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Friday 28 March 2025 GRENVILLE WINS MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT AWARD Over 50 National Awards were announced with the final one, the individual public vote, won by Grenville and presented to him by HRH, the Princess Royal. Last evening (March 27) in a glittering awards ceremony at the packed Bobby Moore Suite, Wembley Stadium, the work of the Bath-based Songs&Smiles Charity Golden-Oldies was recognised with its founder Grenville Jones being awarded the prestigious UK Excellence Awards 2025 Patron’s Award for Individual achievement by the British Quality Foundation Patron, HRH, the Princess Royal. It was in 2007 when respected choir leader and musician Grenville, who lives in Bath, launched the charity that was based on bringing isolated lonely people together to enjoy fun Sing&Smile organised community singing sessions in Church halls, community rooms and libraries across South West England and Wales (Goldies Cymru). Over the last 18 years Grenville has also built up a reputation for his leadership of many community choirs, although he is always quick to point out that the Goldies Charity is NOT about choir singing but more specifically about community health and wellbeing sessions for over 3,000 older isolated and vulnerable people. From the original four ‘Goldies’ sessions taken by Grenville in and around the Bath and Bristol areas the work of the Charity, with Sir Cliff Richard as its Patron, has grown to the point today where they organise over 170 sessions across England and in Wales, under the Goldies Cymru banner. Alongside the charity work, he has led the development of community choirs and, through his separate music business, runs 34 mixed-voice choirs with 1600 enthusiastic singers. Goldies however is entirely different but both Grenville’s choir work and his charity are based on a very simple principle, he says : “I understand that there were hundreds of votes and I’d like to thank everyone across my Choirs and the Goldies Charity who took time to vote for me. “Singing is good for your health and wellbeing, it encourages friendship and should most definitely be on prescription.” Carrie White, Events, Communications & Marketing Lead of The British Quality Foundation (BQF) said; “Our awards cover a variety of different areas, one of the most significant being our Patron’s Awards for everyday excellence. We have separate, independent panels of judges for all of our Awards and it is interesting to note that the Golden-Oldies Charity was nominated as a finalist in the Patron’s Award Organisations. In addition Grenville Jones was nominated for the Patron’s Award Individuals for his leadership and dedication for taking forward not only the work of the charity but his encouragement and development of community singing across so many areas of the UK.” Grenville’s work has been recognised on many occasions and has enjoyed the support of numerous Trusts and philanthropic groups, Local Authorities and supportive Trusts, the National Lottery and many others. Dr Alwyn Humphreys, MBE and Goldies Cymru Trustee said: “When Covid shut down all of the Goldies in-person daytime sessions it was typical of the determination of Grenville to find a new way to reach out to isolated people. We did this with the innovative introduction of sessions which were made available to people in their homes through YouTube and professionally produced and distributed sessions. Sofa singing was born!” The charity has also led the way with its intergenerational Primary School events, supported by the National Lottery through its Heritage Lottery Fund. Three years ago an intergenerational project from Goldies, based on the commemoration of Armistice Day and World War II, won the prestigious Education Category of the National Lottery Awards 2018. Grenville received the award from Welsh soprano Katherine Jenkins at a televised event in London. “With the continued support of our brilliant session leaders and many sponsors and supporters we are adding more Goldies Sing&Smile sessions. We know that we are making a huge difference to the lives of so many older vulnerable people. “You really cannot be gloomy or sad if you are singing at a Goldies session,” added Grenville ENDS
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Goldies regularly receives complimentary anecdotes through the freelance session leaders who deliver the Songs&Smiles sessions across England and Wales. Jaine Thorne takes Goldies sessions in and around Somerset. Last week she received this email from the daughter of an older gentleman who regularly attends one of her sessions. “Before dad came to Goldies, he had forgotten how to enjoy most of his songs and it was coming to your wonderful sessions, your endless encouragement, your joy and upliftment of my Dad, and continual support that brought it all flooding back to him. It was you who made music happen for him again. “I can't thank you enough and I've got tears in my eyes as I'm writing this. Music is the most amazing gift for all of us, but especially people with dementia. You brought joy and the light of life back to my Dad and I'll be forever grateful to you.” Press Release All enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934 Tuesday, 28 January 2025 Goldies Charity reflects on Christmas Celebrations Across Wales and England Grenville Jones, founder of the Golden-Oldies Charity, looks back on the hundreds of special events held during the Christmas season bringing Songs & Smiles to older isolated people. “At Goldies we know that Christmas is not everyone’s favourite time of year, for many it’s a reminder of loss and isolation. This is why we make an extra special effort every year to bring as many isolated people as possible together for fun and laughter. Our special daytime events entertain and delight with old friends and new. Organised Christmas events to celebrate at Christmas and provide events to look forward to. This is what Goldies is all about. “The Charity launched in 2007 with just a handful of daytime FUN Sing&Smile sessions in and around the Bath area, all taken by founder Grenville. Now there are over 170 across England and Wales with 48 freelance session leaders and 100’s attending. “During November and December 2024, we hosted a fantastic eight county-wide Christmas BIG SINGs across Southwest and Southeast England by our team based in the South West. These events could only have taken place with the amazing support of the Edward Gostling Foundation, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Julia Rausing Trust, the National Lottery, the People’s Postcode Lottery and Swindon Borough Council. “Where possible, we provided free transport and a full afternoon of entertainment for over 1,000 people, 2000 cups of tea were served along with sandwiches, cake and a multitude of mince pies. We sang, danced and smiled our way through the festive season. “We launched our Christmas activities on November 28 at Nailsea Methodist Church with all our North Somerset sessions attending. Kingshill Church School delighted us all with their acapella singing of Christmas songs followed by the Kookie Ukes Ukelele Band. “Next up on December 3 was our largest event attended by 190 people at St Michael's Church Centre in Stoke Gifford for our Bristol and South Glos sessions. The Auditorium was packed, especially when joined by 60 children from St Michael’s Church Primary School singing Christmas songs and allowing us to join in playing Boomwhackers. After lunch Mel Wittmaack joined us for some Chair Dance which caused lots of laughter! A special thanks goes to the John James Bristol Foundation and the Monmouthshire Building Society for supporting our work in these areas. “The Wells party on December 4 was held at The Bishops Palace. Sandwiches, cake, tea and coffee were served in the Stable Yard on arrival, with Christmas Crackers, small gifts and drinks. This was followed by an hour of Goldies singing Christmas music in the very beautiful Chapel. Our thanks to the team at the Bishops Palace who make this event possible. “Deputy Mayor Councillor Fay Howard joined the celebrations on December 5 at Coleview Community Centre in Swindon. With some raucous singing and line dancing, as well a wonderful performance from Covingham Park Primary School lead by Jo Crabbe. Our thanks go to Swindon Borough Council for supporting our work across the area. As always Swindon had a huge raffle with prizes donated from participants and local businesses throughout the year. “On December 6 we held two Parties. The first at Martock Parish Hall in South Somerset was completely full of Goldies participants and their families from across the County. Martock Primary School children sang us some fabulous Christmas Songs and Chaffcombe Reservoir Dogs Ukulele Group thoroughly entertained us with popular hits and Christmas numbers. The Ukulele group welcomed one of our regular Goldies, Frank Wilson, onto the stage to play his harmonica to ‘Imagine’ by John Lenon. Frank has dementia but is still able to play his harmonica note for note and regularly plays at Sing&Smile sessions in Yeovil, Queen Camel and Martock. It was extremely moving to hear Frank play, he finished to a huge cheer from the audience, after which he took his bow! “The second party on the December 6 was held in Essex at the Braintree Community Centre. Goldies Session Leaders Rob and Sue hosted this brilliant afternoon for all Essex Sing&Smile session participants. Beckers Green Primary School entertained everyone with some beautiful singing. One lady participant said she was “moved to tears by their wonderful rendering of ‘O Holy Night’ which was her most favourite song in all the world. After lunch came the wonderful performance of Braintree Male Voice Choir. A special thanks goes to Braintree United Charities and FSJ Charities who helped fund our work in Essex. “The Key Centre in Keynsham was the next location on December 13 for some of our BANES and Bristol Sing&Smile attendees. We were joined by the Kooky Ukes and enjoyed plenty of singing, dancing, laughing and smiling along to hits from the 60’s onwards and Christmas songs after refreshments. Not to mention a pompom snowball fight! Thanks go to Keynsham Town Council who helped fund the party and the Masonic Charitable Trust who support our work across B&NES. “The final Christmas Party was held on December 19 Edwards Court in Exeter, kindly supported by Exeter City Council. Our Leaders Katie and Lisa encouraged ample singing and dancing with everyone, with sandwiches, tea, cake, crackers and small gifts!” With the wonderful support of the Julia Rausing Trust, Goldies in England again reinforced their commitment in bringing together children in Primary Schools with older people in their award-winning intergenerational programme. A unique new song called ‘Forever Young’ was commissioned by Grenville Jones and was performed at many of the events listed above. It also featured as a open Goldies Day which was held at the Pavilion in Bath and attended by four local Primary Schools and 300 older people. It was introduced by special guest, The Mayor of Bath. Across South West England and in South Wales 35 Primary Schools and 750 young people joined together with older people in Christmas celebration. All this was made possible with the support of the Julia Rausing Trust. “We will be continuing our Primary School events throughout 2025,” said Goldies Founder, Grenville Jones.
Pictures taken at St Michael’s Church Centre 3rd December
Pictures taken at Nailsea Methodist Church on 28th November “In Wales the Goldies Cymru groups enjoyed a fun and festive December. The CARDIFF LIONS once again invited our Goldies in Cardiff to a Christmas Dinner, which is always a huge success and enjoyed by all of the Goldies that attend. They enjoyed a festive dinner and were treated like royalty. “Off the back of our successful Intergenerational project in 2024, supported by the Heritage Lottery Fund, we welcomed the pupils of Ysgol Y Castell to join our session in Kidwelly, to sing some Christmas Carols, and our Rhiwbina Goldies were invited to Rhiwbeina school for another visit, to join in with their Christmas festivities. At one of our new sessions this year in Bargoed, we had the pleasure of welcoming pupils from St Gwladys, who thoroughly enjoyed singing with our Goldies and having a dance at the end of the session. Also, Birchgrove Primary School choir came along to our Christmas Special at Park End Church, Rhydypennau where the Goldies also had the pleasure of a VERY special guest – Father Christmas, who told us a story, joined us for the singing and brought some prizes for the raffle! “All of our sessions had extra special sessions with Christmas songs and carols, Christmas jumpers and mince pies, with many organising to go out together for Christmas Lunch. “Goldies Cymru in Wales is supported by the wonderful Moondance Foundation which has allowed the charity to develop its work through 2024 and to plan new sessions in 2025. “Goldies Cymru has also been introduced to many lonely older people in Conwy during 2024 in close partnership with Conwy County Borough Council.” Ted lives in Cardiff and never misses his weekly Goldies Sing&Smile session. “I do not know where I would be if it wasn’t for going to Goldies. The leaders are simply wonderful and the friendship that I have made has, without doubt, made such a massive difference to my life over these last few years since I lost my wife. Life was very lonely but the Goldies Charity changed all that!”  Our Goldies from Whitchurch enjoying their December session, with lots of smiles and some very fetching Christmas jumpers. If you are interested in joining one of our Goldies Sing&Smile sessions, becoming a Goldies Leader, starting Goldies up in your area or for more information please visit our website at www.golden-oldies.org.uk or contact the office on 01761 470006 or email [email protected]
ENDS Golden-Oldies contacts… Grenville Jones – Founder – [email protected] 07778 282934 Emma Shearman – Operations & Fundraising Manager, Golden-Oldies England – [email protected] 01761 470006 Cheryl Davies - Programme Leader, Goldies Cymru – [email protected] 07860 944410 Ho, Ho, Ho Christmas is on its way! We are busy here in the office planning for our Big Christmas Singing Events. We kick off with North Somerset on Thursday 28th November at Nailsea Methodist Church from 11am – 2pm. Joining us on the day are Kingshill Church School and the Kooky Ukes with all our usual fun Christmas Sings! Bristol/South Glos is next on 3rd December at St Michael’s Church Centre, Stoke Gifford from 1.30pm – 4pm. St Micheal’s Primary School will be singing with us and hopefully entertaining us on the day. Our Wells Goldies have been kindly invited to Bishop’s Palace on 4th December for another sing in the Chapel. Such a beautiful setting, and even more so at Christmas. On 5th December, our Swindon Groups will be getting together at Coleview Community Centre, Swindon from 11am – 1.45pm and will be entertained by Covingham Park Primary School. We hope to share some singing altogether. Our South Somerset Groups will have their Christmas Sing on 6th December from 11am – 2pm at Martock Parish Hall. They will be joined by Martock Primary School and Reservoir Dogs Ukulele Group who have entertained us before at a previous event back in 2023 at Chard Guildhall. Lots of fun to be had by all. On the very same day (6th December), Goldies Essex Sing&Smile Groups are meeting at Braintree Community Centre from 2pm – 4pm. They are being joined by Beckers Green School and Sue Edwards who is one of our Session Leaders has arranged for her choir the Braintree Male Voice Choir to entertain our attendees, they’re in for a real treat! On 13th December some of our BANES groups will be attending The Key Centre in Keynsham from 2pm – 4pm. The Kooky Ukes are joining us a second time which is wonderful. We bring the events to an end on 19th December with the Exeter Big Sing at Edwards Court. For more information, please ask Katie our Session Leader or call the office on 01761 470006. As you can see, we have a full calendar of events. Please do contact us if you require information on any of our Christmas Singing Events at [email protected]  Welcome to Sam Grief who has become a new Session Leader for some of our Bath Goldies Sing & Smile Groups. Sam will take over our patients only group at St Martins Hospital, South Down Methodist Church every 3rd Thursday of a month from 10.45am – 11.45am and Hanover Court Community Room, Larkhall every 1st Tuesday of a month from 2pm – 3pm. Please do pop a-long to the two open sessions and join Sam for a fun-filled hour. We wish Sam all the very best in her new position.
Frank Wilson is one of our regular Goldies Sing & Smile participants at our Yeovil, Queen Camel, and Martock sessions. Jaine Thorne our Session Leader tells us Frank regularly plays the harmonica at these sessions for our attendees who really enjoy his playing and singing a-long to the tunes. Thank you, Frank, and keep up the good work. Goldies Chairman John Crick attended a lovely presentation evening held by Keynsham Town Council on 11th July in Keynsham Library. Goldies were lucky enough to be awarded money to help towards the costs of Keynsham sessions including our Sing&Smile at the Key Centre, Keynsham Methodist Church Charlton Road, BS31 2JA on the last Friday of a month from 2pm – 3pm and our bigger singing events. John is pictured receiving the cheque from Caitlyn at Keynsham Town Council who also works in our Goldies Charity Shop on Keynsham High Street. A huge thank you to all involved.  A wonderful day was had by our Wells Goldies Sing&Smile Group along with residents from Mondyes Court in the amazing Bishops Palace on Wednesday 5th June. Starting with sandwiches, strawberries, (kindly supplied by our wonderful Wells session leaders Annie and Al), tea and cake followed by an hour of singing, dancing, fun and laughter in the beautiful Chapel after. Some of our Goldies took the opportunity to walk around the lovely gardens later in the day. Thank you to all those who attended and for the Bishops Palace for accommodating us. Goldies are very excited to announce our forthcoming ‘Forever Young’ Intergenerational event - kindly sponsored by Mc Carthy Stone Foundation, the Rotary Club Of Bath and the Charter Trustees Of The City of Bath - at Bath Pavilion on 25th April. The Mayor will be opening the event with four local Primary schools - Welton, Chandag, Saltford and Combe Down - entertaining our Goldies with a few songs they’ve been working on. There will be a little Goldies Sing&Smile session, followed by a performance by Grenville’s Good Afternoon Choirs. At the end everyone will come together singing ‘Forever Young’ which is a song written and composed specially for the day that we have all been busy learning.
What a wonderful fun day everyone had our Goldies Bath Pavilion Intergenerational event on 25th April!
Our Goldies were entertained with wonderful singing from four local Primary schools, Welton, Chandag, Saltford and Combe Down after an opening speech from the Mayor. Grenville’s Good Afternoon choirs joined us after lunch singing lovely harmonies with a Mary Poppins medley, On Top Of The World and Raindrops Keep Falling On My Head. Our Goldies session leaders had everyone on their feet dancing, jigging, clapping, and singing along to a few hits including Sweet Caroline, I’m a Believer and Bring Me Sunshine. We finished the day with everyone singing our ‘Forever Young’ song which was especially written for the event. It really was a fantastic day bringing the generations together through song. New Essex Leader
A huge welcome from Goldies to Sue Edwards who is our new session leader for Chelmsford Beaulieu. Sue has taken over from Rob Cadman and will continue to run the session on the 3rd Wednesday of each month from 11.30am - 12.30pm at Beaulieu Community Centre, Beaulieu Square, Chelmsford, CM1 6AU. Sue would love to see you there, so please pop along. Sue will shortly be taking over our Goldies Hawkwell session at Emmaunel Church, Main Road, SS5 4NR 2pm - 3pm every 2nd Tuesday of a month. We're sure Sue will be a great asset to Goldies. |
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The Goldies Charity is generously supported by The Edward Gostling Foundation (2025), The Garfield Weston Foundation and the Julia Rausing Trust
Golden-Oldies Charity Ltd - a company limited by guarantee
Company No: 6369123 - Charity Reg No: 1121600
Company No: 6369123 - Charity Reg No: 1121600