The last Anglican Old Time Dance will be held in the parish hall on June 1, with organisers Graeme and Mary Aldrich planning some extra novelties and presentations.

"Our whole idea is to go out on a high without just dwindling to a stop," Mr Aldrich said.

A lack of musicians owing to health issues and an ageing group of participants convinced them it was time to close.

"The toes don't twinkle all that well when you get a bit older," he said with a laugh.

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Revived by the late Father Laurie Allott in 1977, the dances had always attracted volunteers to provide the live music, led by the founder on drums, piano and piano accordion.

Other musicians might play brass, saxophone or banjo.

"They came just for the fun of it, so at any one night you might have four or you might have seven," Mr Aldrich said.

"They were all definitely 'young at heart' - the current players still are - but were often referred to light-heartedly by Father Laurie as 'Gerry and the 'Atrics'."

The minister's pre World War II drum kit was still in service when the dance celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2017.

Held on the first Saturday of the month, the dance attracts more visitors from around the North East than residents of Tallangatta itself.

"Patrons come from Mudgegonga to Corryong," Mr Aldrich said.

The Aldrichs, who took over organising the event when Father Laurie retired about 1990, thanked everyone who had made the dances possible over four decades.

Mr Aldrich felt participants had accepted the present situation.

"I guess there's a bit of sadness because it's been such a long ongoing thing, but people are aware of problems that led to it and c'est la vie, I suppose," he said.

"It was always good to enjoy the music, we'll miss that side of it."

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