Olde Tyme Dance Section (fl.1947-1970)

• Old Tyme Dancing Sociey

The Olde Tyme Dance Section was formed at the suggestion of the Ladies' OMA in May 1947 and was jointly run by the two OMAs. Initially the Secretaries of each OMA - Mrs Doreen Small and Mr Fred Lunn - were responsible for practice nights held once a month and the organisation of dances. The dances were run by Mr and Mrs Phillips. Practices increased to twice a month in January 1949. There was a charge of 6d per practice to cover costs. In March 1949 Miss Taylor took over as Social Secretary of the Ladies OMA and took over responsibility from Mrs Small. A Sub-Committee was formed in March 1951, comprising three members from each OMA, to arrange the practices and dances. The funds were held by the Men's OMA Treasurer but were held separately to the main OMA account.

In Feb 1952 a dance was cancelled owing to the death of King George VI. It was discovered at this point that the Men's Sub-Committee had full power over the finances whilst the Women were limited as regards "large" finance (expenditure over £5). The Ladies' OMA would not agree to a Sub-Committee having full power and there is an exchange of correspondence regarding this matter in the Archive.

There is some suggestion that the Men's OMA wish to run separate dances and practices, with only one annual joint dance, but with sharing expenses. This appears to be connected to a proposed rise in ticket prices from 2/d to 2/6d. It is also commented that the Men are unhappy about a ruling by the Ladies' OMA that all meetings pertaining to Polytechnic functions should take place on Polytechnic premises. Seven Sub-Committee meetings were previously held in Ealing for the convenience of Mr and Mrs Phillips who had a young baby. It is also noted that during the past 2-3 years, only 7 members of the OMA, out of a membership of 330, are active dancing members compared to 26 Women out of a membership of 136.

It is unclear exactly what the results were from the apparent falling-out in 1954/1955 as the dances continue to be jointly organised until 1961. Minutes of the Old Time Dance Joint Sub-Committee meeting on 1 May 1961 state that they are disbanding the Section due to lack of support. The Fyvie Hall practice nights and dances are to be discontinued but there will continue to be an annual dance in Portland Hall. In 1970 the Old Time Dance Account is closed. However, accounts from 1984 show that the Men's OMA was holding Olde Tyme Dances, but no further details have yet been established as to when they restarted.