Betty’s association with square dancing began in 1955 when she started a new club in St Ives with Gary Cohen as the caller. Betty was instrumental in starting this club and was influential on the committee until the late 70’s. During this period, Paul Johnson, Alex Purdy and Kevin Ryan all had periods of calling for the St Ives club. Tom McGrath took it over in the late 70’s at which time Betty retired from the committee after some 22 years of club management.

Her relationship with the Square Dance Society started in 1971 and carries forward to the present time. She has held positions in the State Society as Publicity Officer, Senior Vice President, Vice President and Overseas Publicity. Nationally, Betty was active in the initial formation of the State President’s meetings in 1977/78. This group was the grounds of the National Society and Betty became the inaugural secretary, a position she held until about 1980/81.

During her square dancing career, Betty has been on State and National Convention committees and has been a strong supporter of the Competitive Society of NSW where she offered her services for many years as a judge and adjudicator.

Her official positions taken from our archives are as follows:

1955 to 1977               Started the “St Ives” club in St Ives and served on its committee

1971 to 1977               Publicity Officer to the Square Dance Society of NSW

1977 to 1980/81          Part of the inaugural establishment of NSDS of Australia

1977 to 1982               Senior Vice President to the Square Dance Society of NSW

March 1982                 Awarded Life Membership to the Square Dance Society of NSW

1982 to 1983               Vice President to the Square Dance Society of NSW

1983 to 1985               Overseas Publicity to the Square Dance Society of NSW

1983 to 1986               Publicity Officer & Overseas Publicity to the Square Dance Society of NSW

1986 to 1993               Overseas Publicity to the Square Dance Society of NSW

In March 1993 Betty moved to the Central Coast and ceased her official relationship with the NSW Society.
However, she has been an unofficial advisor to various executive members and has been a valuable source of historical information and advice. Betty continues to dance three nights a week at the Central Coast where she is now active in the making of a club it the retirement village where she is now living.

Truly, Betty is an inspiration to us all in her selfless contribution to the square dance movement and New South Wales. The executive unequivocally recommends her inclusion on the National Roll of Honour.

Taken from My Life by Betty Johnston
Betty left us in 2012 RIP