Last waltz for Rasen dance club

Many members and visitors went along to the event, where organist Philip Randles was welcomed back to provide the music.

“It is very much mixed emotions - very sad the group is closing, but pleased to see everyone enjoying themselves” said Joan Franklin, who has been secretary of the group for the past 13 years.

Joan, pictured centre above, was presented with some flowers by her fellow committee members on the night.

“We always take a break for the summer and so I don’t think it will be until next autumn when we should be starting up again the closure will really hit us,” added committee member Ann Daff.

“The evenings have music, exercise and provide a chance to socialise - the benefits are multivarious. It is very sad we are closing.”

The group has been holding weekly dance sessions through the winter months and monthly live music dances since 1981.

At its it had around 100 members, now with numbers dropping to 35 - and some events only attracting 16 people - the club has become unsustainable.

“Even ‘Strictly’ hasn’t given us a boost this year,” said club chairman Keith Franklin.

“It’s not just us, though, a lot of clubs are having the same problem.”