”

The club’s dancing season runs from September to May, with the next meeting on September 20.

Also celebrating a landmark anniversary was the band playing at the dance, the Maypole Band, who have been established for 50 years.

They also performed at the folk dance club’s 50th anniversary party ten years ago.

Anyone interested in joining the group can contact Jean on 01403 266457.