News Shopper editor Richard Firth explains the ‘Help Magpie Fly' idea:

‘We got involved with Magpie because it is such an incredibly worthwhile organisation operating in one of our core areas which has perhaps not had the recognition it deserves over the years.'

As our 12-week campaign with Bromley's News Shopper reached it's climax on 22 April, we're happy to say that we and the publisher plan to continue the partnership, so please keep watching www.newsshopper.co.uk for updates as well as reading about them here.

There's a wealth of information, inspiration and insight on the News Shopper pages – just put ‘Magpie Dance' into the search engine on their website to see stories, videos and pictures.

It has been a great affirmation to gain such support from a part of an international business working locally, underlining that the value in what we do is recognised. With no regular support, we need all the help we can get to keep going so that we can promise those we serve that we'll still be here in years to come.

If you feel you want to get involved, we're always looking for volunteers, venues, storage, transport and donations, as well as real partnerships with business and supporters who want to invest in Magpie's future.

As Richard said, ‘News Shopper is a local business, the same as any other, and I feel we have a duty to help groups such as Magpie which have a hugely positive impact on the community… I…assumed they received some sort of regular funding…but it fights for every penny and we shall continue supporting them for many years to come.'

So a huge THANK YOU goes to Richard, reporter Scott Mullins and all at the News Shopper, plus of course all those who donated and support us in different ways – we look forward, with your help, to flying high for many years to come!

Autumn Term Dates 2009

Magpie's regular classes run during school term-time for between 8 and 11 weeks. Please see start dates for the current term below and refer to Youth Group or Adult Community Class sections via the left-hand side of this page for further details.

Youth Group classes -sessions are free of charge!:

Wednesday 9th September 2009, 4.30pm-6.30pm in Bromley and Saturday 19th September 2009, 10.30am-12pm and 12.30-2pm in Beckenham - please contact David Nurse click HERE for details and Laura Riches for bookings click HERE

Adult open community classes -just £4 per session (£3 if paid in advance):

Wednesday 16th September 2009, 1.30-3pm in Orpington and Thursday 17th September 2009, 11am-12.30pm in Bromley, please contact Laura Riches click HERE for details and bookings

click HERE for details and bookings for all Youth Group classes and
click HERE for all Adult Open Community Classes

Booking in advance is essential for all Magpie Dance sessions.

Could you help Magpie through volunteering?

Magpie Dance are looking for volunteers, particularly drivers, to help transport dancers to sessions and special events. We're also looking for helpers to accompany dancers on transport to sessions, to be with the dancers during breaks and to help in regular dance sessions, workshops and at performance events.

Magpie will cover all volunteer travel and other expenses. If you have any spare time and would like to get involved please contact Laura Riches, Magpie's General Manager click HERE.

Investing in Magpie

We need over £200,000 each year to make sure we keep our unique service going. With no regular funding, we raise money from a variety of sources – some invest in Magpie for more than one year, but none cover all our costs, which is why we're always looking for new ways to make ends meet.

Current supporters of Magpie's work include: The Alchemy Foundation, The Big Lottery (Reaching Communities & Young Peoples Funds), City Bridge Trust, Connexions, The Cranfield Trust, Mercers' Company, The Jack Petchey Foundation, Henry Smith Charity and The Wates Foundation.

We're also very grateful to The Churchill Theatre in Bromley for our office space, Bromley Court Hotel, United Reformed Church in Freelands Rd (Bromley), The Priory School (in Orpington), our precious volunteers and many others who offer services and donations that all help to keep Magpie going.

If you would like to know more about supporting us or investing in Magpie Dance, please get in touch click HERE

Mrs Rosie, parent of adult dancer - "Magpie has increased her confidence in herself and helped her with her spacial awareness...I find it amazing to watch her movement. Magpie Dance her helped her enormously "