Just for the camera the Royal Arsenal Co-operative Society (RACS) Dance Club were taking a breather.

But, such was their enthusiasm, the moment the photographer left they were back in the hall – feet itching to dance.

We wonder how many of you will be reaching for magnifying glasses to identify old friends.

The year was 1978 when dancers met for their twice-a-week classes at the RACS hall, Hope Street, Sheerness.

The photograph was a special memento for Australian visitor Jean Simms, sister of Jim McKee – who, during her three months stay in Sheppey, “adopted” the group and joined in all its activities.

“They included making costumes and riding on a carnival float,” said Vi Kearns, a retired magistrate, who still leads the group.

“The classes came into being in 1975 after a Co-op funded craft group disbanded.

“We were reluctant to lose touch when somebody casually mentioned she liked old time dancing. So, it seemed, did a good many others, and in no time at all the classes were established.

“Funding was transferred from craft to dance and we were lucky to find Rhoda and Peter Baird to take us through the steps.”

Vi is pictured on the end of the front row (left) and the late Rhoda Francis (nee Baird) is fourth from the left.

Over the years Joyce Usher and Len Council took over the instruction, followed by Trixie and Ernie Planner, and Daphne and Eddie Gregory.

Vi said: “These days we no longer have classes, but still enjoy dancing to CDs.

“We meet in the Victoria Club on Monday nights and Tuesday afternoons. Our oldest member celebrated her 90th birthday with us, and we still have the company of Norah Finnigan who was one of the original members.”

Vi recalls the group met in the Hope Street hall right up until the building was demolished then moved temporarily into the Masonic Hall.

Funding ceased with the closure of Co-ops, but they were able to use the Wheatsheaf Hall until that too fell to the demolition hammer. The next move was to the VC hall where they have danced happily for the past 13 years.

As some members are also keen line dancers, the occasional “ye hah!” finds its way into the programme, and the opening bars of Achy Breaky Heart has most of them on their feet.

“It’s either that or red hot salsa,” said Vi.

“We move with the times. It’s true that some of us use trolleys, zimmer frames or sticks, and if we can’t join in we can still beat out a rhythm. The club is as much a social gathering as a dancing group, and we know how to enjoy ourselves.

“We pay £1 a session and love every minute of being together.”