INVITE AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITY

INVITE AND PHOTO OPPORTUNITY  

A golden partnership between Greenfields and the “smile charity”

A national charity that has built a reputation based on smiles through singing is now working with older people in the Braintree District on a project funded by Greenfields Community Housing.

Greenfields Community Housing is working in partnership with Golden-Oldies to introduce four new daytime singing sessions in its older persons’ schemes.

‘Goldies’, as it is popularly known, was started by Bath-based music man, Grenville Jones, six years ago. From four initial sessions, Goldies now runs over 90 sessions across Southern England and Wales. The sessions are based on the memory-evoking hits of the 50s, onwards. Goldies is not a choir; it provides informal singing sessions that lighten the hearts of those who attend.

For many, attending Goldies is the only time they get out to be with others, to sing, smile and make new friendships.

Sandra Crosby, Housing Director at Greenfields Community Housing, commented: “Our residents have a big say in the projects we support and I’m thrilled that a group of our residents they agreed for us to fund Goldies. We know how easy it is for people to become lonely and isolated, especially in the winter months. We are eager to play our part in making our communities healthy, happy and resilient. The sessions are great fun, with a real variety of songs. I would encourage residents to attend; you won’t be disappointed.”

Retired church minister, Rob Cadman, who lives in Braintree, will lead the project. Rob says: “I love the terrific way that Goldies uses well-known songs to remind folk of years gone by, putting a positive spin on experience and memory. It is a real privilege to be working with Greenfields and Grenville on this amazing project.”

The first sessions are:

1. Harold Sims House (Sims Close, Earls Colne CO6 2SG) on Tuesday November 25th and Tuesday January 20th 2015 from 2.00pm until 3.00pm.
 
2. Gladys Malpass House (Colne Valley Close, Halstead CO9 1LE) on Tuesday December 2nd and Tuesday January 27th 2015 from 11.00am until 12.00noon.
 
3. Rex Mott Court (Guithaven Street, Witham CM8 1UP) on Thursday December 11th and Thursday January 22nd 2015 from 11.00am until 12.00 noon.
 
4. Tom Davies House (Coronation Avenue, Braintree CM7 1EP) on Friday December 19th and Friday January 30th 2015 from 2.00pm until 3.00pm

 The project is also supported by an ‘Awards for All England’ grant. More sessions will be added in the coming months, please check www.golden-oldies.org.uk

-Ends-

---