Cameron Mead, from Bowenville, met up sisters Kathryn, Jasmine and Taylah Kidman, from Maidenwell, at the Tanduringie State School’s annual Bush Dance

August 27, 2015

A torrential downpour that struck parts of the South Burnett on Saturday night may have led to a slightly lower than usual turnout at the annual Maidenwell Bush Dance … but guests who braved the weather were rewarded with a great night out.

The Bush Dance is one of Tanduringie State School P&C’s major fundraisers and usually draws more than 100 guests from all over the Bunya Mountains area, Yarraman, the Darling Downs and Brisbane Valley.

This year around 70-75 people turned out at Maidenwell Hall for a night’s entertainment led by popular bush band Ridgee Didge, who provided hours of rollicking dances.

The band also explained what was involved with each dance before they struck up a tune. This proved very helpful to newcomers and more experienced patrons alike.

In between dances, patrons could adjourn outside to a licensed bar or purchase soft drinks and snacks from a stand inside the hall.

This year’s Bush Dance was particularly special because the funds it raised will be going towards the school’s up-coming Centenary celebrations on Saturday, September 19.

Principal Melanie Ludke, who was helping out at the dance’s ticket table, said she was delighted with the night’s attendance.

“Some years this hall is absolutely packed out, but this is quite a comfortable number. And everyone looks like they’re having a great time.”

Plans for the school’s Centenary celebrations are also very advanced, she said.

Memorabilia and souvenir items have been sourced, and the P&C already has orders for 200 engraved pavers that will form a special “Centenary Pathway” to be created after the celebrations as a permanent reminder of the milestone event.

“The way orders have been coming in I’m sure we’ll have even more to add to the list by the time it’s all over,” Melanie said.

Popular Darling Downs bush band Ridgee Didge are regular performers at the Maidenwell Bush Dance, helping keep alive an Australian dance style that stretches back more than 150 years
Jessica Lawless, 10, chatted with friend Sienna Spencer, 11, and Sienna’s mother Bronwyn, from Pimpimbudgee
Darryl Kleiss, from Toogoolawah, took a break between dances with friend Marlene Tomlinson, from Nanango
Floyd Huxley, from Nanango, chatted with Gaby Wooler, from Yarraman, between dances
The dance floor was packed with enthusiastic revellers for most of the evening
Maidenwell sisters Justine and Becky Miller had fun at the Bush Dance

 

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