It all started in a small way, a music tape made by Ken Stannard who was then the Caller of 6T6 S.D.C, was sent to Dorothy Crisp - the Welfare Officer at the Star and Garter Home. She then contacted the club and it was agreed that we went to the home to entertain the Residents. Members of several other Clubs in the local area heard about this and came to swell the numbers. There were four squares in all, from 6T6, Cranford squares, 6T8 and Chain 8’s. plus two callers - Ken Stannard and David Crowhurst. Not only did we dance for them we danced with them, the men pushing the wheelchairs with the ladies beside them. It was a great success and we were asked to go back again.
Then Eric Connelly - a member of Chain 8’s S.D.C. suggested a Saturday Night Dance to raise funds for the welfare of the residents. Eric put the wheels in motion securing the Grand hall for the event, printing tickets and advertising. The word spread so fast that 100 tickets were soon sold . Clubs from far and wide wanted to come and give their support. The staff at the Home were to provide the food. Eric persuaded four callers - Ken Stannard, Alan Covacic, Denis Thompson, and Allan Lilly - to give their services free and so in January 1994 the first big Dance took place. As so many people donated raffle prizes, it had to be drawn in relays. Everyone was so generous and the money rolled in. The dancing was excellent and the atmosphere fantastic. Quite a number of the Residents in their wheelchairs and Staff came to watch and were amazed at the atmosphere and colorful dresses. The food was superb and everyone enjoyed themselves. At the end of the evening our Chairman John was able to present Dorothy Crisp with a bowlful of cash amounting to about £1,000. Dorothy was quite overwhelmed and thanked everyone for coming and being so generous, she said that the money would be used to take some of the Residents and helpers to the Edinburgh Tattoo.
