THE sun shone and the tea and conversation flowed as more than 500 people joined Gold’s annual tea dance in Darlington today (Wednesday, August 12).

The free annual event, this year commemorating the 70th anniversary of VE Day, was launched by Darlington Mayor, Councillor Tom Nutt, and his Mayoress, Gill.

 

Cllr Nutt said he had ordered the good weather because it was his birthday and he was presented with gifts and cards by Audrey Lax, the chairwoman of Gold (Growing Older Living in Darlington).

The dancing got underway as soon as the Little Big Band started up, shortly after 11am, and continued throughout the afternoon, people only pausing for their free cream tea and to check out some of the information stalls lining the Market Square, including Healthwatch, Darlington Markets and many more.

Age UK’s Fit As A Fiddle line dancing group gave a demonstration of their skills and kept the crowds entertained on and off during the afternoon.

The free hamper draw was won by Jessica Anderson, of South Shields, who had travelled to Darlington especially for the tea dance. The hamper was donated by JJ Blair and Sons. Other sponsors for the event included Sainsbury’s, Brakes and Bunzl.

Gold chairwoman Audrey Lax said: “It was a wonderful day and we were pleased to see so many people turn out and so many people enjoying it. I am very grateful to all the Gold members who helped to create such a great event and, this year, we want to thank Darlington Citizens Advice because without their funding and support we may not have been running as a group.

“We hope this event will show people what a lovely place Darlington is to be growing older in and we hope that the group and tea dance will continue for many years.”