Last waltz for Tea Dance group as The Public closes

The fortnightly tea dance at The Public waltzed its way out of the arts centre yesterday ahead of the building's closure tomorrow, after which it will be converted into a sixth form college.

Dancers come from right across the Black Country and Birmingham and even as far as Solihull, many suited and booted. They turned out to take part in one of the region's most popular dance events and their own little piece of history.

In the time since the Tea Dance started at The Public in 2009, friendships have been forged, and one or two relationships have even blossomed.

And at the final event in the building's Longroom yesterday afternoon there were tears, there was laughter, and there was a lot of cake.

It was a bittersweet day for the event's organisers Brian and Penny Williamson, who are sad to be leaving The Public, but glad of the memories they have created.

The couple, from Claverdon Drive in Great Barr, started the dance with just 12 people four years ago, and it has now grown to regular attendances of up to 180 people.

Mr Williamson, aged 71, said: "It is the people themselves that make this event what it is – I just put the music on, but the people keep coming back.

"People come from all over, Wolverhampton, Halesowen, Northfield, and we've had some from Leamington and Stratford. Some people have even paired up since they've been here. The Public itself has also been great, the staff have been very good and looked after us.

"When we heard what was happening we were shattered. When it was first mentioned we couldn't believe it because we don't think the council gave it time to get established with New Square having just opened. "If they had given it five years it would have been in profit."

The couple are now preparing to start the event in its new venue at West Bromwich Town Hall, after Sandwell Council approached them and asked if they would like to move there. Mrs Williamson said she hopes people continue to attend, but is sad to be moving.

She said: "It can not be the same, never. It's been really special here.The floor here is incredible, it's a beautiful floor to dance on, and it's a modern space.

"In West Bromwich properties are older and need a little bit of TLC, but this is modern and clean, and the staff are wonderful here." Betty Armstrong, aged 78 and from Church Lane, West Bromwich, has been going to the event since it started and has made friends who she has been on trips and holidays with.

In a farewell speech to the venue, she said: "They have taken The Public away, but they can't take away our memories".

She added: "They've taken away the happiest days of my life, it's been a pleasure coming here.

The first tea dance at West Bromwich Town Hall will be on December 4.