Why start a Charity called Golden-Oldies?
The Channel Four programme Young at Heart and the BBC2 Television programme The Zimmers in 2007 highlighted social issues and loneliness facing older people. More importantly, these two programmes showed how singing “pop “music can take people back to happy times and bring joy and friendship to their lives.
Those progammes were the inspiration to Goldies founder and choir leader Grenville Jones. who lives in the West Country City of Bath.
In the UK there are millions of people who are living in isolation and missing out on regular contact with their family and friends. Getting together, making friends and having fun are the basis of this Charity and its simple ethos - to give people events they can look forward to.
The Golden-Oldies Charitable Trust is based on the well documented fact that singing is good for you, it encourages good breathing and brightens up your day and gives you a chance to meet other people. It puts a SMILE on your face! We were delighted the announce in March 2011 that Sir Cliff Richard had agreed to be our Patron.
'The ethos of this Charity is very simple - it is to give people something to look forward to. This can be the weekly singing session in a sheltered housing community room or in a local church or community hall . It could be a trip to the local school, a concert or a visit to meet and sing with another Goldies session.
"Singing should be on prescription," says our founder Grenville Jones.
'Goldie' singing sessions (as they have become know) started in the Bath & North East Somerset area in January 2008, but now take place across the West of England. We work closely in partnership with Local and Unitary Authorities and Housing Associations. We plan to start more sessions in West Wilts before the end of 2011 and Goldies Cymru will be starting in South Wales in 2012 with the support of an Awards for All Wales Lottery Grant.
The songs are carefully chosen and based on the well known sing-along his of the 50s 60s & 70s. They encourage people to clap in rhythm to the music, tap their feet, smile and more often that not ... get up and dance!
Bring me Sunshine – Summer Holiday – Magic Moments – Downtown - Hi Ho Silver Lining and many more.
Goldies sessions have increased across the West Region since 2008 and the aim of the Trustees, led by chairman Howard Cunningham – Smith is to work towards being a national charity in 10 years. We look forward to the BIG SING in London with Goldies coaching from across the UK for a memorable day out – it will happen!
If you are reading this from elsewhere in the UK and are wondering how Golden-Oldies can be introduced in your area then we would like to hear from you. Please email Abby and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We are only a small team but we are growing thanks to the support from many Trusts and commercial sponsors.
The Channel Four programme Young at Heart and the BBC2 Television programme The Zimmers in 2007 highlighted social issues and loneliness facing older people. More importantly, these two programmes showed how singing “pop “music can take people back to happy times and bring joy and friendship to their lives.Those progammes were the inspiration to Goldies founder and choir leader Grenville Jones. who lives in the West Country City of Bath.
In the UK there are millions of people who are living in isolation and missing out on regular contact with their family and friends. Getting together, making friends and having fun are the basis of this Charity and its simple ethos - to give people events they can look forward to.
The Golden-Oldies Charitable Trust is based on the well documented fact that singing is good for you, it encourages good breathing and brightens up your day and gives you a chance to meet other people. It puts a SMILE on your face! We were delighted the announce in March 2011 that Sir Cliff Richard had agreed to be our Patron.
'The ethos of this Charity is very simple - it is to give people something to look forward to. This can be the weekly singing session in a sheltered housing community room or in a local church or community hall . It could be a trip to the local school, a concert or a visit to meet and sing with another Goldies session.
"Singing should be on prescription," says our founder Grenville Jones.
'Goldie' singing sessions (as they have become know) started in the Bath & North East Somerset area in January 2008, but now take place across the West of England. We work closely in partnership with Local and Unitary Authorities and Housing Associations. We plan to start more sessions in West Wilts before the end of 2011 and Goldies Cymru will be starting in South Wales in 2012 with the support of an Awards for All Wales Lottery Grant.
The songs are carefully chosen and based on the well known sing-along his of the 50s 60s & 70s. They encourage people to clap in rhythm to the music, tap their feet, smile and more often that not ... get up and dance!
Bring me Sunshine – Summer Holiday – Magic Moments – Downtown - Hi Ho Silver Lining and many more.
Goldies sessions have increased across the West Region since 2008 and the aim of the Trustees, led by chairman Howard Cunningham – Smith is to work towards being a national charity in 10 years. We look forward to the BIG SING in London with Goldies coaching from across the UK for a memorable day out – it will happen!
If you are reading this from elsewhere in the UK and are wondering how Golden-Oldies can be introduced in your area then we would like to hear from you. Please email Abby and we will get back to you as soon as we can. We are only a small team but we are growing thanks to the support from many Trusts and commercial sponsors.
Our picture above shows Grenville Jones conducting his Bath and Devizes Good Afternoon Choirs on stage at the Bath Forum on August 20th. This was the annual concert for Goldies and the Charity provided transport and arranged for over 400 of our "Goldies" to attend and enjoy a fantastic evening out.
We do hope you find this web site informative and that it answers all your questions about how to become a Goldie!
If you would like to help with our work - please email Grenville Jones.
If you would like to help with our work - please email Grenville Jones.
Company Number: 6369123 - Charity Registration Number: 1121600
