Dorothy

Dot moved to The Sidings in Lytham just before her 88th birthday in March 2022. A life brimming with stories, Dot’s journey has been shaped by a passion for movement, creativity, and a devoted family.

From Ballet to Ice Skating Stardom

Originally from Oldham, Dot’s family relocated to Blackpool when she was nearly 16, the place where her professional ice-skating career took off.

“My older brother started skating first, while I was focused on ballet. I decided to try skating lessons too and one day, my teacher asked if I’d like to join the ice show. I thought I wasn’t ready, but she encouraged me to audition. I did, and when I turned 16, I joined rehearsals.”

Dot debuted at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach Arena (formerly the Blackpool Ice Drome) in 1951.

“I was terrified, but when the live orchestra struck up, it was magical. The ice shows were made up of lots of different scenes, like a revue. My first performance was as a gladiator in the chorus. Later, I was asked to perform as Robin Hood in a solo routine and to choreograph for the supporting chorus of 26 girls. I thought I couldn’t do it, but I did, and it was brilliant.”

Over time, Dot took on leading roles, from pairs skating as a mermaid with Neptune to portraying Lady Godiva and the maiden in George and the Dragon. Her costumes were unforgettable, from shimmering bikinis to dazzling sequined outfits.

Beyond the ice, Dot also worked as a model. “I posed for several photographers, and one of the photos, taken under a blossom tree in Stanley Park, won a prize and was displayed in a local gallery.”

Meeting Johan

At 21, a family holiday to Holland changed Dot’s life.

“My father did business with a Dutchman who suggested we should go to Holland for a summer holiday. We went for five weeks, and it was lovely. While there, we were introduced to a local family with sons, and that’s how I met Johan, my future husband. On our first outing, we danced to Moon Glow at a beautiful nightclub in Amsterdam.”

Johan and Dot continued to meet up throughout the summer and when the holiday was over and Dot’s family returned to England, they kept in touch through letters and phone calls, and their romance blossomed.

“In October, Johan visited London for the motor show and asked me to meet him. He then came to Blackpool for a couple of nights, and I took him to see the Tower and the Winter Gardens dance club. When he was ready to go back, he asked my parents if I could go too and stay with his cousin and his wife. I did, and we had the most marvellous time. I stayed until nearly the end of November when I had to go back because I was in the Christmas ice show. Before I left, Johan proposed and bought me an engagement ring.”

The couple married in November the following year and began their life together in Holland. “Johan had bought a new house for us, surrounded by other newlyweds. We had wonderful neighbours and often hosted visitors from England. We lived there for 10 years and had two children, Mandy and Henry.”

Returning to the UK

After 10 years in Holland, Dot struggled with homesickness. “In our new house, I felt isolated. I finally told my mother, and she said, ‘You’ve been homesick for 10 years. Come back.’ So, I returned to England with the children. Johan visited often and eventually found a position as MD of a UK-based business, allowing him to join us.”

The family settled into a new home on Clifton Drive in Blackpool, and Johan built a very successful career, running the company for 20 years before starting his own commercial property business.

A Passion for Rhythmic Exercise

Once the children started school, Dot wanted to pursue her love of dance and fitness.

“I’d been teaching ballet, and I decided to start my own fitness class, combining ballet with exercise. I called it ‘Rhythmic Exercise by Dot.’ My first class had 40 women, and soon I was teaching in three locations with over 60 women in each class. We became like a family, hosting Christmas parties, dinner dances, and even putting on charity dance shows. We would rehearse in the evenings after my exercise classes and then sell tickets to the performance.”

Dot’s shows raised significant funds for local charities, including one event that brought in £4,000. “I continued teaching until my late 70s. Now, I teach a rhythmic exercise class here at The Sidings. It’s tailored for different abilities, and the homeowners who come to my weekly class love it.”

Family and Legacy

Dot and Johan’s love story continued to inspire, even after Johan’s passing. “We had three homes in England, but my favourite was at Cypress Point in Lytham, surrounded by parks, ponds, and beautiful gardens. Johan bought it for me.”

Dot cherishes her close-knit family, which includes two children, four grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

“I’ve got the most wonderful family. They’re all brilliant. My daughter, Mandy, has done everything for me. She has two children, a boy and a girl. My grandson, Christopher, took over the business when my husband died, so we were lucky that he could do that. He sorts everything out for me. He’s got a girl and a boy. My granddaughter, Lucy, she has a little boy, he’s three.

“My son, Henry, lives in Thailand but he has a house here, so he comes over regularly and stays for a couple of months. He has two children, a boy and a girl too. His daughter lives here and has a little girl who will be one in January. And Henry’s son, who lives in Spain, has just had a little boy. They gave him Johan as his middle name, which makes me so happy. I’ve got a wonderful family.”

Life at The Sidings

Dot decided to move to The Sidings for more support and to ease her family’s worries.

“My house was big, and although I managed fine for a year after Johan’s passing, my family thought it would be safer for me to have help nearby. The Sidings is beautiful, with lovely gardens, a restaurant, and very welcoming people.”

Since moving, Dot has made new friends. “I already had a lot of friends and many of them have been here to see me, and we still go out together, but I also made some very good new friends here at The Sidings. I moved in five days before my birthday and my fellow homeowners were so welcoming. I put cake out for everybody, and they all sang happy birthday to me. I became very good friends with one or two ladies. I see some of them every day. We often have lunch together in the restaurant.”

Dot has also embraced the vibrant community.

“I play boules, darts, and even table tennis with my grandchildren. I’ve tried new activities and attend themed events like our Halloween and Christmas parties. Last Christmas, my exercise class performed a routine I choreographed – it was such fun! I’m always thinking of new routines for the group.”

Dot’s zest for life continues to inspire those around her. “The key is to keep moving and enjoy it. Teaching rhythmic exercise here has been so rewarding, and I love seeing others discover the joy of movement.”

Moving, keeping active, and staying connected – that’s the secret to a happy life, according to Dot. And at nearly 90 years old, she’s still leading by example.