PEOPLE who quick-stepped, jived and jitterbugged at the Majestic, once Swindon's biggest ballroom, are polishing up their dancing shoes for a reunion.

The event, at Grange Drive community centre on October 4, will be the fourth nostalgic dance night organised by Bob Lewis and a committee who were teenagers in the 1950s when big band jazz was the rage.

Bob planned the first Majestic reunion in October 2000 as a one-off but it was so popular among older Swindonians who were swingers at the Majestic that tickets sold out months in advance. Now it is an annual event that attracts more than 500 people.

"So many still want to come that the organising team has made available 50 additional tickets," said 66-year-old Bob.

In four years the Majestic reunion has raised more than £15,000 for the Prospect Hospice and Bob hopes this year's dance will push that total to well over £20,000.

The Swindon Big Band and the Frank Abrams All Stars will get as close as possible to the sounds created by the award-winning Johnnie Stiles Bank which played regularly at the Milton Road venue.

"We have already fixed the date for next year," said 71-year-old Bryan Greenwood, who like Bob worked for Pressed Steel, now Rover.

"It will take place on November 13, 2004 and there will be reservation cards on the tables at this year's reunion so people can book tickets for next year."

Both men were regulars at the Thursday and Saturday night hops at the old ballroom, which was actually the municipal swimming baths in Milton Road.

The pool was boarded over in winter, and when the resultant sprung maple floor was not being used for dances it became a roller skating rink.

"It was the place to be," recalled Bryan Greenwood, who lives at Wanborough. "The atmosphere was fantastic,"

In spite of the huge crowds, fights were rare, there was no drunkenness and the dancers dressed up.

Bob was just one of the lads who wore teddy boy gear consisting of a smart suit with draped jacket and tight trousers.

"Swindon was a different place then," said Bryan. "Even girls could walk home quite safely when the dances ended."

The 50 additional tickets cost £14 each and can be booked by calling Bryan Greenwood on 01793 790681, Bob Lewis on 01793 822953, Yvonne Preston on 01793 530459, Marian Saunders on 01793 348224, Eric Strange on 01793 330971 or Keith Tyler on 01793 823927.

If you were a Majestic regular, said Bob, you will be sure to meet up with people you danced with in the good old days. You might also see yourself as you were then. Scores of photographs will be on display.

The dance will start at 7.30pm and end at 12.30am.