Goldies in Cheltenham

PRESS RELEASE
 
Wednesday, April 12, 2017
 
An award-winning charity that addresses isolation amongst the elderly through its fun daytime singalongs wants to reach out to more people across the Cheltenham area.
 
The Golden-Oldies launched 11 years ago in and around Bath and Bristol with just four sessions. This has grown now to over 150 across South West England, South Wales, Essex The Midlands and North Yorkshire. New sessions starting in Exeter, Liverpool and Cornwall later this year will see the total reach 200. These are taken by 50 dedicated freelance session leaders.
 
Its popular daytime singing and activity session at the Cornerstone Centre, Severn Road, started in 2014 and is led by Lizzie Figgis. The next session is from 2pm to 3pm on Tuesday April 25. The songs are the memory-evoking pop tunes of the 50s onwards, including of course the hits of Sir Cliff Richard, the Patron of Golden-Oldies.
 
Everyone is invited to enjoy their local session at The Cornerstone Centre. Goldies, as it has become fondly known, welcomes the support of volunteers to help with tea making and other practical jobs. The people attending are older people, many who live in isolation, adults with learning difficulties and increasing numbers of people who are living with dementia.
 
Founded by renowned West of England choir leader Grenville Jones, who is always quick to point out that Goldies is NOT about singing in a choir;
 
“We simply try to give people something that they can look forward to each month. A reason to get out and enjoy being with others, making friends, singing and smiling. We know that for thousands, Goldies is now a very important part of their lives.”
 
Goldies has won many awards in the past 11 years and featured in the media World-Wide. Most recently it was awarded top place in the National Voluntary Arts Awards and there has also been considerable recognition for its intergenerational programme with schools across the UK.
 
Last word goes to Patron, Sir Cliff Richard;
 
“Goldies has made quite remarkable progress in the last 11 years and is clearly making a big difference to so many lives.”
 
www.golden-oldies.org.uk
​ 
ENDS
 
Grenville Jones can be contacted on 0777 828 2934.