Pat Beale (68) and Jim Fallon (84) on the dance floor. Picture: Polly Hancock

Rock music and love poems filled the air at the unconventional Valentine’s Tea Dance at the Charlie Ratchford Centre.

Rock music and love poems filled the air at the unconventional Valentine’s Tea Dance at Haverstock School in Haverstock Hill.

The event was run in partnership with the Charlie Ratchford Centre – whose elderly users danced with pupils who also baked and served them homemade scones.

“It was not the most traditional tea dance!” said Nikki Haydon, community partnerships
co-ordinator at Haverstock School. “The music went down a treat and we had more sixth- formers helping out than ever,”

“Local character” Brian set the mood by reciting his annual Valentine’s love poem and the Haverstock Hill School staff band played Elvis and The Beatles songs to fill the dance floor and give the inter-generational event a modern twist.

“Young people have a reputation for not respecting their elders – but this proves otherwise – and it’s amazing to see the generations dancing together,” added Ms Haydon.

Haverstock students have strong links with the Charlie Ratchford Centre in Belmont Road where they have helped on a programme of events and activities, including films, bingo, and poetry for a number of years.