WESTMORLAND 'cloggies' are celebrating four decades of dancing.
A ceilidh for family and friends was held to celebrate Westmorland Step and Garland Dancers' birthday, with as many past members invited as possible.
The group was formed 40 years ago, member Ann Smith told the Gazette, after a letter was published in this newspaper appealing for anyone who remembered Westmorland step dancing to come forward, before it was forgotten.
Locals in their 70s responded enthusiastically, and recalled learning the steps in their childhood. Members of Kendal Morris Team held a reunion for the dancers and decided to learn the steps to keep the tradition alive, and so Westmorland Step Dancers was formed, adding garland dancing to the repertoire in 1980.
Backed by its own musicians, the team has danced its way from France to Russia, Italy and Kendal’s twin town of Rinteln, Germany; the dancers are even depicted on the twin town mural in Kendal's Elephant Yard.
During the summer, the dancers can be seen busking locally, and over the years have raised £6,500 at events and fundraisers.
New dancers and musicians are welcome to join the group on Monday nights from 8.15pm at Beck Community Centre, Kendal.
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