Grenville Jones has been taking a Golden-Oldies group for the last few weeks in Bath to help him prepare the music for the big start last week. At the end of one session, an elderly lady gave Grenville a big kiss on the cheek and told him:
"Golden-Oldies has brightened up my life, thank you!"
Goldies at Greenacres – PRESS INVITATION 1.30pm May 6th
The Golden-Oldies success story continues in Bath & North East Somerset with a new weekday singing session starting on Tuesday May 6th from 2 – 3pm at Greenacres Court Community Room, Midsomer Norton. There is no charge to attend the sessions and everyone is welcome.
‘Goldies’ was launched as a pilot in Bath & North East Somerset in January and apart from the daytime weekly sessions there are an increasing number of monthly sessions taking place across Bath & North East Somerset at residential homes and community rooms.
Cllr Marian McNeir is Chairman of the Golden-Oldies Charitable Trust, she said:
“The new sessions at Greenacres further underlines the great partnership we have with Somer Community Housing Trust.
“When Grenville Jones, the Project Director and myself first went to see the management tram at Somer last year, they were committed to supporting us.
“The weekly sessions taken by Grenville and his team are now becoming an important part of peoples lives.
“You only have to go along to one of them and see for yourself the smiles and fun that is being enjoyed at these free sessions.
“By the end of this year we expect to be running Goldies across Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Bristol, Swindon and Somerset. It is a remarkable journey which we are able to make with the funding of people like Somer, Tesco, HSBC and a number of other philanthropic organisations.”
For further information about Golden-Oldies call 01761 470006 or see www.golden-oldies.org.uk.
Ends
NOTE FOR INFORMATION
Greenacres is an 'Extra Care' sheltered housing scheme.
B&NES provides the team of care staff, while the Trust owns and manages the building and lets the flats.
St John's Court in central Bath opened in 2006, Greenacres in Midsomer Norton is the second and a third is being built at The Hawthorns in Keynsham.
Golden Oldies gets a boost from Help The Aged
Grenville Jones is pictured with Rosie Horne from Bath Help the Aged.
THE Golden-Oldies Charity has received a welcome boost from the local branch of Help the Aged. Chairman Rosie Horne went along to the Somer Housing Blagdon Park Community Centre on Monday 14th April to present a cheque for £3,000 to Golden-Oldies Project Director, Grenville Jones.
Rosie said:
“We have been following with great interest the progress of Grenville and his Goldies.
“This is such a wonderful new initiative and it is putting smiles on faces of many of our elderly folk living across Bath & North East Somerset. Goldies is certainly catching on with the launch last week in Bristol and we understand that Grenville is talking to a number of other Housing Providers and Local Authorities in the West of England.
“Here in Bath & North East Somerset we want to help Goldies to grow and our support will enable Grenville and his team to introduce more sessions and more smiles.”
The Goldies sessions as they are called are based on the hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s. There are a number of regular weekly sing a longs taking place in Bath & North East Somerset during the day and a number of care homes have approached Golden-Oldies to see if it is possible for sessions to take place at their premises.
A monthly Goldies session is also being planned in Bath City Centre in the near future.
Cllr Marian McNeir, Chairman of the Golden-Oldies Charity said:
“Golden-Oldies has certainly touched the heart of people across Bath & North East Somerset.
“Every organisation is getting on board to help us drive the Charity forward and we are so pleased that Help the Aged have shown us such positive support with this wonderful donation.”
Helpers Needed
Do you love singing? Are you the sort of person who can stand in front of a group and lead a good old-fashioned sing song?
If the answer is yes to these two questions and you have spare time during the day then Golden-Oldies Project Director, Grenville Jones wants to hear from you, soon!
“Goldies” as the Charity is becoming known is all about providing daytime fun, free, singing sessions for people who are isolated, lonely or just want to come along and enjoy themselves.
Grenville is well-known as the conductor of three of Bath’s leading singing groups, but he emphasizes that the session takers are nothing to do with being a Choir Conductor.
“Far from it, if there are young musicians out there who have a strong singing voice, a bright personality and visit their Nan regularly, then I want to hear from them.
“The session takers are at the very heart of our Charity and there is payment per session as well as a mileage allowance. The commitment is weekly with huge, huge additional rewards - those smiles of the “Goldies” who come along.”
Golden-Oldies was launched in Bath & North East Somerset in January with Somer Community Housing Trust on board from day one as a partner.
There are already 8 weekly sessions taking place in Somer Sheltered Housing community rooms. Goldies has received huge media attention and was even featured on the BBC 1 National News in January and the requests have come flooding in for Goldies sessions ever since.
Chairman of the Trustees, Councillor Marian McNeir said:
“Each week we are receiving more and more enquiries from local care homes who want Grenville to take sessions in their community rooms. It is also our plan to start a monthly Bath City Centre Goldies session in May.
“We have been fortunate in recruiting Jo Sercombe and Jacqui Cook as session takers. They are brilliant but we have to find more people to come forward and join us on this exciting Goldies journey.”
Goldies has sessions commencing in Bristol this week. Advanced discussions are taking place with Swindon Borough Council, South Gloucestershire District Council, Mendip District Council, North Somerset Council and many others to introduce Goldies.
BRISTOL GOLDIES PRESS RELEASE
HI HO Silver Lining and the Golden-Oldies hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s come to Bristol in April. The Golden-Oldies Charity sings into Bristol on April 10th when it starts one of its music sessions at the Withywood Community Centre as part of the Council’s Promoting Independence Project.
Golden-Oldies attracted a huge amount of media attention when it launched back in January. It was featured on the BBC 6 o’clock News and the BBC World Service.
The pilot for the new Charity, which is based on the music of the 50s, 60s and 70s is led by Grenville Jones who is respected across the West Country as a choir leader and charity concert organiser.
The ethos of Golden-Oldies is simple; to provide people living in sheltered housing or care homes with something to look forward to through the free daytime singing sessions and also outings and concerts which will follow in the months and years ahead.
There are now a number of regular Golden-Oldies sessions taking place across Bath & North East Somerset with hardly a day going by when the Golden-Oldies Charity does not receive an enquiry from across the Country asking how and when Goldies sessions can be introduced in new areas.
In the last month, Grenville Jones has visited Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Somerset, Essex, West Midlands, Dorset and Wales talking to Housing Associations, Local Authorities and Community Providers about the work of the Charity.
Representatives from Bristol Housing attended the Goldies launch at the end of last year and discussions then started as to how a pilot for Goldies could take place in Bristol.
Bristol City Council’s Steve Durnell said:
“We were impressed from the start at the simple concept that Goldies follows and I know how much enthusiasm and enjoyment is instigated by the people who attend and really have a wonderful time together.
“There is so much more to the Goldies than singing and Grenville has already received telephone calls from Community Health workers in the Bath area telling him that Goldies is having a profound effect on the health of people who are attending these sessions.
“Golden-Oldies is a wonderful way of reaching out and giving people something special to look forward to.”
The Withywood Community Centre will host a weekly Goldies session starting on Thursday April 10th and BBC Points West Presenter Sally Challoner will be there to get things off to a swinging start.
There is no charge for the sessions and they run for an hour from 10.30am with coffee and tea at the start of the sessions. Everyone is welcome to come along and if Withywood is a success then it is hoped to extend Golden-Oldies across Bristol in the months and years ahead.
The Golden-Oldies Charity has attracted major sponsorship from big names such as Tesco and HSBC Bank. A number of Trusts are also helping fund the project, including The Medlock Trust in Bath, The Esmée Fairbairn Trust and The Concertina Charity.
Running the marathon for Goldies
ALISON Wilton may not be first past the post in this years April London Marathon but she will certainly be in first place for the new Golden-Oldies Charity.
Aged 47, Alison lives at Welton near Bath and read about Golden-Oldies in her local press when it was launched back in November.
Says Alison:
“I just thought that this was a wonderful new project. The idea of running weekly day time singing sessions for elderly folk, giving them something to look forward to and putting smiles on their faces, this was something that I felt I had to support.
“My mother suffers from Alzheimer's and I have run half marathons in the past for the Alzheimer's Society. When my application for the London Marathon came through I felt that it was right to be running for the Goldies.”
Alison is a full-time foster carer who started running when her mother was taken ill 5 years ago. She is a member of the Somer Athletics Club.
Married to Christopher, an Accounts Manager for G4S, they have 5 children, 3 of which are at home and also have 2 foster children.
Grenville Jones, the man behind Golden-Oldies said:
“Alison is a special lady and is the first person to come forward as a fundraiser for our Goldies project. The more funding that we can achieve, the more sessions we can run and the more smiling faces there will be. Our sessions across Bath & North East Somerset are now getting more and more people along. Goldies is taking off!”
The Golden-Oldies project is running as a pilot in Bath & North East Somerset. Following National media coverage, there has been publicity World-Wide for the Charity. Enquiries for Goldies have come from across the UK and Grenville is currently talking to a number of local authorities about introducing Golden-Oldies in those areas.
The vision of the Trustees is that Golden-Oldies will become a National institution in the next 10 years in the UK. If you would like to help, you can call 01761 470006 or discover more about being a Goldie on www.golden-oldies.org.uk.
Press release – Be a Goldie!
A new Charity that aims to put a smile on the faces of thousands of lonely elderly people in the years ahead was featured nationally on the BBC 6 o'clock news on Monday 14th January 2008.
Golden-Oldies takes on the concerns highlighted by the BBC 2 TV documentary "The Zimmers". The idea for the Charity was conceived by a group of people living in the west country city of Bath.
Project Director Grenville Jones explains:
"There are many thousands of isolated and lonely people in the UK who have very little in their lives to look forward to, and certainly precious little to make them smile. This is the fastest growing sector of our community.
"These are our "Goldies" and they are certainly worth their weight in gold for the contribution they have made to this country in years past. Golden-Oldies is a community group. At its base there will be regular daytime singing sessions where everyone is invited to come along and join in singing the popular hits of the fifties, sixties and seventies – those golden oldies.
"But there is more to our charity than singing in a karaoke style! Each group will sing the same group of songs and we will organize outings, taking groups to meet others, shopping excursions, concerts and much more. New friendships will be made, and I am looking forward to being invited to the first Goldie wedding!
"We want the Golden-Oldies ethos of caring and inclusion to touch the hearts of people across the UK in the next ten years. My vision is a day when thousands of Goldies will head for London in coaches to attend the "big sing". We will finish the day with lots of famous names from the pop world on stage leading the final number, "Hi Ho Silver Lining". What a wonderful experience that will be!"
The Golden-Oldies pilot has already gained sponsorship from Tesco and HSBC. The local housing provider, Somer Community Housing Trust, is a partner, the Ésme Fairbairn Foundation is backing the Charity over three years and a number of local Bath-based trusts have also provided funding.
As leader of three of Bath's top Choirs, Grenville Jones has gained a reputation locally as the man who gets ordinary people to sing. He is also a concert producer and supporter of local community groups. A show he organized last year in the city raised £20,000 which was distributed to twelve small local community groups.
Chairman of the Trust is Marian McNeir, a local Councillor, former Mayor of Bath and former Chairman of Bath & North East Somerset Council. The other Trustees are all local business people including John Cullum, father of Jazz star Jamie Cullum.
The singing sessions started in and around Bath last week. Following the well-publicized launch in November, there have already been approaches from a number of other west country areas who want to introduce Golden-Oldie sessions.
Chairman Marian McNeir said:
"In each area we have to establish partnerships with the local housing providers, trusts who specifically support those towns or cities, philanthropic individuals or businesses who can join us as sponsors.
"Golden-Oldies has already attracted significant support, but to go forward into new areas, we have to find those partners and of course talented enthusiastic people, like Grenville, who can lead the singing sessions.
"We are at the start of a very exciting journey. We are fortunate to have Grenville at the helm, but to progress our Charity across the UK, we need to hear from partners who we can work with.
"Transport is another issue, and we will be building up a database of volunteer Goldies, who will be a vital part of our future development.
"Everyone can be a Goldie, and this organization can really make a major contribution to the communities across the UK in the next decade.
"Be a Goldie!"
Contact Grenville Jones during office hours on 01761 470006 or 01761 472468
Mobile: 07778 282934
Email: grenville@golden-oldies.org.uk
Golden-Oldies Charity Registration No: 1121600
The Trustees of Golden-Oldies would like to thank Tesco, Somer Community Housing Trust, The Esmée Fairbairn Foundation, HSBC, Mowbray Woodward Solicitors - Bath, The Medlock Trust, Mr Brian Roper, The Quartet Community Foundation and The Higgs Charitable Trust for their support in enabling Goldies to start in Bath & North East Somerset.
Could you be a Volunteer Goldie in 2008? - Volunteer drivers wanted.
Bath’s newest Charity Golden-Oldies will put a smile on the faces of hundreds of local elderly folk when it kicks off in January.
Since Golden-Oldies was launched at the end of November calls have been pouring in from people who want to know where the singing sessions take place.
The project is led by Bath’s music man Grenville Jones, he said:v
"Somer Communtiy Housing Trust are our main partner and they are providing the community rooms where the sessions will take place.
"However many of the people who want to come along will need transport.
"Another of our partners is Bath Community Transport and we are now urgently looking for people who could become volunteer drivers for Golden-Oldies. They do not need a special driving licence, just able to spare a few hours during the day to pick up our Goldies, take them to the sessions and then take them home. The volunteers can even stop and have a sing!"
Golden-Oldies has captured the imagination of many people already and 2008 is set to be the Year of the Goldie!
If you would like to get involved as a Volunteer please contact Nikki on 01761 470006.
Tesco backs Golden-Oldies
A NEW Charity which aims to put a smile on the faces of thousands of elderly people in the years ahead today received a major cash boost at its launch in the City of Bath.
Golden-Oldies takes the theme “Sing for Life” and the pilot scheme in Bath & North East Somerset will start in January.
The launch of Golden-Oldies was held today, November 26th at the Bath Spa Hotel in the centre of the city. Tesco Regional Corporate Affairs Manager, Juliette Bishop announced that the International Retailer were giving £25,000 to support the pilot project.
Juliette said:
“We were approached by Golden-Oldies Trustee Bob Tyrrell and Project Director, Grenville Jones earlier in the year. We have a long association with Bob who works with us on a consultancy basis.
“We felt that the aims and objectives of this new Charity were imaginative and impressive, reaching out to affect the lives of so many elderly people. This was certainly a Charity that we wanted to support from the onset and I am delighted to be here today to add Tesco’s support to the wonderful aspirations of the Trustees of Golden-Oldies.
“This Charity will not only put a smile on the faces of those who take part and enjoy the singing sessions but it also aims to embrace the families and friends of the Goldies. We loved the concept of a BIG SING in the years ahead with Goldies travelling from across the Country to enjoy a memorable experience singing the hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s in one huge community choir.”
Golden-Oldies will initially be based on regular singing sessions at community rooms across Bath & North East Somerset which starts in January. A major partner and funder is Somer Community Housing Trust who will work with Grenville Jones and his team to provide support and the rooms where the sessions will take place.
Forget those melodies of the Second World War; the Goldies, as they will be called, will tune in to the hits of the 50s, 60s and 70s. Goldies will sing, stretch and smile to backing tracks playing such songs as ‘Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon’ and ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining.’
The Trustees are all prominent local people in Bath. The Chairman, Councillor Marian McNeir, is a former Mayor of the City and Leader of the Council. Another Trustee is retired businessman John Cullum, father of jazz star Jamie Cullum.
Another speaker at the launch was David Medlock, High Sherrif of Somerset. Mr. Medlock also pledged financial support over the next 3 years from The Medlock Trust.
Trust Chairman Marian McNeir said:
“We believe we have something unique and to have the support of Tesco is wonderful. The injection of cash from them will enable us to take the project forward to other areas in the months and years ahead.”
SING FOR LIFE
A NEW Charity which aims to put a smile on the faces of many thousands of elderly people in the years ahead was launched on Monday November 26th in Bath, England.
The Charity takes the theme ‘Sing for Life’ and is called Golden-Oldies. Bath is the pilot scheme for the Charity which plans to grow across the UK in the next 10 years.
Golden-Oldies will be based on regular singing sessions at community rooms across Bath & North East Somerset initially. Forget those tunes of the Second World War; the Goldies, as they will be called, will tune in to the hits of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Goldies will sing, stretch and smile to backing tracks playing such songs as ‘Lazing on a Sunny Afternoon’ and ‘Hi Ho Silver Lining.’
The Trustees are all prominent local people in Bath. The Chairman, Councillor Marian McNeir, is a former Mayor of the City and Leader of the Council. Another Trustee is retired businessman John Cullum, father of jazz star Jamie Cullum.
Golden-Oldies takes on the concerns highlighted by award-winning BBC journalist Tim Samuel with his documentary, ‘The Zimmers.’ The project in Bath is lead by Grenville Jones who conducts three popular singing groups in and around the city. One of these is the City of Bath Male Choir, founded by Grenville only 20 months ago. It now has over 70 members including many younger men with no previous choral experience.
Grenville said:
“Our inspiration is The Zimmers. This Television series clearly showed that there are many, many elderly folk who have very little in life to look forward to and enjoy. The Goldies sessions will be more than just community singing, we will bring a new interest into the lives of many people, a reason to get up in the morning and smile!
“This is not about building a wonderful Choir. However, we will include harmonies and develop singing skills through the pieces to encourage a sense of achievement through music making.
“We intend developing Golden-Oldies with volunteers and business supporters. I was talking recently to a housing manager in Bath who referred to people aged between 70 and 80 as ‘the forgotten generation.’ We intend to see that they are not forgotten.”
“The pilot launch of the Golden-Oldies Charitable Trust has already received funding from a number of trusts and businesses. Somer Community Housing Trust is the main provider of social housing in Bath & North East Somerset. It was the first organisation to commit funding and is working with Grenville Jones to establish the centers where the Goldie sessions will take place.
“We are also very grateful to Bath Spa Hotel who have given their wonderful facility for the launch with other local businesses such as HSBC in Bath backing us, we can take the project forward.”
Vicky Halemonro, Divisional Director for Somer Community Housing Trust said:
“We have a huge amount of experience providing supported sheltered housing for older people. We could immediately see the link between the aims of the Goldies project and our own aim to help and support older people to retain their independence and remain active in the communities they live in. We are pleased to be sponsoring Goldies and excited about the very real benefits we can see it bringing.”
Local businesses have added their support, including HSBC in Bath.
Trust Chairman Marian McNeir adds:
“Grenville has a terrific reputation for getting people of all ages to sing and enjoy the experience. This role is made for him and all the Trustees are totally committed to taking Golden-Oldies forward.
“We want to stage annual fund-raising concerts and develop the Charity with outings, Christmas parties and more. Someone recently told me that Christmas is such a lonely time for so many elderly people; we intend to change that.
“The singing sessions will also involve movement with music where possible. We will make an impact on the health of our Goldies. As the Charity develops we will need to recruit many people as session takers and Grenville will be taking that forward in the coming months.
“Golden-Oldies could become a National Institution, we invite everyone to get on board – that’s friends, neighbours, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.
“Be a Goldie!”
The telephone number of Golden-Oldies is 01761 470006