Box Gay Nineties Dance Club Minutes courtesy Margaret Wakefield March 2025
New Year’s Eve ball 1950 (courtesy Margaret Wakefield)
The “Gay Nineties” – sometimes called the “Naughty Nineties” referred to a period of lessening in the formalities of Victorian Britain with greater liberalism in art and social events. There was also a move against the sexual orthodoxy of the 1890s as the influence of the Prince of Wales became increasingly significant.
Harking back to that period, the weekly Old-Time dances in the Bingham Hall offered the chance for war weary residents to dress up in formal finery and enjoy peacetime leisure activities. The dances offered equal opportunities for men and women to run the club and the opportunity for couples to learn new routines together after being separated for years during the Second World War.
Harking back to that period, the weekly Old-Time dances in the Bingham Hall offered the chance for war weary residents to dress up in formal finery and enjoy peacetime leisure activities. The dances offered equal opportunities for men and women to run the club and the opportunity for couples to learn new routines together after being separated for years during the Second World War.
Early Years
The Box Gay Nineties Club started in 1946 and the first ball was held that year to music by Clem Kopp and his orchestra with AJ Stephens of Bath acting as Master of Ceremonies.[1] Club events included weekly Friday instruction and a dance to records over the winter months and annual balls usually in November, New Year’s Eve and at the season close over the Easter period.
The 1949 New Year’s Eve ball was attended by 150 dancers in the Bingham Hall to the music of Roland Brock and his Georgian Orchestra.[2] As Big Ben sounded at midnight, balloons descended from the ceiling of the hall and Mrs Violet Bence put on a series of tableaux with characters emerging from a picture frame to depict events that year. The committee comprised Doug Taylor (chairman), Mr and Mrs HJ Iles (??) (joint secretary and treasurer), Leslie Bence, Mr Vernon, William Dermott, and Mesdames Gertrude Browning and Dolly Taylor, and Miss Barbara Merrett.
The Box Gay Nineties Club started in 1946 and the first ball was held that year to music by Clem Kopp and his orchestra with AJ Stephens of Bath acting as Master of Ceremonies.[1] Club events included weekly Friday instruction and a dance to records over the winter months and annual balls usually in November, New Year’s Eve and at the season close over the Easter period.
The 1949 New Year’s Eve ball was attended by 150 dancers in the Bingham Hall to the music of Roland Brock and his Georgian Orchestra.[2] As Big Ben sounded at midnight, balloons descended from the ceiling of the hall and Mrs Violet Bence put on a series of tableaux with characters emerging from a picture frame to depict events that year. The committee comprised Doug Taylor (chairman), Mr and Mrs HJ Iles (??) (joint secretary and treasurer), Leslie Bence, Mr Vernon, William Dermott, and Mesdames Gertrude Browning and Dolly Taylor, and Miss Barbara Merrett.
1953 Minutes
The AGM held on 10 April 1953 reported a balance in hand of £17.17s (the major expense being the Billy Cannon band) with the outcome of another ball still to come (ultimately resulting in a loss of £6). The committee comprised Mesdames Doris Dermott, Mary Lambert, Florence Gee, Mrs Rutter and Mr Alan W Burningham and Mr Fuller with retirees Doug and Dolly Taylor and Eyles after serving since the club had been formed. William Dermott was chairman, Mrs Rutter treasurer and Alan Burningham secretary, succeeding respectively Doug Taylor and Graham Eyles.
As the year went on, the minutes resolved to continue holding weekly Friday dances during the season 25 September to 9 April. When there was a good attendance, the music was drowned out and Leslie Bence was asked if his shop could provide an amplifier for the microphone. As the cost of this was discovered to be £30, the final decision was repeatedly deferred in favour of renting. The meetings were partly instruction by Mr Percival J Brake using records to provide the music.
The ball for 1953 was decided with tickets costing 4s.6d for members and 5s.6d for visitors. The music was to be arranged by Messrs Dermott, Brake and Burningham. The ball was a great success but there was a notable omission of the “Ladies Excuse Me” dance, inexplicably overlooked. The event made a small loss of £2.15s.6d and was declared a most enjoyable evening. Refreshments were provided by the ladies committee but it was decided that a second cup of tea be scrapped in future.
The AGM held on 10 April 1953 reported a balance in hand of £17.17s (the major expense being the Billy Cannon band) with the outcome of another ball still to come (ultimately resulting in a loss of £6). The committee comprised Mesdames Doris Dermott, Mary Lambert, Florence Gee, Mrs Rutter and Mr Alan W Burningham and Mr Fuller with retirees Doug and Dolly Taylor and Eyles after serving since the club had been formed. William Dermott was chairman, Mrs Rutter treasurer and Alan Burningham secretary, succeeding respectively Doug Taylor and Graham Eyles.
As the year went on, the minutes resolved to continue holding weekly Friday dances during the season 25 September to 9 April. When there was a good attendance, the music was drowned out and Leslie Bence was asked if his shop could provide an amplifier for the microphone. As the cost of this was discovered to be £30, the final decision was repeatedly deferred in favour of renting. The meetings were partly instruction by Mr Percival J Brake using records to provide the music.
The ball for 1953 was decided with tickets costing 4s.6d for members and 5s.6d for visitors. The music was to be arranged by Messrs Dermott, Brake and Burningham. The ball was a great success but there was a notable omission of the “Ladies Excuse Me” dance, inexplicably overlooked. The event made a small loss of £2.15s.6d and was declared a most enjoyable evening. Refreshments were provided by the ladies committee but it was decided that a second cup of tea be scrapped in future.
1954 Minutes
For the first time, the minutes book was written up in the newly devised biro, instead of pencil or pen and ink. Discussion centred on the decorations in the Bingham Hall for the Easter ball. Funds in the club had declined and Mr Burningham proposed that visitor fees be raised to 1s.6d per evening and a ceiling be put on gratuities to Mr and Mrs Brake. By the AGM in April new members included Miss Margaret Ash of Bathford, Jack Tottle, Cecil Fildes and Mr Benjamin. Nonetheless, membership numbers were problematic and Mr Dermott resigned as chairman and from the committee after several years. Mr Burningham took over the roles of both honorary secretary and chairman for a while. Later it was agreed that he would be chairman, Mrs Rutter treasurer and CH Fildes secretary.
Cost-cutting measures were proposed for the ball at New Year’s Eve and the band was changed to Stan Oatley (only had 5 musicians) and they would play from 8pm to midnight. But the standard of the event should not fall and attendants retained for both the men’s and women’s coats. Miss Ash proposed different music and would organise the record selection for the weekly meetings. Some of the ladies would act as MCs at those dates. There was a charge to be made for people attending who did not want to participate on the dance floor. After Mr Dermott’s resignation, the fixing of lights was accepted by Mrs Burton and Mr Benjamin would organise prizes for “Spot” and “Progressive” dances at an average of 2s.6d each. Hats were not being supplied this year but 75 balloons purchased. Mr Dermott gifted a chicken as part of the refreshments. By November that year there were 43 paid-up members, nurses from Sunnyside being admitted free.
For the first time, the minutes book was written up in the newly devised biro, instead of pencil or pen and ink. Discussion centred on the decorations in the Bingham Hall for the Easter ball. Funds in the club had declined and Mr Burningham proposed that visitor fees be raised to 1s.6d per evening and a ceiling be put on gratuities to Mr and Mrs Brake. By the AGM in April new members included Miss Margaret Ash of Bathford, Jack Tottle, Cecil Fildes and Mr Benjamin. Nonetheless, membership numbers were problematic and Mr Dermott resigned as chairman and from the committee after several years. Mr Burningham took over the roles of both honorary secretary and chairman for a while. Later it was agreed that he would be chairman, Mrs Rutter treasurer and CH Fildes secretary.
Cost-cutting measures were proposed for the ball at New Year’s Eve and the band was changed to Stan Oatley (only had 5 musicians) and they would play from 8pm to midnight. But the standard of the event should not fall and attendants retained for both the men’s and women’s coats. Miss Ash proposed different music and would organise the record selection for the weekly meetings. Some of the ladies would act as MCs at those dates. There was a charge to be made for people attending who did not want to participate on the dance floor. After Mr Dermott’s resignation, the fixing of lights was accepted by Mrs Burton and Mr Benjamin would organise prizes for “Spot” and “Progressive” dances at an average of 2s.6d each. Hats were not being supplied this year but 75 balloons purchased. Mr Dermott gifted a chicken as part of the refreshments. By November that year there were 43 paid-up members, nurses from Sunnyside being admitted free.
The Welcome Home Committee of 1945 included many of the same people who ran the Gay Nineties Club (courtesy Genevieve Brunt).
Left to Right: Back Row: Messrs Couzens, E Cox, Bezant, Mays, Cogswell, G Abrahams, Rev AF Maltin, Williams, L Bence, W Clothier;
Middle Row: C Lancaster, B Swan, W Dermott, Bradfield, C Lambert, A Adams, Burningham, Baxter, Burton, H Miller, RW Chaffey, L Butt, Mr Hayward, Chapman Webb; Seated: Mrs Crowdy, J Browning, CW Oatley, CH Fildes, Mrs Dermott, Mrs Holmes
Left to Right: Back Row: Messrs Couzens, E Cox, Bezant, Mays, Cogswell, G Abrahams, Rev AF Maltin, Williams, L Bence, W Clothier;
Middle Row: C Lancaster, B Swan, W Dermott, Bradfield, C Lambert, A Adams, Burningham, Baxter, Burton, H Miller, RW Chaffey, L Butt, Mr Hayward, Chapman Webb; Seated: Mrs Crowdy, J Browning, CW Oatley, CH Fildes, Mrs Dermott, Mrs Holmes
1955 Minutes
The chairman was able to report an improved situation. The balance in hand had risen to £42.6s.11d and membership was up by five people, one of which was Miss Eva Clifford who proposed that charges for people under 18 years should be 1s.6d per evening and 2s.6d for membership.
Mrs Rutter stepped down from the committee and the club officers were elected as AN Burningham chairman, CH Fildes treasurer and Charles Rudge secretary. Particular dates were allocated for novices and an arrangement was made with the Bathford club to attract additional members. Bottles of “Orange Drinks” were to be sold in the period after normal refreshments. The band for the November ball was Stan Oatley and for December Billy Cannon.
The chairman was able to report an improved situation. The balance in hand had risen to £42.6s.11d and membership was up by five people, one of which was Miss Eva Clifford who proposed that charges for people under 18 years should be 1s.6d per evening and 2s.6d for membership.
Mrs Rutter stepped down from the committee and the club officers were elected as AN Burningham chairman, CH Fildes treasurer and Charles Rudge secretary. Particular dates were allocated for novices and an arrangement was made with the Bathford club to attract additional members. Bottles of “Orange Drinks” were to be sold in the period after normal refreshments. The band for the November ball was Stan Oatley and for December Billy Cannon.
1956 Minutes
It was reported that attendances at the weekly Friday evenings had reduced because of increased televisions in the village and the perception that “Old Time Dances” were old fashioned. Members were to be asked if the club should be wound up. The committee was struggling to operate after the resignations of Mrs Gee and Messrs Burningham, Fildes and Benjamin, leaving only Mrs Barbara Stanford, Monty Dermott, Mrs Mary Lambert, Miss Margaret Ash and Mr Rudge, with Mrs Lloyd joining. Miss Alexander suggested that dances could be rested for a year.
Miss Ash was appointed chairman, Mrs Lambert treasurer and Mrs Rudge secretary. There was debate about whether the Friday dances should recommence for the new season in September and an initiative suggested to get new members with newsletters, posters, handbills and newspaper advertisements. Mr Brake was requested to put on “popular, not difficult dances” to encourage beginners. There was still over £30 in the club’s bank balance but membership numbers had fallen below 36, the level needed for breakeven.
At a special public meeting of the club in September 1956, it was agreed to book the Bingham Hall only until December 1956 and review thereafter. Regular members proposed that Mr PJ Brake teach new dances and revive the “County CotillIon” and the “Caledonians”. It was too late to arrange a New Year’s Eve ball but a dance was to be held on 11 January 1957.
It was reported that attendances at the weekly Friday evenings had reduced because of increased televisions in the village and the perception that “Old Time Dances” were old fashioned. Members were to be asked if the club should be wound up. The committee was struggling to operate after the resignations of Mrs Gee and Messrs Burningham, Fildes and Benjamin, leaving only Mrs Barbara Stanford, Monty Dermott, Mrs Mary Lambert, Miss Margaret Ash and Mr Rudge, with Mrs Lloyd joining. Miss Alexander suggested that dances could be rested for a year.
Miss Ash was appointed chairman, Mrs Lambert treasurer and Mrs Rudge secretary. There was debate about whether the Friday dances should recommence for the new season in September and an initiative suggested to get new members with newsletters, posters, handbills and newspaper advertisements. Mr Brake was requested to put on “popular, not difficult dances” to encourage beginners. There was still over £30 in the club’s bank balance but membership numbers had fallen below 36, the level needed for breakeven.
At a special public meeting of the club in September 1956, it was agreed to book the Bingham Hall only until December 1956 and review thereafter. Regular members proposed that Mr PJ Brake teach new dances and revive the “County CotillIon” and the “Caledonians”. It was too late to arrange a New Year’s Eve ball but a dance was to be held on 11 January 1957.
1957 to 1959 Minutes
By January the weekly dances were being booked for only two weeks at a time. Two club stalwarts, Miss Alexander and Mr A Benjamin, were married in March that year and, in accordance with club custom, the club sent them a present. Mr Brake was attending only fortnightly and at the end of season ball that Easter. By this time, the funds of the club had further diminished and would only fund a limited period. A closure of the club for one year was passed with an open meeting in the library of the Bingham Hall in September 1958 to assess interest for renewing.
In September 1958 advertisements were sent to the Box Youth Club to see if younger members might be attracted to join. Discussion ensued about using a smaller hall, such as the Scout Hall with use of its radiogram for 10 shillings per evening. If the club were to terminate any balance of funds should go to the Wiltshire Blind Association. Including the committee 18 members attended the September meeting and all wanted the club to continue. No membership fees were to be taken, only entrance fees for evenings held. The club resolved to run on a two-month basis for the 1958-59 season.[3] The existing committee were still keen to continue and suggested a New Year’s Eve dance at another club. In the event, a Christmas Party Dance was held in the Scout Hall on 2 January 1959 with dancing till midnight or to 11.30 if numbers thinned out.
The secretary, Mr O Rudge, resigned in April 1959 as he now lived in Keynsham, and the chairman, Miss Ash, was married in 1959. The club appears to have ceased at the end of the 1959-60 season with funds of £17.19s.7d. One era of Box’s history ended.
By January the weekly dances were being booked for only two weeks at a time. Two club stalwarts, Miss Alexander and Mr A Benjamin, were married in March that year and, in accordance with club custom, the club sent them a present. Mr Brake was attending only fortnightly and at the end of season ball that Easter. By this time, the funds of the club had further diminished and would only fund a limited period. A closure of the club for one year was passed with an open meeting in the library of the Bingham Hall in September 1958 to assess interest for renewing.
In September 1958 advertisements were sent to the Box Youth Club to see if younger members might be attracted to join. Discussion ensued about using a smaller hall, such as the Scout Hall with use of its radiogram for 10 shillings per evening. If the club were to terminate any balance of funds should go to the Wiltshire Blind Association. Including the committee 18 members attended the September meeting and all wanted the club to continue. No membership fees were to be taken, only entrance fees for evenings held. The club resolved to run on a two-month basis for the 1958-59 season.[3] The existing committee were still keen to continue and suggested a New Year’s Eve dance at another club. In the event, a Christmas Party Dance was held in the Scout Hall on 2 January 1959 with dancing till midnight or to 11.30 if numbers thinned out.
The secretary, Mr O Rudge, resigned in April 1959 as he now lived in Keynsham, and the chairman, Miss Ash, was married in 1959. The club appears to have ceased at the end of the 1959-60 season with funds of £17.19s.7d. One era of Box’s history ended.
Box Gay Nineties Dance Club was far from unique and other clubs existed in Corsham, Melksham, Bradford-on-Avon, Chippenham and Lacock. These clubs bridged the gap between the formalism of the country in the Second World War and the advent of teenagers in the 1950s and 60s. In that respect they helped to rebuild communities after the end of wartime restrictions and rationing until the war generation aged and preferred family life at home around the television.
References
[1] The Wiltshire Times, 14 December 1946
[2] The Wiltshire Times, 7 January 1950
[3] The Wiltshire Times, 10 October 1958
[1] The Wiltshire Times, 14 December 1946
[2] The Wiltshire Times, 7 January 1950
[3] The Wiltshire Times, 10 October 1958