Couple 8

Albert

Hi all. My name is Albert Stevenson, but you can call me Boo! I have been Boo, longer that I can remember thanks to my niece who is now in her 30’s. So why Strictly Come Dancing, I hear you ask, well the answer is simple, Audery Knowles twisted my arm into helping a wonderful local charity, Via Wings out and it also helps that I am a little mad, so I couldn’t refuse. My Mum who recently passed away, would have loved the fact that I am trying to become a dancer in my late 50’s, as she was a really good dancer, being taught from a young age by her uncle Billy Lowry who ran a dance studio on the Lisburn Road in Belfast in the 50’s and 60’s, but unfortunately it doesn’t run in the genes! I’m a typical dad dancer who only dances at weddings, but I’m up for a laugh and since attending the dance lessons with Alan Clarke, I haven’t stopped laughing and I’m just hoping that my dance partner Elaine will drag me around that floor and all eyes will be on her and not me.

When I told my family that I was taking part in Strictly, they all fell around laughing and my cousin Susan has even promised to arranged a bus to attend The Bannville House on the 18th of November for the performance, so they all could have a good laugh and what makes it worse, my mother was from a family of 14, so you can guess there will be a lot of people in hysterics that night, so if you want to join them come along, I promise it will be a great nights entertainment!

Elaine

Hi, I'm Elaine Woods. When Amy was planning for Strictly, my good friend Colleen (who always has my best interests at heart) suggested me! So why did I say yes? I love to dance and have done since I was young. But remembering dance sequences and what comes next, well that’s a different story…

I’m always on the go, so fitting in rehearsals has been hard and they were a bit daunting. But once I got the first rehearsal over (and realised we were all in the same boat), they have been great fun! Alan and Brian have been amazing, funny and very very patient!!!

A bit about me. I am the secretary in Meadow Bridge Primary School and I can honestly say I love going to school every day as I think I have the best job. I work with an amazing (slightly mad) bunch and have the privilege of supporting children as they travel up and through the school. I enjoy Pilates with Lesley Bell in Moira, walking and meeting up with friends.

I have worked with a few charities over the years; mainly Angel Wishes, run by an amazing lady called Gaye. And as a member of St John’s Parish in Moira, I’m part of a team for a project called Days for Girls, who make sustainable sanitary wear. I have also come to know more about Via Wings through the same good friend who suggested I take part in this and the great work they do.

I have been blessed with an amazing family and friends who are supporting me all the way, and am very grateful to everyone for their kindness and support.

Please dig deep and support this amazing new centre and the many lives that it will change for the better!