Residents put a Spring in their step!

Older residents from the borough were invited to a shake off the winter blues at a Spring Tea Dance on 19th March. As the weather perks up and daffodils are in bloom, residents were treated to a fun afternoon of dancing, refreshments and socialising. More than 650 residents attended the fun event organised by Tower Hamlets Council at The Troxy in Commercial Road.

A special treat for revellers included live pipe organ music evocative of old Hollywood glamour and silent movies courtesy of a rare Wurlitzer organ. Europe’s largest Wurlitzer organ, formerly in the Trocadero Cinema in Elephant and Castle, south London has been restored by The Cinema Organ Society. Residents had a sneak preview ahead of its official unveiling on 22nd August, with music played by international organist Richard Hills. Some residents recalled hearing the same instrument played in the 1960s. Other residents spoke about going to the Troxy to play bingo, while one resident remembered a concert where she saw Cliff Richard sing.

Catering students from Redbridge College provided refreshments with fancy tea cakes, finger sandwiches and freshly prepared scones – all washed down with pots of tea and coffee.  A team of 30 apprentices from the council welcomed residents, ushered them to their seats, engaged in conversation and partnered some on the dance floor during the event. ​Students from Tower Hamlets College also joined in the fun and reminisced with revellers at the tables.