Women are desperate for men to join their weekly dance classes
A place which owes its claim to fame to the longevity of its residents is now becoming known for its dire shortage of men, at least the light-footed variety.
The movers and shakers who attend weekly tea dances at the Moreton Hall community centre are becoming increasingly desperate for men after its women members began outnumbering their male counterparts by as many as five-to-one.
Some weeks, the women have been forced to partner with other women while the few men that have attended have got used to being shared out among women in the group.
Teresa Marsh, who runs the dances in conjunction with Age Concern, said: “Where have all the men gone? I don’t know if there’s just a shortage of men in Bury in general.”
She added: “You’d think the men would come for the single ladies, but it’s good fun and good exercise as well.
“People find it interesting because they can carry on learning and it’s as much a social group as anything. They’re meeting new people and making new friends and some go for coffee afterwards.”
The tea dances are held every Thursday from 2-4pm and have previously featured ballroom, Latin and salsa dancing, although Ms Marsh, who also runs a dance school in Gislingham, is trained in other dance styles and is happy to include them in the sessions.
The Moreton Hall class has around 20 members, which includes some couples, but the majority are single women aged 60 and over.
Beginners are welcome and instruction is available.
Ms Marsh said: “Don’t be shy, come and join us. Don’t worry if you can’t dance, we’ll teach you.”
John Biggs, who attends with his wife Jane, said: “I do feel obligated to share myself out a bit.”
“It’s a hard job but somebody’s got to do it,” he said.
For more details, or to book a place in next week’s tea dance, call Ms Marsh on 01379 783114 or 07709 565875.
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Weather for Bury St Edmunds
Monday 20 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 9 C to 15 C
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