Dancers try routines blindfolded in aid of guide dogs charity

MORE than 50 people attended a tea dance at Henley town hall in aid of the Guide Dogs for the Blind Association.

Guests danced a variety of styles including the waltz, Latin, jive and ballroom dances on Sunday afternoon and enjoyed tea and cake made by volunteers from the charity.

The event was organised by Shirley Thomson, from Benson, who is a co-ordinator for the South Oxfordshire Guide Dogs for the Blind group which was supported by the Henley Rotary Club. It had been postponed after it was due to be held in February but issues with the town hall’s heating meant it was unable to take place.

Kay Matthews, who teaches line dancing at Phyllis Court in Marlow Road, led a variety of routines for guests to follow.

Angus Beckley from the Ascot Keyboard Music Club played music on the town hall’s organ.

Annette Hornsby, who is blind, then led a dance with Stephen Anderson to The Puppy Song by David Cassidy, who surprised guests by dressing in a dog costume. Mrs Thomson then invited couples to guide each other while one of them wore a blindfold during a dance.

She said: “This was my brainwave. I asked lots of people what they thought and I thought we would give it a try. My husband Peter has been a member of the Rotary club for a number of years and they are supporting the event by paying the cost of the hall.”

The event raised more than £500. Mrs Thomson said supporting the training for guide dog puppies was important. She said: “It costs £58,000 from birth to retirement for a guide dog.

“All of that comes from fundraising. Guide dogs change people’s lives and it gives them their independence. Whether they are a mum or a student going to college, it allows them to get out and about.”

Raquel Sung, who had travelled from Benson, with her husband Rob, attends Miles School of Dancing in Market Place every week.

She said: “There is a real sense of community. The whole point of going to lessons is to be able to do something like this and enjoy it and enjoy what you learn.”

Cynthia Carpenter, who lives in Henley, is also a member of Miles School of Dancing. She said: “It feels good to be contributing to a good cause.

“It gives us the opportunity to dance and socialise to lovely music and you get exercise at the same time.”

Mr Thomson, of Henley Rotary Club, said: “It’s always better to do something and not just put money into a pot.”