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Community News

Golden Oldies beat the blues by raising the rafters

An award-winning charity that
addresses isolation amongst the
elderly through its fun daytime
singalongs wants to reach out to
more people across the Swindon
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 in the town and it enjoys
the support of Swindon Borough In fine voice: Members of the Golden Oldies singing group which is inviting new members
Council. with Alison. Goldies, as it has choir; Most recently it was awarded top
Its popular monthly daytime become fondly known, welcomes “We simply try to give people place in the National Voluntary Arts
singing and activity session at the support of volunteers to help something that they can look Awards and there has also been
Coleview Community Centre, with tea making and other practical forward to each month. A reason to considerable recognition for its
Towcester Road, started in 2015 and jobs. The people attending are older get out and enjoy being with others, intergenerational programme with
is led by Alison Dawn. people, many who live in isolation, making friends, singing and smiling. schools across the UK.
The next session is from 10.30am adults with learning difficulties and We know that for thousands, Swindon Goldies will be guests at
to 11.30am on Thursday May 4. increasing numbers of people who Goldies is now a very important part the Dementia Event ‘Making Sense
The songs are the memory-evoking are living with dementia. of their lives. Come along on May of Dementia’ which is being held
pop tunes of the 50s onwards, Founded by renowned West of 4 to see what Goldies is all about,” at the Swindon Steam Museum on
including of course the hits of Sir England choir leader Grenville Jones he said. Thursday May 18, where they will
Cliff Richard, the Patron of Golden- who originates from Swindon, he Goldies has won many awards in perform on stage singing those
Oldies. Everyone is invited to enjoy is always quick to point out that the past 11 years and featured in popular hits of the 50s and onwards.
their local session at Coleview Goldies is not about singing in a the media World-Wide. www.golden-oldies.org.uk

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