Eighty years of dancing celebrated by Ipswich woman on her 97th birthday

Cedarwood Dance Club celebrates birthday of Marjorie Pinder, who is still dancing at 97 - club leaders Pam Sage and Donald Scull with Marjorie and husband David Pinder (Image: Archant)

Last week Mrs Pinder celebrated her 97th birthday, and on Saturday Cedarwood Dance Club turned out in force to mark the occasion and present her with flowers ahead of an evening of dancing.

“I have danced since I was 17, it’s just a habit,” said Mrs Pinder. “It’s the music - when the music goes, I’m there.

“I have always had good health and always been active. I used to do yoga and keep fit, and I have always been dancing.

“This club is such a nice one. We have all grown up together. The people are so nice, very friendly.”

Cedarwood Dance Club celebrates birthday of Marjorie Pinder, who is still dancing at 97 - with husband David Pinder, 86 (Image: Archant)

When asked what her favourite dance was, Mrs Pinder said: “If it’s the right tune, it’s a waltz.”

She has been dancing with husband of 43 years David Pinder, 86, since the pair first met at a dance at the Gaumont Theatre, Ipswich, 45 years ago.

Mr Pinder said it was a “pleasure” to dance with his wife and best friend, Marjorie.

“We have got the same sense of humour,” he said. “We have never had an argument.”

Pam Sage, group leader of Cedarwood Dance Club along with Donald Scull, has known Mrs Pinder for more than 20 years and said Marjorie would turn her hand to any dance.

“She’s a jolly person,” she said. “She will do a bit of line dancing. She can do a quick step as good as anybody.”

Cedarwood Dance Club, which moved to Cedarwood Primary School in Kesgrave in 2002, meets every Tuesday and has around 50 members.