A fun dance group for elderly people has become the latest victim of Stafford’s new leisure centre after high-heels were made taboo.
The Age Concern run group has had to hurriedly find a new meeting place after being told that it’s members can’t wear them in the room it had been allocated.
“But the ladies can’t dance without them,” says organiser Denis Pallett. Trainers or the like are no good, so we have had to find somewhere else.”
The group has been meeting on Friday afternoons at the old Riverside Centre for 11-years and was all set to resume at Lammascote Road when the shoe ban was revealed.
Fortunately, the Oddfellows Hall, in Greengate Street in the centre of Stafford, came to the rescue and yesterday saw a packed house for the second of its meetings at the new venue.
Mr Pallett added: “The Fun Dance Group is not just about dancing, it is a way of socialising and keeping fit at the same time. It also gives the older people a chance to listen to the music of yesteryear.”
Kath Trask, Age Concern’s chief executive, said they had been under the impression a room would be available for dance and were “disappointed” they had been let down.
She said around 50 people attend each Friday afternoon session. “Many of them come into town shopping in the morning and go to the dance group in the afternoon so the Oddfellows Hall is ideal, although not quite as big.”
Adam Hill, Stafford Council’s head of leisure, stressed that the dance group had not been banned. “It is a special type of multi-activity flooring that does need appropriate footwear, not high heels.”
Mrs Trask said: “The first we knew about it was when we were about to go in. We have talked to the Borough Council and understand it’s position with regard to the floor.
“But the Oddfellows Hall is quite happy having them dancing round in their proper dancing shoes and that will be our permanent home from now on.”
Last year the group celebrated its 10th anniversary at Riverside. “It started off as a fund raising venture but was so successful we just carried on,” added Mrs Trask.
Although primarily for pensioners, younger people are welcomed and the dancing is varied.
The Fun Dance, which still raises funds for Age Concern, will now meet every Friday at the Oddfellows from 2pm to 3.30pm.
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