Christmas Tea Dance cancellation sparks disappointment

The regular event has been a huge hit amongst older people across Londonderry since its inception but due to unforeseen circumstances the December Tea Dance can not take place, the Sentinel has learned.

Maydown Community Association Chairman Martin McCartney regularly takes pensioners from the area to the Guildhall for what has become a social highlight for many.

He says the final Tea Dance of the year is often the last chance for old friends to meet up before Christmas and that it will be sorely missed.

"Year-on-year it's been a great success," said Mr McCartney. "I would take people from the area over every month or so

"A few weeks ago I heard the December tea dance had been cancelled. This is a big blow for older people throughout the city, particularly those originally from the Cityside who moved over to the Waterside and look on this as a chance to see their friends."

Mr McCartney said the December dance was particularly popular and this made the sense of disappointment more acute.

"A lot of people view it as their Christmas do. It's quite disappointing," he said.

DUP Alderman Maurice Devenney echoed these sentiments saying the December Tea Dance doubles up as a Christmas do for many older people.

"It's very disappointing. People have been looking forward to this event in the run up to Christmas. I think, if they had even cancelled the January one, it would not have been as disappointing. For many people this is the one Tea Dance they particularly look forward to," he told the Sentinel.

A spokesperson for Derry City Council explained that the Mayor's Tea Dance is held regularly throughout the year in the Guildhall.

Whilst the December event has been cancelled a special dance has been pencilled in for early in the New Year.

The spokesperson said: "The event is organised by the Council in conjunction with Age Concern who provide staff and catering. Unfortunately due to unforeseen circumstances we have been unable to facilitate the December event and as we don't normally hold a tea dance in January, plans are in place for a tea dance early in the New Year on 05 January."