St Patrick's Day celebration helps raise funds for Irish dance school

Youngsters at The Headd Academy in Ruislip can dance another day thanks to St Patrick's Day fundraiser

Mini Irish dancers whose teacher once toured with Michael Flatley's Lord of the Dance celebrated St Patricks Day in style.

Youngsters from The Headd Academy performed to friends and families who packed out The White Bear in Ickenham Road, Ruislip to raise money for the Irish dance school as part of a St Patrick's Day event.

Cherie Verity, whose daughters attend the school, took over organising the night after dance teacher Elaine Headd gave birth on Tuesday last week.

Mrs Verity said: “The event was a great success and all the children had a great time, it was a night to be be proud of.

“We would like to thank everyone who made it a success, especially Jackie at The White Bear for hosting the event and all the local businesses who donated raffle prizes.”

Some of the business were Manor Farm Butchers and www.Comb both in Victoria Road, Ruislip Manor, beautician Amanda Arens, Ruislip band The Family Music Makers and Mrs Verity’s mother-in-law Caroline, who persuaded her bosses at Bosch in Denham to donate.

Elaine Headd set up The Headd Academy in 2009. She started dancing at the age of 4 and went on to win championships across the UK and Ireland.

Before retiring competitively she had placed top 3 at the British nationals and Great Britain championships and toured worldwide with Michael Flately's Lord of the Dance.

The Headd Academy meets on a Wednesday at 4pm at Bishop Winnington-Ingram School in Southcote Rise, Ruislip and in the Great Barn in Manor Farm, Bury Street, Ruislip on a Thursday at 4pm. For more information contact Elaine on 07968151702.