The 60's and 70's saw the formation of many Baton Twirling Corps throughout the UK, and although there was great enthusiasm, unfortunately there was little know-how. Marching did not present too much of a problem, as military gentlemen could usually be called upon to help with the training. The correct technique of Baton Twirling, however, was more difficult to achieve as there were very few experts to turn to for tuition.
It was as result of Joy Townsley, her daughter Tina and her "Torbay Tigerettes", appearing on "Opportunity Knocks" that Joy Townsley emerged as probably the most important of these experts. Bob Spencer made contact with Joy and who had moved to England from Canada, where she had been a respected judge on the world of Baton Twirling.

Joy got several corps to "buy-in" that there was an urgent need for an association, devoted to promote correct baton twirling technique, train Judges, Teachers and Twirlers to hold fair contests. Thus, the IBTA came into being, as the British Division of the National Baton Twirling Association of the USA. The IBTA abided by the rules of its parent association through Joy who acted as co-ordinator. In May 1974 a committee was formed under the chairmanship of Bob Spencer, who was a few years later to tragically die. Mrs. Emma Reed was elected as Honorary Treasurer.

The first seminar was held on Sunday 5th May 1974 at Eastleigh, attended by the corps who initially joined the IBTA, The Spencerettes, Unity Girls, Hayling Island, Hastings Majorettes, Kent Carolettes and Finchettes.
There were more seminars to follow, before the first Annual Championships were held at Hastings on 24th November 1974. Joy was prominent in organising and judging at a further 9 Annual International Championships in South East England before her retirement.

In those early days the Annual Championships took place in 1 day, quite a contrast to the present time, when it now takes four days to complete the programme. Joy Townsley worked extremely hard to make the IBTA a success. During the years, she was ably assisted by her daughters Tina and April, with her husband Dennis. In 1982, the IBTA having been well established for 8 years, severed its link with its Parent Association and continued its function as an entirely independent twirling organisation, though all the basic principles that Joy Townsley had set up remain unchanged. The highest technique, coupled with sportsmanship and ethics.

Joy Townsley will long be remembered, for her love and dedication to the association and all its members. Joy upheld her ideas of integrity, correct behaviour and the promotion of correct baton twirling technique through seminars and contests. This is the best testimony we can make to the memory of our founder, Joy Townsley.
In 1982, Mike Talbot took over the association, who supported by his wife Sylvia ran the IBTA for 13 Years. A year later Tina Townsley moved to Spain, leaving nobody experienced enough to take over training until Mike met Deardra Leslie at a competition at Thorpe Park.

Deardra agreed to become the IBTA's technical advisor, a role in which she still holds.