Alice SofieldNorth West, Blackpool Tower Ballroom
A retired couple who were once regulars at Blackpool’s Tower Ballroom have taken to the dancefloor one last time, thanks to their granddaughter’s plea on TikTok.
Olivia Watts said she was “in tears” as she watched her grandparents Ron and Marilyn Hill take each other for a spin on Tuesday – before Ron tinkered on the famous Wurlitzer organ.
She had asked for help on social media to help them have one last dance at the venue before Mr Hill, 82, who has Alzheimer’s disease – goes into a care home.
Her plea was heard by Radio Lancashire, who contacted Managing Director of Blackpool Tourism Kate Shane, and their dreams were made a reality.
Ms Shane not only invited the pair to dance in the ballroom – but also promised the resident organist would accompany them.
After watching the couple dance, Ms Watts said: “My heart feels so full right now, it’s really incredible.”
Ron and Marilyn would often enjoy a dance together at the famous ballroom during breaks from heading up the entertainment at the Empire Hotel in the resort – something they did for 20 years, until 1986.
Marilyn, who is 80, said she “absolutely loved” being back in the ballroom.
“It’s exactly the same and it’s absolutely fabulous,” she said.
“It’s a beautiful, beautiful ballroom.”
To take to the floor again with Ron was “just wonderful, there are no words for it,” she said.
“And this sprung floor is just fabulous.”
“This is our place,” Ron agreed.
He said he felt “gobsmacked” to be back.
“My wife was a bit nervous to dance, but I pushed her around a bit,” he joked.
Ron has a piano at home but doesn’t really play it now because of his dementia, but after being given the chance to play the famous Wurlitzer organ after their dance he couldn’t resist.
“That really was something,” he said after playing. “I’m really honoured to sit at it, let alone play it.”
Olivia WattsIt was also an “emotional” moment for Ms Shane, who said: “It was special, really special.”
“They are a beautiful couple with a beautiful family.”
Ms Shane said Ron “could obviously dance, he plays piano, but he’d forgotten.
“As soon as the organ started to play, he started to dance”.
“He took Marilyn to the floor and then he went and played [the organ].
“It was still there, and that moment in here it came back,” she said.
“We should think about that for our friends and relatives, we just need to be making moments and celebrating people while we still have them.”
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