80-year-old teacher hangs up her dancing shoes

1. Gloria retires after 50 years of dancing 

Gloria Mannion is known to hundreds of girls and boys as the person behind the Rochelle School of Dancing and the Rochelle Stage School.

Now aged 80, Gloria has decided to hang up her dancing shoes. She first started the Rochelle School of Dancing in Cricklade over 50 years ago and taught Ballet, Tap, Modern Jazz and Acrobatic for pre-school children and older.

The classes were popular and attendance grew quickly, so Gloria was soon teaching three days a week. Then, for over 30 years, she held classes on Wednesday afternoons at Cotswold Leisure Centre and also expanded her classes to Crudwell and Fairford until, with the introduction of drama and modelling, the Rochelle School of Dancing’ became the Rochelle Stage School.

Around 70 of Gloria Mannion’s past students and friends gathered recently at Siddington Village Hall to hold a surprise party to thank Gloria for her years of dedication in teaching dance. Gloria said: “I was expecting to have a cup of tea and a piece of cake with just a few friends but, instead, there were former pupils there that I haven’t seen for 40 years or more and who had travelled from London, Banbury and Hereford.”

Gloria’s finale performance was held the week before her party and had a London theme with Cockney songs and Pearly Kings and Queens. One of the Pearly Queens, Sophie Park, said: “I started dancing with Mrs Mannion when I was four years old and have stayed with her for 24 years right up to her retirement. She now deserves a well-earned rest.” No resting for Gloria though as she plans to continue tap dancing with her friends and visit Denmark to see her son, Colin and two grandsons.

She said: “I would like to say thank you for the wonderful surprise party, where I was able to catch up with long lost friends and pupils and thank everyone who has supported me over the years.”

Sophie Park added: “Seeing Mrs Mannion’s smile when she was tap dancing could light up any room and makes my heart warm. Myself and all her girls would like to say a heartfelt thank you for the many years of laughter and happy memories.”

2. Lechlade Library celebrate grant from Lechlade Council

There was more cause for celebration for Lechlade Community Library this week when they received the good news that Lechlade Town Council is giving the Trustees a one-off grant of £10,000 towards the Library refurbishment costs plus an annual grant of £1,000 towards ongoing operating costs.

The target to fully complete this renovation project is estimated at £78,000 for work that includes ground floor internal structural attention to damp, cracks and redecoration; new carpets, shelving and lighting, more efficient radiators; additional electrical work; secondary glazing to reduce energy costs; additional furniture plus an asbestos survey required by Glos County Council.

The Trustees are delighted and grateful for the grant that means they have now attained 75% of their target.

However, they’re not being complacent and are planning more fundraising activities including a Super Draw being held on Saturday April 13 with lots of fabulous prizes. Tickets are available from the Library and other locatios around the town.

Donations are still being sought from the Lechlade community (if they haven’t already) to the Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/lechladelibraryrefurbishment/ Churches Together are recognising the World Day of Prayer on Friday March 1 at 2.30pm in St Mary’s Church, Fairford. The subject is Palestine. There will be refreshments afterwards in Fairford Community Centre.

3. Quiz night 

Fairford Primary School PTA presents Quiz Night on Saturday March 2 in Fairford Community Centre. Doors open at 7pm with quiz starting at 7.30pm.

Teams of six people maximum. First prize £100 and second prize £50. Drinks and hot food available. Food to be ordered in advance. Booking available online at: https://fairfordprimarypta.sumupstore.com/page/quiz-night or tickets at £5 per person from 7a Coffee Shop. Spaces are limited, so book early.

4. Prayer and praise 

The next Prayer & Praise is on Sunday March 3 at 6pm-7pm. This is a new contemporary-style service at St Mary’s Church. A wonderful opportunity to invite family, friends and neighbours to church, especially those who haven’t been for years or those who have never found a church that feels just right for them. For more information, contact carolinesymcox@googlemail.com or pa.wilkins@hotmail.co.uk.

5. Create a floral decoration 

Create your own spring floral decoration in this fun class with I Felt Fantastic. A needle-felted narcissi perfect for Mother’s Day. Taking place on Sunday March 3 from 10.30am-3.30pm at NoLabels, Lechlade GL7 3AP. Cost £45 per person. Suitable for beginners. All materials provided plus tea and cake. To book, email: ifeltfantastic@gmail.com.

6. Temporary road closure 

There will be a temporary road closure on the C168 Coronation Street, Fairford from Mill Lane to The Green for a distance of approximately 151 metres from March 4-7 or until the works have been completed.

The reason for the closure is for a new water connection. For more information, please contact Gloucestershire Highways on 08000 514 514 or visit www.gloucestershire.gov.uk.

7. Jumble sale 

Come along and bag a bargain at the Southrop School PTA Jumble Sale being held on Saturday March 2 from 1pm-2.30pm at Southrop Village Hall. Clothing, books, toys, bric-a-brac. Entrance £1. Cash only.

If you have any items to donate, please deliver them on Friday March 1 between 1pm-2.45pm or Saturday March 2 between 10am-11.30am. For more information, contact PTA@Southrop.gloucs.sch.uk.

8. World Book Day trail 

Kempsford World Book Day Window Trail happening between March 2-10. Collect your maps from the George, Kempsford Primary School, Kempsford Post Office (Thursdays only). Maps cost £2 per family. Prizes to be won. Proceeds go to Kempsford Primary School.

9. Lechlade W1 

The next meeting of Lechlade WI is on Tuesday March 5 with guest speaker, Caroline Peyton talking about ‘Good food, good health’ in Lechlade Memorial Hall starting at 7pm.

Little Lights, the baby/pre-school pram service and play group, will take place at St Lawrence Church, Lechlade on Wednesday March 6.

Doors open at 9.15am and pack up is at 11am.

No charge and no need to book. This is run by the Mothers’ Union and all refreshments are provided. For information, please contact Kathy Newton on 07508 563905.