After a difficult year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the group decided to wind down operations as organisers faced health and aging challenges.
The Old Time Dance Group was formed around 1988 at the former Corowa Bowling Club. It was relocated to the Corowa Golf Club in 1990, and then the Odd Fellows Hall in 2017.
Of the foundation committee members, only Sue and John Curtis and Brian and Margery Davies were still participating.
During those 30 years of dancing, mainly at the Golf Club, some 1146 Friday night dances were held together with 25 Spring and Autumn Balls and another 10 special band nights.
All this involved 33 bands and musical sources including the Howie Bros, The Silhouettes, Tarrigal, Bak 2 Bak, Delaneys and Bruce Horsborough. Other local favourites included J & M Hughes, Ian Stewart, Russell Leskie and Thelma Reid.
These dances brought regular participants from Albury/Wodonga, Wangaratta, Benalla, Yarrawonga, Chiltern and Rutherglen and surrounds. Ironically out of town support far exceeded that from local Corowa residents.
“It is with a sad heart and disappointment that the decision to wind up was taken, however it is anticipated that other groups such as the Festival of Dance Committee may reinstall these dances on a modified basis in the very near future,” committee member Brian Davies said.
“Many lasting friendships were created over this time. This together with the fact that 30 years of dancing, every Friday night, only a few exceptions, has to be some sort of record and leaves the retiring committee very satisfied with their achievements.”
A dinner attended by over 50 dancers, was convened at the Golf Club recently by the retiring committee to formally announce the decision and thank all dancers for their support over the past 30 years.
Aged Care Facilities and Cancer Centres in Albury/Wodonga, Corowa, Rutherglen, and Yarrawonga will be the beneficiaries of the residual funds.
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