How It All Began

Waveney Hospice care was conceived as a millennium project in Gisleham (a small village, south of Lowestoft, Suffolk) in 2000.

In early 2001 one of the founding trustees of the Hospice, Pam Podd, approached fellow parishioner, Ken Woodgate and asked if he had any ideas for fund raising. Ken - a member of the Super Swing Big Band suggested a 1940's style Hangar Dance, and wouldn't it be great to hold it in an original World War II Hangar. Ken knew of just such a place!

Local farmers, Mr & Mrs Bryan Collen, neighbours of Pam, owned a T2 hanger on Ellough Airfield near Beccles, Suffolk, currently home to a fortnightly farmers market. Mr & Mrs Collen were more than happy to oblige and preparations were begun.

A Hospice sub-committee was formed to organise the event and a date at the end of September 2001 was fixed for the first event. Ken asked band leader, Tom Plunkett if Super Swing would provide the music, to which Tom & the Band were very pleased to do.

Many people lent a hand and helped to get the hangar ready, and 300 tickets were sold on the night. The night went down a storm and all had great time. The foundations were laid.

Word spread about the dance and a second was held in June 2002, all 500 tickets were sold very quickly. Ken approached Ian McCallum of the Norfolk Military Vehicle Association, who in turn enlisted colleagues within the group to do a display at the front of the Hangar. All kinds of vehicles arrived - from war time fire engines, through various types of staff car, to jeeps and to top it all, the group members wear authentic WWII uniforms. The group have continued to support us every year since.

By 2004 there was such a demand for tickets it was decided to hold the dance over two days, being the last Friday & Saturday in June. As it takes a week to prepare the Hanger it was felt beneficial to keep the decoration in place for two days as well.

The dances have grown in popularity and now cater for around 1,000 people over the two nights, with people travelling from as far away as Kent, Surrey & the Midlands. Many local businesses now kindly sponsor us or give raffle prizes and the Southwold Lions Club continue to support the Hospice by organising the raffle.

In 2007 a system of checking tickets at the gate was introduced, carried out by the Norfolk Military Vehicle Association dressed in authentic Military Police uniform - which proved popular, effective and atmospheric. From 2008, a 1940's dancing display was added in the first band break, organised by Alan Roper a keen military vehicle owner, ticket checker & a superb dancer.

For a unique evening out, Waveney Hospice's annual Hanger Dances have it all - an original authentic location on a former WWII RAF airfield, a fantastic 20 piece Big Band with a fabulous vocalist in Sian Mortlock, a great nostalgic atmosphere, but above all, a wonderful crowd of people all having a great night out!

All proceeds from the dances after costs go directly to the Hospice, supporting their work in the Waveney community. To date, the net profit of nearly £ 38,000 (£ 37,911.58) has been raised. Thank you!

Please come and join us - but don't leave it too late!