Dancing for Abbeyfield

For several years now the Pondarosa Line Dancers have offered demonstrations for various charitable organisations. It was during such an event last summer, fellow line dancer Lesley Cooper and I, came up with the idea of a Dance-a-thon in aid of Abbeyfield Haddenham's building project to add on four much wanted ensuite bathrooms.

It has been 30 years since the opening of the Abbeyfield Care Home for the Elderly (Stonehill House) in Churchway, so it seemed appropriate to do a big fund raiser. The day turned out to be more successful than we could have ever imagined and we raised £2,160.50!

The day started with John Bercow kindly opening the event, as he has had a close connection with the Stonehill House for many years. We even succeeded in getting John to line dance!

Along with line dancing in the main hall we had a table top sale in the foyer and refreshments.

In the afternoon we did a line dance demonstration for local care home residents and the elderly of the village, along with some families, which was great fun.

We were joined by the Anuket Belly Dancers from Aylesbury, who did a very colourful demonstration — and we would like to say a big 'thank you' to them for their time.

In the evening we finished off with a line dance social which included a live singer, Peter Barlow. Sue Young provided the dance music. Our raffle consisted of some amazing prizes, all donated by local businesses and friends of Abbeyfield.

Throughout the day the atmosphere was brilliant. Lesley & I would like to say a huge 'thank you' to everyone who helped and took part — you all know who you are, too numerous to name individually!

However a special thank you to Sue Young and Christina Capel, the line dance teachers, and to Helen Mozley for her great support throughout.

Finally, thank you to our sponsors of the event, without which we could not have raised such a fantastic sum of money:

• Haddenham Beer Festival
• Lightfoot Solicitors Thame
• Bourne End Antiques
• Keeley Middleditch
• Co-op Thame & Philip Dennis Food Service (refreshments)

Lindsey McGibbon
Manager, Stonehill House

(Images courtesy of Barbara Valentine — click on any photo to view an enlarged version)