NCDS News (Iss73):Layout 1 2/12/08 16:24 Page 1

LIST OF BRANCHES LIST OF BRANCHES LIST OF BRANCHES President Denise Robertson (Writer & Broadcaster) NORTH ANGLIA REGION NORTH WEST REGION Further information can be obtained from the Further information can be obtained from the National Secretary Mally Trail Regional Secretary on 01603 852034 Regional Secretary on 0161 652 2649 68 Parkes Hall Road, Dudley, DY1 3SR WEDNESDAY TUESDAY Tel 07041 478120 Email [email protected] Aylsham & Norwich: The Royal British Legion, Aylsham Road, Norwich, Blackpool: Co-op S&S Club, Preston New Road, Blackpool, FY4 4RE NR3 2HF Longsight: Longsight Sports & Social Club, Gorton, Kirkmanshulme Lane, Belle THURSDAY View, Manchester, M12 4NQ Fakenham: Falkland Room, Royal British Legion, Cattle Market St. Fakenham, Warrington: Eagle Sports Club, Thornton Road, Penketh, WA5 2SZ NR21 9AW WEDNESDAY FRIDAY NATIONAL HALLOWEEN St. Helens: Haydock Conservative Club, 3 Bellerophon Way, Haydock St. Helens Toftwood: Conservative Club, Quebec Street, Dereham, NR19 2DJ WA11 OGT EAST ANGLIA REGION Wirral: Ex. Civil Defence Club, Grace Str. New Ferry, CH62 5BB FRIDAY WEEKEND THURSDAY Spalding: Tulip Social Club, Halley Stewert Field, Winfrey Ave, Spalding PE11 1DA Manchester: The Trafford Ex Service Club, Talbot Road, Old Trafford, Manchester REGION Northwich: The Gladstone Club, Station Road, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 5RB Further information can be obtained from the Tameside: The Denton Labour Club, Ashton Road, Denton, M34 3JF BRIDLINGTON SPA More pictures on page 12 & 13 Regional Secretary on 01226 711942 FRIDAY MONDAY Leigh Branch: 1st Friday of each month, Formby Hall, Alder Street, Atherton. (New Venue): The Outpost, 2 Union Street, Road, Barnsley Other Fridays Miners Welfare Inst, Kirby Road, Off Twist Lane, Leigh, WN7 4EF S70 1JJ SATURDAY : The Railwaymens Club, Driver Terrace (Wortley) off Wellington Rd, Leeds, Wigan: St. Wilfreds Parish Hall, Church Str, Standish, Wigan, WN6 OJT. LE12 1EB (Meet 1st 4 Mondays in a month only) SUNDAY : Nellie Denes, Chantry Bridge, S60 1RD Bruche: Alford S&S Club, Manchester Road, Warrington, WA1 3NJ : East Ardsley, General W.M.C, Thorpe Road, East Ardsley, Wakefield LONDON & HOME COUNTIES REGION WF1 4BA Further information can be obtained from the TUESDAY Norton: Norton House, Country Club, Norton Lane, Sheffield, S8 8HD Regional Secretary on 020 8668 9224 Scunthorpe: R.A.O.B. Bottesford Rd, Ashby, Scunthorpe DN16 3HF WEDNESDAY WEDNESDAY Croydon: St Mary’s Church Hall, Wellesley Road, Croydon, CR0 2AR Darton Phoenix: The Travellers, Intake Lane, Pogmore S75 2HU North West London: The Shakespeare Hall, Edgware Constitutional Club, 49/51 Hull: Merchant Navy Club, Ferensway, Hull, HU2 8HY Manor Park Crescent, Edgware, HA8 7LY Sheffield: Farm Road Sports & Social Club, Farm Road, Sheffield, S2 2TP CHANNEL ISLANDS THURSDAY St. Helier Jersey: The Town House, 57 Vuf Street, St. Helier, Jersey, JE 3RA : The Catholic Club, Waterdale, Doncaster, DN1 3DY NON-REGIONAL BRANCHES : Miners Welfare, Athletic Club, New Oxford Rd, Mexborough, S64 0JL Further information can be obtained from the regional liason officer on 01159 MERCIA REGION 306593 Will you marry me, I’ll do the washing up if you do Christopher Lee’s understudy for the next film Further information can be obtained from the TUESDAY on Drac Issue No 73 Regional Secretary on 0121 357 1312 Aireborough: Yeadon Constitutional Club, Chapel Hill, Yeadon, Leeds LS19 7RG MONDAY Coventry: The Railway Private Members Club, 91 Spon End, Coventry CV1 3HF Northfield: Rover Social Club, Longbridge Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham, B31 2SF Sutton Coldfield: St Thomas Social Club, Station Road, Erdington, Birmingham, TUESDAY B23 6JL Sandwell: The Oak Dale Social Club, Oak Lane, West Bromich, B70 8PR Wolverhampton: The Windsor Club, Cannock Road, Corner of Woden Road, Dudley: Tel 0121 5310383 for details Wolverhampton, WV10 7JP WEDNESDAY Lowestoft: Blue Notes, Claremont Pier, Lowestoft, NR33 0BS Great Barr: Contact 01213 571312 for information. Merthyr Tydfil: (2nd & 4th Tuesdays of each month) Cefn Coed Workmens Club, Lye: British Legion, School Drive, Amblecote, Stourbridge, DY8 4DQ Pontycapel Road, Cefn Coed, Merthyr Tydfil. Redditch: The Duck Pond, Pheasant Lane, Oakenshaw, Redditch, WEDNESDAY Worcestershire, B98 7YH Belfast: 8/10 Dundela Avenue, Belfast. THURSDAY Leicester: O’Neill’s, 18 Loseby Lane, Leicester, LE1 5DR National Tamworth: Progressive Club, Halford Street, Tamworth. B79 7RD THURSDAY Bromsgrove: The Crown Pub, Stoer Bridge Road. Catshill, Bromsgrove B61 9LE Fareham: Hill Park Working Mens Club, Highlands Road, Fareham, PO13 0AS Halloween Willenhall: Shepwell Green Social Club, Bilston Lane, Willenhall, WV13 2QF FRIDAY Weekend SUNDAY Tunbridge Wells: Majori, Finzi Room, Hildenborough Village Hall, Riding Lane, Yardley: Ivy Leaf, 2296 Coventry Road, Sheldon, Birmingham B26 3JR. Hildenborough, Kent, TN11 9HY See Page 12 & 13 SUNDAY MIDLAND REGION Preston: School Lane Working Men’s Club, St. Aidan’s Rd, Bamber Bridge, PR5 Further information can be obtained on Telephone 07041 478120. 6GD Honoured guests joining in the fun Vicky making friends with the Deputy MONDAY Loughborough: Garendon Social Club, Thorpe Hill, Loughborough, LE11 4SQ NORTH EAST Worksop Oakdale: The Stanley Street Sports & Social Club, Stanley Street, Further information can be obtained on Telephone 07768 137664 Worksop S81 7HX MONDAY TUESDAY Heworth: The Swan, Sunderland Road, Heworth, Gateshead, NE10 0NT Nottingham Locksley: Basford Hall, Miners Welfare, 55 Goldcrest Road, Cinderhill, Nottingham, NG6 8PT Staveley Tuesday: Staveley Miners Welfare, Staveley, Nr Chesterfield. Willenhall WEDNESDAY PLEASE NOTE CHANGE OF VENUES: Derby Mosaic: The Moon, Station Road, Spondon, Derby Barnsley, Staveley Genesis, Redditch, Heworth and Branch Lincoln Pheonix: The Naval Club, Coulson Road, Lincoln, LN6 7BG Aireborough THURSDAY See Page 4 South Notts: Federation House, Claremont Road, Nottingham, NG5 1BB Branch details were correct as notified when Halfway ‘Crystal Phoenix’: The Three Cranes, Queen Street, Sheffield published. Please inform Mally Trail, the National Charnwood Phoenix: The Brush Social Club, Fennel Street, Loughborough, LE11 1UQ Staveley Genesis: The Railway Club, 34 Station Road, Hollingwood, Secretary, of any changes on 07041 478120 Chesterfield, S43 2HP FRIDAY Mansfield ‘Band of Gold’: Lakeside Leisure, Pleasley, Mansfield, Notts. SUNDAY Designed and produced by Tel 01472 851091 PLUS LOTS Lady Jane Grey: The Linford, Main Street, New town, Linford, Leicester, LE6 0AD The Deputy Chairman (Chris) Cliff (Trust Chair) The impressive dome at Bridlington Spa MORE Remember - We reserve the right to shorten or edit any articles but will endeavour to put in as much information as possible. and ‘J.R’ (Y.Region Chair) Disclaimer - The views expressed in this Newsletter are entirely those of the contributors and not necessarily those of the N.C.D.S. INSIDE NCDS News (Iss73):Layout 1 2/12/08 16:24 Page 3

Chair’s Message. Hello Again! As this is the last Newsletter Here we are again, just about at the LEIGH BRANCH before Christmas, I would end of another year. Where does like to remind everyone that the time go? Another National this is the Season of Peace & On the 10th October, we held a Charity Dance in aid of “Steps”, which is a charity that helps support Goodwill to all. Weekend over, which was held at Bridlington, children with lower limb conditions. During the last 10 months various raffles, sales of novelties and At this time of year we should all reach out to organised by the Yorkshire Region, which turned a Charity Dance raised monies. The photograph shows our Chairman roger Skinner and the those less fortunate than ourselves; we are all out to be a really excellent weekend. Even the Committee presenting a cheque for £1350 to Ros Shelton the Information and Policy Offer ‘for Members of NCDS P hoenix because we have endured weather was good to us. I must say, the Spa Steps’. The Leigh Committee would like to say a sincere thank you to all NCDS members for their some personal tragedy in the past. There are many complex, where all was held, is certainly a brilliant generous support. people that are currently going through they’re own and lovely venue and the help and friendliness of Hotpot, mushy peas and red cabbage were on the menu at our Halloween Ball on the 31st October, tragedies and, sadly, in the New Year there will be all the staff was excellent. All who were not there which was attended by over 150 people. Photos show some of our members in fancy dress. Barry many more as the Festive Season takes its toll on relationships. T hey all need our help. certainly missed a good weekend. was spooky as the grim reaper, Keith a scary devil, and I think Dolores cast a spell on Freda who was caught in a spider’s web. As an Organisation we have a great deal to offer. Our Well, my friends, once again I thank you for all your Branch social nights help people make new friends & support and all the information you have sent me in Best wishes from all at the Leigh Branch. regain their shattered confidence and the various the past year. (Please keep it coming). As this is special nights, Regional Dances & the National the last newsletter this year, I wish you all a Merry Gloria Entwistle weekends away all help new Members make new friends. For some, the weekends away are the only Christmas and Happy New Year and look forward to holiday they get, so I am quite pleased that the two seeing you in Blackpool at the A.G.M. this year were so successful. All the very best to you all. John Rush Chris Matthews, Deputy Leader of East Riding of (News editor) the Yorkshire Council, & his wife, our Guests of Honour at the Saturday dance in Bridlington, made 26 Hillary Road • Ashby • Scunthorpe DN16 3DT some very positive comments about the fun that Tel/Fax 01724 276258 • Mobile 07790 860879 everyone was having & therefore, the great effect that an Organisation such as ours must have. Visit our Website www.ncds.org.uk I really must congratulate everyone who joined in with Presentation of cheque regarding charity steps. Dolores cast a spell on Freida who is caught in spiders web the Halloween theme at the Bridlington dance. I have On behalf of Yorkshire Region, I would like to say and never before seen so many people in such imaginative give a sincere thank you to all those people who costumes! Well Done everyone! T hank you to supported the Bridlington weekend, to make it a Yorkshire Region for organising such a great weekend! great success. Also our thanks to East Riding Next year will see us in Blackpool for the AGM & I Council for their help and support and the dignitaries look forward to seeing all of you there. who attended. Meanwhile, I’d like to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! Once again many thanks Yours in Friendship Yorkshire Region Chairman Martin Benson - National Chair John Rush

Just sitting here now, writing this report, there are adverts for Christmas on the TV to remind us of the sharing and giving and the Hello everyone! family, friends and loved ones that we will share this festive Barry as the grim reaper Keith a scary devil season with. Unfortunately not everyone will be able to share this Christmas with anyone, a thought for members, Branches, Regions and National; we all need to remember to reach out to that person who might one day need our help. Let’s also not forget the friends that we have made with the help of all A message from our President, Denise As we go into 2009 the public mood is not an the Branches around the country, lets keep our friendship going and growing. We are all one family, there to support optimistic one. That makes it all the more important that good influences are brought to and help each other. Let’s not forget why we first came into NCDS, and why we are still here. bear on our national life. I consider NCDS to be a great force for good and it gladdens my A very big thank you to all branches for their help and support over the last year in keeping me updated with all heart that, at a difficult time for the people of this country, NCDS is in such good shape. contacts, and thank you for the invites to Branch and Regional dances. There is a new energy in the group and green shoots appearing here and there. Let's all To Yorkshire Region who organised our October weekend in Bridlington, what a fantastic weekend which was enjoyed work together to help the thousands of people who not only have to cope with a recession by all. A very big thank you to all, for all the hard work that was put in to make it enjoyable for all. but with the heartbreak of broken relationships. I wish you all a Happy Christmas and a New Year in which at least a few of your dreams come true. As this is the last Newsletter before Christmas I would like to wish you all a 2 Happy Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. Yours in friendship Mally Trail - National Secretary Denise 3 NCDS News (Iss73):Layout 1 2/12/08 16:24 Page 5

WILLENHALL NCDS SCUNTHORPE BRANCH LEIGH BRANCH

Willenhall NCDS celebrated their 25th Birthday Some Scunny members enjoying a day out at On the 4th July we held an American As you can see from the photo, our St. with a dance at the Kingfisher Country Club on Skegness. Independence Day Dance and provided a George’s Day Dance on the 25th April 2008 Saturday 30th August. There was a disco and ‘Jacket’ potato supper for everyone. The photo was well attended. To celebrate the occasion, entertainment by singer Paul David. A raffle was shows a group of our regular members enjoying a surprise supper was provided, which went held and also a Tombola which raised £110 for the evening. down very well! (No pun intended). the NCDS Trust. Everyone had a good time and Many congratulations to two of our members, Below is a photograph of a group of our present where Martin Benson, Mally Trail, Dave Cynthia and Alf Yates, who were married on the 5th members at the opening on the 26th April Hamilton, Mick Lodge and Tony Buckley. July. Wishing you both a lifetime of happiness 2008, of the Leigh Branch Crown Green together. Bowling season. Who’s going to win the cup I am enclosing a photo showing some of the 150 this year? people who enjoyed a Hawaiian night (including A good night was had by all who attended our refreshments) on the 1st August and also a photo Masked Ball on the 23rd May. ‘We wouldn’t of two members of the Committee who dressed to have recognised you Ann’. suit the occasion. Kindest regards Kindest regards NORTHWICH BRANCH Gloria Entwistle Tombola prizes. Gloria Entwistle Publicity Officer 17 of us took on the I.O.W. from 25th to 31st Publicity Officer August 08. The weather was kind to us all week – no rain – but the best day was Saturday, when the photograph was taken. There was a street carnival on the Wednesday, with some wonderful tableaux and marching bands.

We visited Osborne House and Causbrooke Castle among other places. Pauline, Margaret Martin and Mally (early in the evening!!) and myself saw two red squirrels in different places. The coach driver was gutted – he’s been going there for seven years and never seen one!

We danced every night and had some of the other guests up to dance too. A good time was had by all.

Yours sincerely

Willenhall members on Phyllis C Dingle the dance floor. Singer, Paul David. You were lucky to see the reds. They are becoming rare. “JR”

Willenhall members enjoying a well earned rest

Congratulations on your 25th “JR” On the beach at Sandown I.O.W. 4 5 NCDS News (Iss73):Layout 1 2/12/08 16:24 Page 7

LEIGH BRANCH HAVE A GO WITH THE FUN PAGE! Our final Crown Green Bowling match of the season took place on the 6th September. The CROSSWORD No. 4 BEST CAPTION photograph shows the winners, Ellen and Vic, each with a trophy presented by Jim, the Leigh £10 PRIZE TO BE WON! £10 PRIZE TO BE WON! Branch Treasurer and bowling organiser. Well Entries to be in by end of December done to both of them. We are looking for the most appropriate caption for Kindest regards our the photo below Gloria Entwistle Publicity Officer ENTRIES TO BE IN BY END OF DECEMBER 2008

MIDLAND REGION LEEDS BRANCH At the Leeds Summer Dance a fancy dress parade was held. In the photo below some of the contestants.

PREVIOUS CAPTION WINNER Geoff Tyas, Midland Region President, presenting the President’s Trophy to the Lincoln Branch, who won a Ten Pin Bowling match against the Loughborough Branch. A good night was had by all. SHEFFIELD BRANCH

Two members, Giavani and Olivia Estafano, were married in August 2008.

BONAFIDE KELP E I R U V R ADELAID E AIDA U C N A D C No. 3 ENCHANTMENT WINNER A I W R N I BUN SHAKO TIC No. 3 S U C R C E TI MEANDTIDE - Staveley Genesis Phoenix R E N T M E SHEELAGH BRIAN, This photo is of Jack, ex-Chair, of Lincoln and Jean. Only AWRY TALISMAN the photo can tell you what is going off on the Midland WORKSOP OAKDALE PHOENIX. C A W E E I CROSSWORD Region Fun Night Dance. “Who said this would make my hair grow”

Congratulations to you both from me. “JR” TALC CLOSETED Alan Brooks ANSWERS 6 . 7 NCDS News (Iss73):Layout 1 2/12/08 16:24 Page 9

DARTON V. MEXBOROUGH WARRINGTON BRANCH

Darton and Mexborough held another challenge Some more news from Warrington Branch. bowling match which was won by the usual winners. Eagle Sports Venue. No further comment; I don’t want them to get big Our Charity Night raised £650 for CHRISTIES headed. “J R ” HOSPITAL NEW CHEMOTHERAPY DEPARTMENT. We took some of our members on a day out to LYE BRANCH York on Saturday 6th July. Although the weather was a bit disappointing, it didn’t spoil Brian and Alison “Smith” were married at Tipton anything as there is so much to do in York. Methodist Church on 23rd August 2008. HULL REGION This photo to the right is the happy travellers return, tired but, as you can see, happy. We were not sure whether to leave our Chairman, Peter, in the “condemned cell”, in the Castle Museum – but he sneaked out.

Best wishes, Margaret Hall P.S. The little man at the front of the photo is not really a midget, but Dave Griffiths, one of our Committee, bending down next to the only Secretary of Lye - Carol - “The oldest Bridesmaid ever” Members of the Hull Branch who were the winners of the child on our trip. Len Cowan Quiz Trophy at Yorkshire Region Summer Dance.

Next year we are putting a handicap on them as they keep on winning. You certainly look a happy and contented crowd from Warrington, although the one behind bars looks a little glum. “ YARDLEY BRANCH “J R ” JR” Yardley NCDS members on holiday, Benidorm DERBY MOSAIC BRANCH BARNSLEY BRANCH

Two photographs of the Committee and members 40th Birthday Dance of Derby Mosaic Club. The event was the Ilkeston Hospital Garden Fete, on 2nd August. It was a Val Taylor (Y/Region Vice Chair) and Bossy Boots, very successful day, the weather was gorgeous Val Bailey (Y/Region Seceretary). and we managed to swell our funds. We hope to You can see who’s boss. do this again in the near future.

Also, some of the Scunthorpe members taking part in the Yours sincerely Looks like plenty of suntan and singing there. “J R ” evening. Joyce Mayall Secretary DARTON BRANCH

Darton Branch held their halloween on their branch night.

8 9 NCDS News (Iss73):Layout 1 2/12/08 16:24 Page 11

DONATIONS TO TRUST HOW THE TRUST CAN Dear Mrs Parnell-Raw,

Three donations were made to Cliff Glover, HELP WITH AWARDS Well, I just wanted to send you a final Life in general was getting me down Chairman of the Trust, on behalf of the following:- thank you for the donation you sent for The Trust gives donations to divorced and There seemed nothing to do, but to sigh and frown Ms...... washing machine! separated people who are in financial need. Does anybody care, in the World out there? T here is a very reputable local Appliance Obviously, we cannot guarantee to respond Is life passing me by was my constant cry. favourably to all requests for AWARDS. The Trust Reuse Centre which sells things like committee has to be sure that the circumstances But fate dealt me a helping hand second hand washing machines, which they are genuine and that there is real hardship, and in the name of John and his merry band. check, fix, guarantee and then install. And there has to be sufficient money available in the As I unfold my tale of woe for people on benefits, they are very Trust Fund. The Trust committee will seriously There wasn’t cries of No, please No. reasonably priced. Ms...... Malcolm Gray, for a collection at Scunthorpe. consider all requests, which come from NCDS contributed £30 and so, with your donation, Yours Truly, on behalf of Yorkshire Region Summer Only kindness and help and a listening ear Dance, and Frank Latham on behalf of Lye Branch. branches concerning any of their members. The A comforting word if they spotted a tear they were able to get a very good machine These were presented at a recent N.E.C. meeting. request must be signed by the Chairman and I knew then that they all understood which has made such a difference to them. Secretary of the branch and must give as much It made me strong and that feltil Igood joined the NCDS I think the piles of washing were all background information as possible, about the I never knew such happiness unt getting a bit overwhelming, so it was great individual and his or her circumstances. This that they were able to get something information is extremely important as, without it, an almost immediately! AWARD maybe delayed or even refused. So thank you for your generosity towards All information received is treated as strictly Don’t let anyone tell you they know how you feel this family; they really appreciated it. confidential – the trust does not advertise details of AWARDS given. However, ask around and you will When your marriage is over and dead. Yours sincerely find a number of branches who have members, They mean well, I Suppose, but nobody knows Helen Carter Cliff handing cheques over to George Trust, Treasurer. What goes on in your heart and your head? which the Trust has been able to help. Development Worker All requests for AWARDS are to be sent to the Trust But join the NCDS then you won’t feel a freak, Young Carers Support Project Office, NCDS Trust, PO Box 6, Kingswinford, West WHAT DOES THIS MEAN For you’re one among others who’ve known Midlands DY6 8YS TO THE TRUST Why you’ve cried, why you’ve ached, or even been glad, This year the Trust has made 29 AWARDS to the When you’re single again and alone. total of £1459.00. Well, all the proceeds from the Friday nigh Trust dance, tombola, raffle and potty collection, as well There you need not pretend your life hasn’t changed. as the admission charges for the Friday evening. CONGRATULATIONS TO For we’ve all got similar tales to tell. Will go towards providing much needed funding to Of disastrous marriages, dreams shattered and gone, Dear all at the NCDS Trust, YORKSHIRE REGION to enable this your very own charity. Yes, this is you Charity!! We’ve all been through our personal hell. 0 Thank you for your letter THE NCDS TRUST. What a wonderful weekend we had, the weather and award of £4 The Trust helps people like you, who for various was perfect, the accommodation was even But at NCDS we’re not there to look back, me to purchase size 13 trainers. It is reasons, find themselves in financial difficulties in better. The venue was out of this world and the But forward with new friends and new hope. very kind of you and much appreciated. the present climate with the credit crunch. We are organisation and the company could not have To believe there’s a future, that all is not lost, receiving more and more requests for awards. been improved on (well-done JR and Co). That you’re on the way up, and you’ll cope. Once I receive the trainers and invoice, I will send you a picture and The proceeds from this weekend will enable us to The Trust dance on Friday was very well invoice to yourselves and will let you provide awards to some members in need. On supported by members form Yorkshire, We’ve made the first move, we’ve come out on our own, know how my gym course goes with behalf of those members and the Trust may I say Midland, Anglia and Mercia regions. This And it’s not been bad as we thought it would be, them – hopefully much improved. thanks for your ongoing generosity. support was reflected in the takings on the We begin to unwind, relax, feel at ease, raffle and tombola. The Trust potty collection Once again, thank you for taking time Once again thank you for your support. I hope It’s a pleasant change from watching TV both on Friday and Saturday proved to be a to consider my application and for you all have a GREAT Christmas and a very winner also, bring in an amazing £180.00. making an award. It is very much Happy New Year, hope to see you all at the AGM So, are you sad, feel alone, or out on a limb! appreciated. in Blackpool. May I extend my grateful thanks and that of my If to these questions you still answer “Yes” Yours in friendship Trust Committee, to all of you who donated to Get up off your backside, think positive again With best wishes, the charity. Cliff Clover And come and join us at NCDS. Yours sincerely Cliff Clover 10 James 11 NCDS News (Iss73):Layout 1 2/12/08 16:24 Page 13

Presentation to the winning lady Honoured Guest with winning lady Now this is what the N.C.D.S is all about The ladies get together Jean, Mally & the Lady Consory

Dave our D.J chatting up Val out region secretary but bill is Parading around the dance floor The two Vals waiting for the on slaught You cannot beat having two handsome door men to welcome eveyone keeping his eye on them

Don’t tell the boss we are having a ten minute break There is no slipping in with these to bouncers on the door Annie and Betty waiting for the raffle ticket stampede Mike and Cliff with the trust collection pottie

12 NATIONAL HALLOWEEN WEEKEND Some of the contestants on Parade 13 NCDS News (Iss73):Layout 1 2/12/08 16:24 Page 15

MERCIA REGION MEXBOROUGH BRANCH DANCES MIDLAND REGION DANCE DATES

Three smilers from Mexborough celebrated their December 6th Suttons Birthday Dance JANUARY birthdays recently with all the members of the 3rd December 18th Willenhall Xmas Party – Branch. Left to right are Joyce, Geoff and Rose. 10th Mansfield Band of Gold Newstead L/E Disco/Buffet The second photo is of the cake. 17th Midland Region Fundraiser Newstead December 20th Tamworth Xmas Party – 24th Worksop Oakdale Newstead L/E 31st Staveley Genesis Venue to be confirmed L/E Rose Ravenscroft Disco/Buffet Secretary to Mexborough Branch NCDS December 22nd Northfield Xmas Party – Fancy Dress/Disco FEBRUARY December 23rd Sandwell Xmas Party - 1st (Sun) Midland AGM & Quarterly (11am) Underwood Miners L/E Disco/Buffet Welfare 7th Loughborough PhoenixNewstead L/E December 23rd Wolverhampton Xmas Party – 14th South Notts Valentine’s Dance Newstead P Disco/Buffet 28th Presidents Newstead December 24th Lye Christmas Eve January 3rd 2009 Lye New Year Dance – MARCH Group and Disco 14th Worksop Oakdale Newstead P 21st Nottingham Locksley Basford Hall Miners Welfare L/E January 10th Mercia Region New Year Dance, 28th Staveley Genesis Venue to be confirmed A Longbridge Social Club Group Brother 2 Brother and Disco APRIL 4th Midland Region Support Officers Newstead L/E February 14th Lye Valentines Dance- 11th Charnwood Group and Disco 18th National AGM Blackpool April 17th National AGM Weekend 25th Derby Mosaic Newstead P Blackpool Winter Gardens 26th (Sun) Mid Quarterly 12 noon Newstead Dance Friday and Saturday night Here’s a photo of our original treasurer Beverely AGM getting hitched to Jason on 10th May this year. 18th April AGM Winter Gardens, Jason became a memeber of Mexborough Branch when his marriage failed and he was 19th April Inter Regional, Winter Gardens separated legally from his wife. He is still our disc WISHING jockey and he will be playing the music at our YORKSHIRE REGION next dance. YOU ALL Rose Ravenscroft DANCE DATES 2009 Secretary to Mexborough Branch NCDS JANUARY 3rd January Yorkshire Region New Year Dance A VERY 24th January Darton Annual FEBRUARY 14th February Yorkshire Region MERRY CHRISTMAS Valentine MARCH 21st March Rotherham Sheffield & APRIL 4th April Barnsley Annual 17th, 18th & 19th National AGM A HAPPY NEW YEAR! Weekend, Blackpool

25th April Hull Annual 14 MAY 9th May Leeds 15