High Spen Blue Diamonds
The High Spen Blue Diamonds today are the continuation of the traditional team from High Spen in the west of the borough of Gateshead. Rapper has been performed in High Spen for over 100 years, and the Blue Diamonds were founded by Fred Forster in 1926. Originally a children's team, they were revived in 1953 and continue to this day. The team is still led and largely formed by members of the Forster family, but are supported by a number of other experienced dancers, mainly former members of the Kingsmen and Sallyport.
Towards the end of last year the High Spen Blue Diamonds celebrated their 80th anniversary, and their style was discussed in an article in the Spring 2007 edition of English Dance & Song.