TAP dancers in Basingstoke have changed venues and downscaled their annual show venue following the death of a key member.

For the past 17 years, the Basingstoke Tappers have performed their summer show at The Anvil for an audience well over 1,000-strong.

But following the death last Christmas of June Kinchenton, who hand-made all the dancers costumes for every performance since the group was founded, the Tappers decided to go elsewhere this year, and will be performing their show Save The Last Dance For Me at All Saint’s Church, in Southern Road, Basingstoke, on Saturday.

Tracey Kinchenton, June’s daughter, who started up the Basingstoke Tappers, said: “It would be too painful to go back to The Anvil without her this year, so we have decided to do a performance at the All Saints’ Church instead.

“My mum made every single person’s costume – otherwise you get one child who has a fantastic costume and another whose costume might not be as good – so all the children wore her costumes and she did this for every show I have ever done.

“She was very popular and anyone who has ever been to one of our performances will know who she was.

“I keep hearing of people wondering why we are not at The Anvil. This year’s decision does not mean that we won’t be back at The Anvil – it’s just too painful this year.”

The professional choreographer, who spent years working with celebrities in high-profile shows, decided to make her own company less formal and fun.

She said: “The company has always very much had a family core, with my dad making props and mum involved for years, and that’s the basis that Tappers has grown from. It’s not run like a dancing school – I decided not to go down the exam route.”

All Saints’ Church only holds 250 people and after their 7.30pm show sold out, the Tappers decided to put on a second show at 4pm.

Money raised will go to the church. Tickets, which cost £10 for adults and £8.50 for children, can be booked by calling Miss Kinchenton on 01256 468899 or by emailing tracey@basing stoketapper.com.