Troupe hits cash trouble

ONE of Oldham’s most successful dance schools is facing closure.

Anne Melia has run Collette’s Dance Troupe, based at Beulah Baptist Church, Hollinwood, for more than 50 years - but says the group may soon have to close due to a lack of money.

The troupe, which has around 60 dancers aged from 2-30, enters competitions throughout each summer.

“The troupe has always been family-run and I have been in charge for a long time so it would be really sad if we had to close,” she said.

“We need around £3,000 a year and always have fundraising activities but this year we aren’t even close to making as much as we need.

“We don’t want to raise the price of practice sessions as a lot of the people who come to classes couldn’t afford to pay any more than they do. The cost of room hire is also rising. Money has always been tight but we have never faced the possibility of closure before.

“Ideally, we want someone to sponsor us to help us survive. We could have their name on our bus and our costumes. Our own fundraising will carry on but there will be a lot of disappointed youngsters if the troupe has to close.”

Contact Anne at: gmelia.gm@gmail.com