Sing out for Goldies in Andover

PRESS RELEASE
Monday, March 24, 2014
Sing out for Goldies in Andover

A charity that encourages elderly people to get out and enjoy a good sing along to the hits of the 50s onwards, is hoping to put smiles on faces across Andover and Test Valley.

Goldies, as it has become fondly known, was started by West Country music man Grenville Jones in Bath with just 4 sessions back in 2008.  It now runs over 80 across the South West and South Wales. The Patron is Sir Cliff Richard and his well-loved hits are high on the list of popular songs performed each month. He said; 
 

"Goldies really is the smile charity. We are not a choir, but we use the music to encourage people to get out and meet with others and have fun together through singing. Everyone is welcome and our sessions are attended by elderly people as well as those with learning difficulties, dementia and Alzheimer's. We all know how powerful music is, and for many people, attending one of our Goldies activity and singing sessions is the only time they get out to be with others. If anyone is in any doubt that the power of music knows no boundaries, just go along to a Goldies session!" 

Monthly sessions are taking place at Lion Oak Court taken by Sonia Lower and on Wednesday March 19, at the invitation of Ward Councillor Iris Anderson, 40 people laughed  sang  and danced to the popular tunes that are Goldies favourites.

The session was attended by charity founder Grenville Jones. He said:

 "Independent academic research has shown that Goldies does have a big effect of people's lives. It has been great meeting the lovely folk here today and we are really grateful for the fantastic enthusiasm for Goldies show by Cllr Anderson. She is our Test Valley Goldies champion!

" We want to have six regular monthly sessions in the area by the end of the year."

 Goldies works with a number of local authorities across the South West. Pauline Burr is Arts Development Officer for South Somerset District Council, she said:

 "I've been fortunate enough to see Goldies in action on many occasions - it really brightens the day for the people who take part. It gets them out of the house and away from the same four walls - which is particularly important for those who don't have friends and relatives nearby. I have also seen people rekindle old friendships and make new friends. The health benefits are self-evident; singing is proven to be good for the heart and whether people get up and dance or just stand and wave their hands in the air, their physical well-being is improved by taking part. 

"The best thing about Goldies, however, is that people really have fun! For the length of the session they forget their problems and their aches and pains and just have a jolly good time. Everyone is welcome at a Goldies sessions and those attending are asked to make a minimum contribution of one pound.

Ends


Caption - Test Valley Mayor Cllr Janet Whiteley was the special guest at the Goldies singing session at King Arthurs Community Centre on Wednesday afternoon March 19

Enquiries welcomed by - Grenville Jones 0777 282 2934 .

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