15/06/2026
A poem for our president Dot Merriman
โThe Ribbon That Binds Usโ
Fifty years of dancing,
Of friendship, laughter, grace,
And at the heart of our celebration
Was Dot's familiar face.
Since January she'd been planning,
Gathering treasures bit by bit,
Dreaming, organising, inspiring,
Determined every piece would fit.
She pictured tables, flowers, & gold,
The room exactly as she'd planned,
With sketches drawn and notes prepared,
Guided by her thoughtful hand.
She even dreamed a funny dream,
One that made us laugh out loud:
No tables set, food on the floor
A hostess's nightmare, she avowed!
Yet when the special day arrived,
The hall was filled with warmth and cheer,
At Matilda Street we danced and smiled,
Marking fifty wonderful years.
Our high tea, abundant with tempting treats,
Prepared by hands both skilled and kind,
With delicious fare for all to enjoy,
A feast to cherish and recall.
When one musician fell unwell
And could not take her place that day,
Dot simply smiled and joked with us
,"Ian will have to play for two today!โ
Her humour sparkled through the room,
Her laughter lifted every heart,
Turning challenges into moments
That became some of the day's best parts.
But what we celebrate most in Dot
Goes far beyond one special year.
She is the ribbon that holds us together,
The voice we're always glad to hear.
Each week she keeps our stories flowing,
Who is travelling, who needs care,
Who needs a thought, a card, a message
Dot makes sure we're all aware.
She helps us feel we're more than dancers,
More than people passing through.
She makes us feel like family,
Connected, valued, strong and true.
Many never see the countless hours,
The work that happens out of sight,
The planning, calls and quiet effort
That keep our club alive and bright.
With communication reaching far and wide,
Welcoming dancers old and new,
And dancing members standing ready,
Supporting all we strive to do.
Yet Dot remains our guiding light,
Our steady hand, our caring heart,
The ribbon tied around our club,
Holding every precious part.
So from all the dancers gathered,
With gratitude both deep and true,
We celebrate our golden milestone,
And celebrate the gift of you.
Anonymous
