October Newsletter

Dear Members,

Just one word………. WOW !!!!!

What an amazing night we had at The Dilly, celebrating the UKEDC’s belated 15th Anniversary. A big THANK YOU to all the helpers and volunteers for making the evening such a success. Do have a look at the photos and videos on Facebook
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This was our first UKEDC event and, we hope, the first of many.  During the ball we gave awards to Norma Daykin, Peter Meager and George Tzoulas to acknowledge their contribution to equality dancing. We also presented certificates to our honorary members Vernon Kemp, Jacky Logan, Ralf Schiller and the Bishopsgate Institute as a formal recognition of their honorary membership.

As a member of Out for Sport, we can nominate people and organisations for their awards. Nominations can be made here until noon on 7th November. Awards will be presented on 18th November.

The Equality Fun Competition on 1st October lived up to its name – it really was a fun afternoon. I was delighted to be asked to present the prizes and it was great to see some couples competing for the first time. Thanks to Peter Meager for organising, and to everyone who battled train strikes to get there.

On a separate note, I’d like to thank Ian & Linda Saville for including same-sex categories in their Home Counties Championships, the most recent of which was held on 25th September. It is fantastic to have their support and I’m delighted that some of our members competed at the event. I hope to see many more in the future. The Home Counties Championships is one of an increasing number of “mainstream” competitions offering same-sex/equality categories.

In March, the Formation Championships in Blackpool is explicitly welcoming same-sex dancers and in May there is “The Open Worlds”, at the Tower Ballroom which will include same-sex categories for the first time.

As ever, a list of upcoming competitions and social dances is included below – lots of opportunities for everyone!

Finally, we do want to hear what our members have a say and we are looking for members to join the Committee and the Sub Committees. In particular, we’d love to hear from anyone interested in taking on the role of Treasurer.

All the best,

ANSELL
Chair of UKEDC