History

EVENTS LEADING UP TO THE FORMATION

OF THE SHEFFIELD BRANCH OF THE RSCDS 

1955 - An inaugural meeting at the Firth Hall in May was arranged, at which about 31 people were present.  John Bagguley  was elected Chairman, John Cook Secretary, and John Peel Treasurer.

September 1955 - A beginners’ class at the Y.W.C.A, Division Street was formed, Betty Bagguley being the teacher and Sam Firth the pianist.  50 – 60 dancers attended. 

1956 – The Branch joined N.E.M.A.S.  The Leeds Festival was also attended.

1957 – The Sheffield Ballet Club invited the Society to stage a S.C.D. demonstration at their concert at the Princes Theatre (sadly now demolished) in the Autumn.

May 1958 – The first Day School was taken by Miss Milligan (co-founder of the Society) who was keen to see how the new Branch was progressing.  There was a good turnout for the morning and afternoon classes and also the evening dance, Sam Firth’s band providing the music.

Sept 1958 – A beginner’s class taken by Mollie Cook, and Intermediate and Advanced classes taken by John Cook and Betty Bagguley were held at Sharrow Lane School.

1959/60 - It was decided to start a class for candidates who wished to take their First teaching certificate.  In 1960 a Children’s class at Springfield School was started.

1960/61 – A Second certificate class was taken by John Cook.  Miss Milligan was the sole Examiner for both classes.  Successful candidates were:- John Bagguley, Alec Hannon, Sylvia Dronfield, Pat Robson, Jean Ingham, and Mary Lainchbury.  

And so the RSCDS Sheffield has continued to go from strength to strength.  In 2025 we will be celebrating our 70th anniversary with a special event to mark the occasion.