Raunchy routine gives fun-loving pensioners new lust for life

Jul 20 2008 By Heather Greenaway

SAUCY sixty-somethings are taking Scotland by storm - after taking up pole-dancing.

The Hip Bumpers got into the raunchy pastime by accident when founder Dot Bremner, 69, suggested they try something different.

Retired administrator Dot, of Drummuir, near Keith, said: "I'd actually suggested Polish dancing but a member got the wrong end of the stick and told me she knew someone who could teach us pole dancing.

"I just laughed and thought, 'Why not?'

"So, decked out in shorts, T-shirts and cowboy hats, we were soon scaling the pole at a local club.

"At 69, the last place I expected to find myself was swinging round a pole in a lap-dancing club but since I set up Hip Bumpers anything goes."

The OAPs perform their cheerleading and belly dance routines around hospitals and care homes.

There are 50 members but they rotate their performers show by show.

The group, which includes four great grandmothers, have made it through to the final three in the Charity/Voluntary category of the National Lottery Awards.

The winner will receive £2000 towards their project.

Grandmother Dot, who is married to Jim, 80, a retired timber storeman, admits the troupe is keeping everyone in the community healthy and young.

She added: "All the women are getting at least an hour of exercise every week, which is amazing and I know we are all feeling the good of it. One of our members has even dropped from a size 28 to a 16.

It's also a great way of socialising as we all have a cup of tea and a natter after class and we only charge £1 to help cover the cost of the local community hall.

"We're just ordinary people enjoying ourselves. That's what life is all about."

Voting starts from 9am tomorrow until noon on August 8. To support Hip Bumpers, contact 0845 386 1502 or log on to www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/awards

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h.greenaway@sundaymail.co.uk