It is difficult to imagine today how a ‘darned fool’ might look, but even more what the dancing was like . . .
“A DARNED FOOL AT LANGHAM
WINS FANCY DRESS PRIZE:
Some original as well as pretty fancy dresses were to be seen at the annual dance in connection with the Langham and District Nursing Association in the village institute on Friday.
One lady had the pluck to go as a ‘darned fool’, whilst another, who called herself ‘No more strikes,’ was covered in spent matches.
This annual affair was arranged by Mrs. Mallory and the Nursing Association committee. and the awards of Lady Ainsworth and Mrs. Owen H. Smith were:-
Ladies: 1 Mme. Born (Darned fool.’), 2 Miss Mary Harris (No more strikes), 3 Miss F Cunnington
Gentlemen: 1 Mr. A. Moir (sailor), 2 Mr. Bob Revell (Little old lady), 3 Mr. Hinckley (Turk).
Children: 1 Mary Payne (gypsy), 2 Norah Hollingworth (Coronation year), 3 Reggie Squires (Red Indian).
The prizes were given by Mrs. Ruddle, the Hon. Mrs. Walsh, the Vicar and Mrs. Mallory and Mrs. E H. Hassan (Oakham).
About 120 danced to the music of the Four Ace Band, Mr. W. Porter Royce was M.C., and Mr. S Plumb door-keeper.
Mr. Gamble and Miss Rowett won a vanishing fox-trot*, and refreshments were served by Mrs. Harris, Mrs. Royce, Mrs. Rowett and Miss Close.
The organisers are very satisfied with the result in view of the fact that it was a wretched night and the fact that there were other local attractions. It is hoped that about £6 will be realised.”
The Stamford Mercury, 21st January, 1938.
*We have been unable to find out what a ‘vanishing fox-trot’ might be, but if any of our reader knows, we should be delighted to hear from you.