March 6, 2006, 12:52 a.m. (Message 44497)
I rather liked the rhythm of those dances. In those days it was not, usually, a question of hopping into the car and driving off. Very often there was a walk, a train/bus journey (only 1 bus - if you were lucky!) and another walk even before one started dancing. It also took longer to get ready for the dance what with coats and shoes and sashes and so we got there earlier and had time to start the social chit-chat. There were usually 16 -18 dances in a programme which left rather more time to socialise between dances and the halls closed earlier. I remember having to curtail one programme as we were running a little late and the hall-keeper was exceedingly crotchety. Nowadays people feel short changed if they don't get 22 or 24 dances in their evening. Then they hop in their car and are home before one would have time to catch the train home. I liked that. Mind you, the time I am talking about was about Book 15 -16? :))