Dancers help raise vital cash for Customs House in South Shields

Ray Spencer MBE with, left to right: Darcy McKie, 17, Lilia Allen, 13, Alix West, 15, Erin Peacock, 11, and Ruby Wann, 13

They say they are thrilled that members and supporters of South Tyneside Dance Workshop (STDW) have donated £2,060 to The Customs House in South Shields.

The financial boost, collected from a football-based scratch card game, comes just days after the live performance and cinema complex axed 27 jobs.

Venue leaders say revenue cuts caused by the pandemic left them with no choice to lay-off some of its 70-strong team.

Ray Spencer MBE with the dancers at the Customs House

But they have been reinvigorated by the fundraising initiative by STDW, whose members have contributed to the annual Customs House panto since 1996.

Executive director Ray Spencer MBE said: “We have had a very longstanding relationship with the South Tyneside Dance Workshop.

“It’s absolutely brilliant that they have raised this terrific amount of money.

“We have celebrated this with a gold heart, that will adorn our Dame Bella Restaurant for many years to come.”

Dozens of the dance group’s 117-strong membership sold the £1 cards, with the game overall allowing for £20 wins.

Group leader and dance teacher Jacqui West, 44, said many winners had donated their money back into the Customs House support kitty.

Jacqui told the Shields Gazette: “There was no pressure on people to buy, but many people wanted to, and some refused to take their winnings.

“Everybody who got involved in this initiative wanted to do something to help The Customs House, people want to support it.

“It really is the heart of South Tyneside, and as a group, we have been very lucky to have been involved in its Christmas panto for many years.

“We all wanted to give something back during these difficult times.

“The venue holds a special place in my heart, there’s been lots of laughter that you don’t get anywhere else.”

STDW specialises in teaching a variety of dance disciplines, including freestyle, lyrical, musical theatre, and commercial, and its membership is of all ages.

It is planning other support events when coronavirus lockdown restrictions ease.

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