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History of the Society

In the early 1930's many Scots in the north-west Surrey area used to meet at the Walton Playhouse for dancing and drinks at the bar, and in October 1933 a group of them founded the Walton-on-Thames & District Scottish Society.  They organised socials which in the first few years focused on lectures, debates, and a small glee club.

 

During the war the Society went on hold although members continued to visit each other in their homes, thus keeping the Society alive.  In 1946 it re-emerged and has flourished ever since.

The widened activities have included taking children to the pantomime, family picnics, Hallowe'en parties, Burns Nights, ceilidhs, boat trips, the formation of a mixed choir and a drama group, annual donations to charities, and, of course, Scottish country dancing.  In 1970 the name was changed to the Addlestone & District Scottish Society.  Meetings have been held in different venues in Walton, Weybridge, Addlestone, New Haw, Chertsey, Ottershaw, and currently Byfleet.  In the 50's and 60's a private bus collected members throughout the district, brought them to meetings and returned them home. 

Membership has fluctuated over the years and currently stands at over 40.

Choir 1951.jpg

The Walton-on-Thames & District Scottish Society Mixed Choir
at the End-of-Season Social 1950/51

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