New term starts for lessons with Newark Scottish County Dance Society in Newark and Bingham
Dancing is back under way for a new season at a club that has been providing exercise and entertainment for more than half a century.
Newark Scottish Country Dance Society runs weekly classes in Newark and Bingham.
The club was founded in 1971 by the late Pat George and is now run by friends Pat Harland and Sally Stewart.
They say the club brings people together while exercising and stimulating the brain through some fun activities.
“These days, now that I have retired and my family are in far flung places, dancing keeps me active and engaged,” said Pat, who has been Scottish dancing since the Eighties.
“The challenge of learning new dances is better than any daily Wordle.
“Scottish dancing has been an important part of my life for over 35 years and I hope to keep going for a few years yet.”
The group offers support to the community by dancing at village fairs, care homes and schools.
But it also offers eight-week beginners’ courses — all you need are comfortable shoes.
Monday classes run from 2pm to 3.45pm in the Methodist Centre, Bingham, except for the second Monday of the month when they meet at the Thomas Cranmer Centre, Aslockton.
Tuesday evening classes take place at the Bridge Community Centre on Lincoln Road, Newark, and are split into two parts.
First, there is teaching for beginners and simple dancing. Then, after a break, is social dancing for the remainder of the evening, when the beginners are welcome to watch.
Sessions start at 7.30pm and finish around 9.45pm.
In addition, the club organises three dances a year, including a Christmas ball at Newark Town Hall.
Last year, the club raised more than £1,500 for charity through two events for St Andrew’s Day and Burns Night.
It also raised money to support Ukrainian refugees by learning and dancing to Blue Sky. Yellow Sun.