Ballroom dancing, a Grand Luncheon and medieval knights all featured in a busy week at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, which culminated in the return of its popular Village Show on Saturday 5 September.
A touch of Strictly Come Dancing
The week began with a touch of Strictly Come Dancing.
In a marquee erected on the bowling green especially for the week’s events, Middleton Hall Retirement Village Hospitality Manager Clare Robson took to the dance floor for a ballroom dancing showcase with her dance teacher, Dianne Howe from D&H Dance Studio in Shildon.
The pair performed a selection of ballroom and Latin dances for residents from Middleton Hall’s supported apartments and care services.
Clare said: “I danced Ballroom and Latin for eight years when I was younger, before returning to dancing in September 2024 when I joined The Studio with Dianne Howe and Helen Tinkler.
“I entered my first competition in March 2025 and have competed in two competitions this year, reaching the finals in each. I’m now training for a competition at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool in early October.
“Many of our residents ask about my dancing and want to see my dresses, so this was a wonderful opportunity to perform for them. It was also very nerve-wracking. A few residents – and staff – didn’t recognise me in my competition hair and make-up. There were lots of smiles all round.”
Grand Luncheon raises £570
The celebrations continued with a Grand Luncheon in the marquee for people living in Middleton Hall’s independent retirement properties.
The event combined good food and entertainment with fundraising for Zoe’s Place Baby Hospice in Middlesbrough, raising £570 through ticket sales and a raffle.
Village Show returns
The week culminated in the return of Middleton Hall’s Village Show, which welcomed residents, families and visitors from the wider community to the 45-acre estate.
The free event featured medieval re-enactments by Vanguard Medieval Re-enactment from Hartlepool, performances from Locos in Motion Border Morris Group, music from the Darlington Salvation Army Band and guided garden tours with Middleton Hall’s Estates Team.
There was also a craft and produce show, shopping stalls, classic cars, a barbecue and refreshments.
Local MP Matt Vickers, Member of Parliament for Stockton West, was among the visitors, chatting to residents and local exhibitors.
One of the highlights was the visit by the medieval re-enactors to Middleton Hall’s care services. The knights met residents and brought a little piece of 13th-century history indoors.
Adam Wardale, Middleton Hall Retirement Village’s Managing Director Designate, said: “It was a wonderful week packed with a variety of events and activities, and it was lovely to see so many people enjoying themselves.
“One of the highlights was seeing the reactions of our residents when the medieval re-enactors visited our care services. We were also delighted to welcome Matt Vickers to Middleton Hall and appreciated him taking the time to meet residents and exhibitors.”
The events were part of the wide-ranging programme of activities and social occasions that take place throughout the year at Middleton Hall Retirement Village, bringing together people living in the independent retirement properties, supported apartments and care services, as well as families and the wider community.