On 6th October 2007, we had the great pleasure of hosting the latest National Wheelchair Dance Fun Day here in Downend Day Centre, Bristol! Joined by dancers from across the country for a day of social dancing, it was also an occasion for catching up with old friends (and rivals!).

The festivities kicked off at 10.30am, with plenty of dancing to cram in before lunch intervened at about 12.30. A HUGE thank-you goes to the catering team who volunteered to make our sandwiches, cakes, tea and coffee - it all went down very well!

After the break (and proving it's not ALL hard work), we indulged in the traditional Fun Day raffle, which was as popular as ever with some great prizes; thanks to those who made this possible by their generous donations. And, although Halloween isn't until the end of the month, we couldn't resist holding a Scary Masks contest, with prizes and kudos going to the winners!

As usual in our demonstrations, there was ample opportunity for audience participation, with the able-bodied spectators encouraged to join in PHAB dances (that's Physically Handicapped and Able-Bodied - meaning a combination of Seats and Feets!). The exhausting day of dancing ended at 4pm.

Our appreciation goes out to those dedicated dancers who travelled from far afield Cornwall and Southampton to join us. As our own Tina Thackary put it, "It was a really successful day, enjoyed by everyone who took part.  It was great to see so many people who came to support us and make the day so enjoyable". We were also able to secure a comment from the Cornish Choughs' head honcho, Margaret Oliver, who offered a hint at future events: "We all thoroughly enjoyed the Fun Day and look forward to the next, perhaps in Cornwall?"

We'll see you there, Margaret.

The closing review goes to Concordes chairperson, Julia Hall: "It was great to see so many old and new friends at the Fun Day.  As well as the Choughs from Cornwall, coming all the way from Southampton were the Solent Wheelers and from Taunton were High Spirits.  High Spirits are a 3-piece line dancing group.  Rita Sandford of High Spirits was originally a member of Concordes, and it was great to see her again.  Retired members of Concordes, Paula Boon and Mark Jewell, also came along.  It was great to be able to get so many people in one room dancing and having fun!"

For lots more photos of the day, why not take a look at our ever-expanding gallery?

Click here to return to our home page.