They have been dancing as a group for nearly three years and in that time they have danced for Cancer Research, The Alzheimer's Association and the Royal Air Force Association, as well as many other charities. What is really nice about this group of individuals is that they really love to perform in front of old senor citzens since they were youngsters at the outbreak of war and can remember those years as if they were yesterday.

The large hall was buzzing with excitement, so much so that the noise levels made it almost impossible to hear one's own thoughts such was the anticipation before the group came on.

Quickly, the noise subsided as one heard the sounds of the wartime sirens and the words of Churchill's famous speech, "We shall fight them on the beaches……" boomed through the speakers.

Then the group entered, all dressed in different authentic military costumes, much to the delight and applause of the spectators. As I watched, the group went into its energetic dance routines to the 1940s Big Band sounds. I could actually see the performance transport the audience back to those dangerous war years.

Many of the women in the audience showed their sad and happy memories on their faces. What struck me was the selflessness of individuals who bring great enjoyment to the war year’s generation while demonstrating that some of us realize how great a debt of gratitude we owe them.

Contact e-mail: Inthemooddance@aol.com

As I was going about my locality trying to find interesting stories about people and places, I met a man on a bus. We got talking, as you do, and it soon became apparent to me that the chap I was talking to was an interesting feller.

In our conversation, we exchanged the normal chat about the weather - the kind of exchange that only the English seem to relish. Soon the conversation turned to what each of us was doing in our semi-retirement. I mentioned that I was involved with an internet radio station that produces small documentaries about interesting places and people.

I have never been shy about accosting unsuspecting members of the public and asking impertinent questions about their lives, their family and their history. This gentleman told me that he belonged to a group called In The Mood, a 1940s re-enactment dance group.

I was hooked and we exchanged telephone numbers. A few weeks ater, I telephoned him and we arranged a meeting at Hassocks Village Hall, in the county of Sussex. His group was putting on a display in front of one hundred and fifty old age pensioners.
It was a delight to discover a community-minded group of local people who perform dressed in authentic 1940s military and civilian costumes. They specialize in swing dancing of the period, trying to revive memories of wartime dance halls in Britain.