Dancing to a different tune

WHAT a team . . . Oldham Sapphires with their celebrity supporter, Paddy Doherty. Also pictured are Joyce Steel (treasurer) and Andrea Thorpe (principal)

OLDHAM Sapphires dance troupe is demanding that council chiefs reduce hire rates for the Queen Elizabeth Hall.

Treasurer Joyce Steel recently spent £1,280 on hiring the venue on a Friday for their open night, which she claims is far too expensive for a non-profit-making organisation.

But the council insists they received a good discount.

By chance, the troupe met “Big Fat Gypsy Wedding” star Paddy Doherty who has agreed to support and promote the group.

But even with a celebrity backing them, the group is still struggling to make enough money for transport, costumes and competition entry fees. Mrs Steel says there are no other facilities in Oldham which meet their needs. She added: “It’s not just us — I’m speaking on behalf of all the other dance troupes. None of us have the money to pay these prices. We want a meeting with the council to see if they can help us out.”

Elaine McLean, Oldham Council’s executive director for economy, places and skills, said, “The group received a discounted rate. They benefited from a lot of services that they were not charged for.

“As they have booked again for next year, I assume they feel they received good value.”