Our history

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The Monmouthshire Reel Club will celebrate its 70th anniversary in 2025. It is believed to be one of the oldest Scottish reeling clubs south of the border. 

Founded by Col and Mrs Hopkinson, the first dance was held in April 1955 at Llanvihangel Court, as shown in the photo above. Inspired by dancing at the Oban ball in 1954, the Hopkinsons wanted to liven up the winter scene in Monmouthshire by dancing reels. Llanvihangel's Visitors Book shows that members of the band, Old Etonian friends of Col Hopkinson's, stayed there.  Throughout the decades since, our members have come together during the gloomy, dark nights of winter.   We still dance at Llanvihangel Court with the kind permission of Mrs Julia Johnson, daughter of Col and Mrs Hopkinson, who also remains our Patron.

For the past 70 years, members have enjoyed dancing in hotels and private homes across Monmouthshire and Herefordshire to both live bands and taped music. Monmouth.  In recent years, live music has been provided by the Sandy Nixon Band and The George Buchanan Band. Monthly practices were held at Dingestow Village Hall.

The Covid years put a slight hiatus on gathering to dance, but since 2023, we have hosted very successful dances, including the End of Year Dance at the Rolls, its Annual Ball and Summer Dances. 

As we look towards the next 70 years, we very much hope to keep the fun and friendship of the Monmouthshire Reel Club alive.