Dancing for The Wells

Dancing for The Wells took place on Saturday 6 January to help raise the funds needed to re-open the community center. 

Cllr Bernie Muir danced for 5 hours, and Neva Novaky and James Baird danced for 10 hours on Saturday 6 January to help raise funds for the centre. But fell short of their target to help re-open The Wells.  It is still possible to make donations online – Click Here

Speaking at the event, Chris Grayling MP said “I would like to congratulate the team who organised this successful event and on the valuable contribution they are making to this community hub. This community centre was rightly saved from being knocked down and it is great to see events like this that raise its profile.”

Cllr Bernie Muir said “Community centres play a crucial role as hubs for opportunities to socialise, learn and access key services. They nurture the community spirit, help tackle loneliness and give the youth a positive outlet. Let’s get The Wells community centre up and running again!”

Initially closed down by the Borough Council, the community center was saved after local residents and Cllr Bernie Muir fought to save it. The Epsom Wells Community Association now have a long-term lease and are trying to raise the funds needed to help re-furnish it and have it fully functioning again.

A day of dance classes followed by a dance party in the evening, Dancing for the Wells saw classes of ballroom Latin, morris dancing, Jive and salsa. James who was previously a competitive ballroom and Latin dancer and danced with celebrities such as Jennifer Lopez, taught ballroom and Latin with Neva.

Morris dancing was taught by Thames Valley Morris, Jive by Surrey Jive and salsa was taught by Somos Caribe Academy.

“When I saw the two-floor community center building with its own parking, I could understand why the community had fought so hard to save it and wanted to help re-open it. I would like to thank all those who have generously sponsored us and all those who supported the event on the day.” said Neva.

The fundraiser was led by Neva Novaky and Cllr Bernie Muir and the team organising it included James Baird, Stuart Carroll, Ben White, Tanya Solomon and Richard Robinson in collaboration with the Epsom Wells Community Association led by Vanessa Merchant. Sponsor’s included Lucy Demery, Tina Mountain, Ask Italia and Pari’s Beauty Salon.

From left to right: Ben White, Neva Novaky, Cllr Bernie Muir, Chris Grayling MP, James Baird and Venessa Merchant.