PRESS RELEASE Friday, November 4th, 2016 The Mayor of Bradford’s ‘Spread a Smile’ Appeal has, rather appropriately made a generous donation to the ‘Sing and Smile’ Golden-Oldies Charity. Goldies, as it is more fondly known, reaches out to older lonely and isolated people through its fun daytime singing sessions. Last November, the then Lord Mayor of Bradford Councillor Joanne Dodds attended the first sessions and was so impressed with what she saw that she supported an application to the Lord Mayor’s Appeal. Yesterday, 3rd November, Cllr Dodds presented session leader Vanessa Iliff with a cheque for £1000 (pictured) at the first birthday party which took place at Silsden Methodist Church. Cllr Dodds said: “It is great to see over 50 people here today and so many smiles on so many faces. Goldies is a wonderful charity and I am delighted to learn that it is developing its work with more sessions across the Bradford area planned for the future.” With existing sessions at Silsden Methodist Church, Burley Parish Rooms and Crosshills Methodist Church, a new session in Embsay will start before Christmas with more to follow in 2017. The birthday party was attended by Goldies founder Grenville Jones who travelled from the West Country to join in the session. He said: “We are most grateful to the Lord Mayor’s appeal for supporting Goldies and this donation will help us to develop our work across the Bradford and Craven council areas in the months ahead. Putting more smiles on many more faces.” Ends For press enquiries Grenville Jones 07778 282934
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To attend the Golden-Oldies fun sing and smile session at Silsden Methodist Church on Thursday November 3 2.00pm-3.00pm when former Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Joanne Dodds will present a cheque for £1,000 from her Spread a Smile Appeal Fund. PRESS RELEASE Monday October 24, 2016 The Golden-Oldies Charity reaches out to brighten the lives of older isolated people through its daytime singing and activity sessions. Launched 10 years ago by West Country music man Grenville Jones who took the original four sing-alongs himself, it now reaches across England and Wales with groups at 150 different locations led by 35 enthusiastic dedicated session leaders. ‘Goldies’, as it is fondly known, with Sir Cliff Richard as its Patron, launched in Bradford at Silsden Methodist Church 12 months ago. The numbers attending the monthly session has grown and its first birthday will be celebrated on November 3 when the special guest will be the former Lord Mayor of Bradford Cllr Joanne Dodds. Cllr Dodds attended the first session in her capacity as Lord Mayor and, one year on, will present a cheque to the Golden-Oldies Charity founder Grenville Jones for £1,000, a donation to support the development new groups in and around the Bradford area in the months ahead. Cllr Dodds said; “I would like to pledge my support for the Golden Oldies Charity who are fantastic in their work with older people. “As Lord Mayor of Bradford I attended a hugely enjoyable session of the Golden-Oldies Charity in Silsden, which is part of the Bradford district. It was truly a fabulous event, with everyone singing along and even some up were up dancing. The enjoyment on the faces of the older people was plain to see. “In the Bradford district we have a growing ageing population; there certainly is a need to engage with older people from many different communities and cultures. I believe that the Golden Oldies Charity have something very special in their wellbeing and activity sessions. Everyone loves to sing, it creates a feel good factor and it is especially beneficial for people with dementia. “I fully support the plans of founder Grenville Jones of the Golden Oldies Charity to develop and reach out to older people and increase the number wellbeing and activity sessions across the Bradford area in the months ahead.” The Bradford sessions are led by Vanessa Illiff. Vanessa added; “Our second session started earlier this year in Burley in Wharfedale and we also held a very successful open session at Crosshills, Skipton, and are planning a new session in Embsay in the new year. “Without doubt the sessions are really enjoyed by all the older folk who come along. We are certainly not a choir but at the heart of Goldies is fun and laughter through singing. The support from Cllr Dodds and the Lord Mayor’s Appeal will help to put more smiles on more faces.” Goldies founder Grenville Jones will attend the Silsden session. Grenville lives in the City of Bath and his parents orginated from Bradford where he still has family connections. ENDS Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. PRESS RELEASE
Thursday, October 13, 2016 Hundreds of older people will head for the All Nations Centre, in Sachville Avenue, Cardiff, next Monday October 17 for a day of entertainment and information. The day is organised by the Goldies Cymru Charity who reach out to older isolated people through their growing number of daytime singing and activity sessions. Lord Mayor of Cardiff, Cllr Monica Walsh, will open the day at 10.30am and other guests include Sarah Rochira, Commissioner for Older People in Wales. The free admission day from 10am until 4pm is supported by the Big Lottery Fund in Wales through their People and Places fund and the Cardiff-based Moondance Foundation. In the last three years ‘Goldies’, as it has become fondly known, has grown from four sessions to over 50 across the Cardiff area and the charity is now developing its work with older people across West and Mid Wales. Hundreds attend at sessions which include Church halls, community rooms and libraries. There will be entertainment on stage from a number of local groups including school choirs and the Cardiff Style Close Harmony ladies choir plus, of course, lots of fun sing-alongs! The Charity is providing community transport to enable people to attend the day. Seventeen organisations who provide services for the elderly will also have the opportunity to tell visitors about their work and Goldies founder Grenville Jones will lead the final sing-along at 3.30pm. Grenville said; “We have a great team leading our work in Wales, a dedicated management board and a brilliant group of session leaders. “If anyone wants to know more about our work with older folk across South Wales we would be delighted to tell them more. Come along next Monday to the All Nations Centre.” www.goldiescymru.org.uk ENDS Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. PRESS RELEASE
Monday October 10, 2016 THE GOLDIES DAY - Monday October 17th from 10am until 4pm at All Nations Centre (Sachville Avenue, Cardiff CF14 3NY) over 500 older people and school children will celebrate with a free admission day of entertainment and information about age related services in South Wales. Call 07778 282934 for more information. A three year academic study on the work of the Golden-Oldies Charity with older people has underlined the value of social singing for those who are most at risk of loneliness in society. The charity was launched in Bath and Bristol 10 years ago by local musician Grenville Jones. He took the original four daytime singing and activity sessions for older people in sheltered housing community rooms using the memory-evoking songs of the 50s and onwards. Now more fondly referred to as ‘Goldies’ and with Sir Cliff Richard as Patron, the charity has grown to the point where it now reaches hundreds of older people across England and Wales. Six years ago Goldies Cymru was launched and gained the support of Big Lottery Fund in Wales with a three year grant under their People & Places programme in 2014. Part of that funding was a research study, undertaken by Paul Marshall who is currently doing an MSc and PhD at the University of Bristol’s School for Policies Studies. Based on fact finding questionnaires, focus groups and interviews Mr Marshall has now released his 108 page research document evaluating the Goldies Cymru programme in South Wales. The study considered the affect on those attending the sessions and also the value of the charity’s schools intergenerational programme, Time after Time, that encourages communication and engagement with schools and the older people living in their local communities. States Paul Marshall in his conclusion; “The Goldies Cymru programme reaches diverse urban and rural communities in South Wales, this evaluation enabled participants to have their voice and influence their daytime sessions and how the charity is run. Regular attendance directly reduces social isolation of older people in South Wales. “The participants themselves reported responses clearly demonstrate that Goldies Cymru is engaging with participants who are most likely to be at risk of loneliness including those aged over 80 living alone, experiencing poor health with reduced mobility and cognitive or sensory impairment. “The evidence from this evaluation suggests that Goldies Cymru is making a significant contribution to reducing the incidence and providence of social isolation and loneliness amongst the older people population. “The schools intergenerational work also has enabled positive experiences and meaningful interactions between older people and children.” Dr Roger Bullock is a Trustee of the Golden-Oldies Charity and a well known international speaker on the subject of Dementia research. Dr Bullock said; “This is more evidence that you do not have to passively accept deterioration with dementia. Numerous 'lifestyle' studies are showing positive findings, suggesting that you can affect the progress of your condition by actively embracing life, keeping social contact, stimulating your brain, eating well and taking regular exercise. New medical treatments may come, but this is something everybody can do now, with or without a diagnosis. Well done Paul.” Dr Afroditi Stathi is an Associate Professor in Physical Activity, Ageing and Health at the University of Bath. A Trustee of the Golden-Oldies Charity Dr Stathi has been closely involved with the development of Active Songs which have been introduced at Goldies sessions across England and Wales, she said; “This evidence stresses that the barriers of having no reasons to get out and about and nothing to look forward to can be broken with the Goldies sessions. The Active Songs offer simple functional movements that you can do and benefit from while singing and having fun. The message is loud and clear: You can delay or reverse mobility limitations and maintain independence, and you can enjoy later life to the full. Loneliness in old age is not inevitable.” The release of this study comes as the Golden-Oldies Charity in England and Wales celebrates its 10th birthday. On Wednesday November 30th a small group representing the Goldies Charity from England and Wales will travel to the Houses of Parliament where they will be hosted by constituency MPs who support the charity’s work in their local areas. For further information see www.golden-oldies.org.uk or www.goldiescymru.org.uk ENDS Enclosed Mr Paul Marshall’s conclusion. Press enquiries to Paul Marshall paulgmarshall@hotmail.com or Grenville Jones grenville@goldiescymru.org.uk or call 07778 282934. About Golden-Oldies and Goldies Cymru The Golden-Oldies registered charity was started by Bath-based choir leader Grenville Jones in 2007 who took the first 4 fun daytime singalong himself in sheltered housing community rooms. Grenville, through his leadership of many choirs in and around Bath, recognised the social benefits of singing and is always keen to emphasise that his charities growing number of groups across England and Wales are NOT choirs. However, fun sing-alongs are at the heart of all that Goldies does – reaching out to people who may be lonely or isolated. Now in October 2016 there are 36 freelance session leaders at 148 locations across South West England, Essex, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and across South Wales as Goldies Cymru. Thousands attend and ‘Goldies’ as it is now fondly known reaches out to older people, those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia and adults with learning difficulties. In recent months with the support of The Henry Smith Charity, it has developed its sessions with Afro Caribbean, South Asian and Asian elders in Gloucester, Bristol, Cardiff, Swindon and Weston-super-Mare. One of the sessions in Bristol is based on popular Bollywood tunes. Goldies Cymru is making great progress as it extends its sessions, which includes sessions for those who are visually impaired and popular midday sessions even take place at four libraries working with Cardiff City Council. Looking ahead to 2017, Goldies Cymru plans to develop its daytime sessions further over Mid and West Wales. The charity also leads an award-winning schools intergenerational programme. This encourages schools to open their doors to older people in their communities. Over 100 schools have taken part and a project to be launched in 2017 will be taking the songs and heritage of the final two years of The Great War as a theme for community projects. In partnership with the bath based hospice, Dorothy House, Goldies opened its first charity shop earlier this year in Keynsham giving it a high street presence and the opportunity for older people to volunteer and support the shop. Goldies contact is Grenville Jones on 07778 282934 PHOTOCALL Coleview Community Centre Thursday October 6 – 10am-12noon - GOLDEN SONG CHOICES9/12/2016 PHOTOCALL Coleview Community Centre Thursday October 6 – 10am-12noon Monday September 12, 2016 Golden Song Choices The Golden-Oldies Charity brightens the lives of older people across Swindon through its daytime activity and singing sessions. Goldies, as it is more fondly known, was launched by former Swindonian Grenville Jones ten years ago and from the original four daytime sessions at sheltered housing homes in and around Bath and Bristol, it has grown to the point where over 150 sessions take place across England and Wales. Grenville took the original four sessions himself and there are now 40 dedicated session leaders. With the support of Swindon Borough Council the charity started its sessions across the Town eight years ago and recent new sessions have been added at Coleview Community Centre on the first Thursday of every month and at the Broadgreen Community Centre, Salisbury Street, on the second Monday of each month. Swindon session leader Alison Dawn said; “The older folk who attend love to sing the popular old songs and we recently asked them to select some brand new songs of their choice. The song book of 51 songs will be launched at a very special session at Coleview Community Centre on Thursday October 6 from 10.00am until 12.00 noon. “Everyone is welcome to come along and find out just how much fun can be gained from attending a Goldies session,” said Alison. Amongst the new songs are Julie Andrews ‘My Favourite Things’ chosen by Rene from Penhill ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ chosen by Pat and Clive from Coleview and the Neil Sedaka’s ‘Calendar Girl’ the favourite of Brenda from Park North. Founder Grenville Jones said; “As we approach the 10th year of Goldies, we are developing more sessions across the West of England, Wales, the Midlands and South East England. Our most recent launch was in Yorkshire with new sessions in and around the City of Bradford. “We want our charity to reach out to older people across the United Kingdom in the months and years ahead as Goldies UK.” ENDS Attached is the front cover of the new songbook. Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. PRESS RELEASE In Tune with Loneliness Goldies, the ‘Sing & Smile’ charity is coming to Ashbourne In the UK there are millions of people living in isolation and missing out on regular contact with their family and friends. Now in its 10th year the Golden-Oldies Charity, fondly referred to just as Goldies, which has Sir Cliff Richard as its patron, is bringing its ethos that singing “popular“ music can take people back to happy times and bring joy and friendship to their lives through a new monthly sing-along session in Ashbourne. The Golden-Oldies Charitable Trust is based on the well documented fact that singing is good for you, it encourages good breathing and brightens up your day and gives you a chance to meet other people. It puts a smile on your face too! The songs are carefully chosen and based on the popular sing-along hits of the 50s 60s & 70s. They encourage people to clap in rhythm to the music, tap their feet, smile and, if they want to, get up and dance! Anne Griffiths, Regional Co-ordinator and Session Leader for “Goldies” said, “In nine short years we have come a long way and now run over 100 singing and activity sessions across the South of England, Staffordshire, Yorkshire and Wales. Those attending are elderly people, and people who are socially isolated, as well as people with learning difficulties and dementia. For many “Goldies” is their lifeline and we hear this at every session from the people who attend.” Anne continued, “We now run two monthly sessions in Uttoxeter, and two in Burton on Trent and although we are a small charity we want to move forward and brighten more and more lives, so we are holding a ‘taster session’ in Ashbourne on Thursday 29th September from 2 -3 pm at The Waterside Centre DE6 1DG, with the aim of establishing a regular monthly session there.” Anne concluded, “There’s always a friendly welcome and a cup of tea afterwards, so do come along; “Goldies” is a very good reason get out and be with others. The taster session is completely free, all we ask is that everyone who attends our normal sessions makes a minimum £2 donation to our charity.” For more information call Anne Griffiths on 01889 562269 Email anne@golden-oldies.org.uk For more information about the charity visit www.golden-oldies.org.uk Picture Caption: Staffordshire Goldies, Linda and Norman with the Charity’s Founder, Bath Musician and Choir Leader, Grenville Jones. RESEARCH THAT SUPPORTS GOLDIES: If you would like to receive supporting information on research into the value of singing and also academic studies on the work of the Golden-Oldies Charity, please contact our founder Grenville Jones on jonesgrenville@aol.com Research carried out over the last few decades has consistently shown that 10% of older people feel always or very lonely. Recent estimates place the number of people aged over 65 who are often or always lonely at over 1 million. The percentage of the population who feel isolated and are therefore, at risk of loneliness is significantly larger: · 12% of older people feel trapped in their own home · 6% of older people leave their house once a week or less · Nearly 200,000 older people in the UK don’t get help to get out of their house or flat · 17% of older people are in contact with family, friends and neighbours less than once a week and 11% are in contact less than once a month · Over half (51%) of all people aged 75 and over live alone · 36% of people aged 65 and over in the UK feel out of touch with the pace of modern life and 9% say they feel cut off from society · Half of all older people (about 5 million) say the television is their main company These statistics on loneliness and social isolation are taken from a report produced by the Campaign to End Loneliness. PRESS RELEASE Tuesday 24 May 2016
SKIPTON SINGS THE PRAISES OF GOLDEN-OLDIES CHARITY WITH £1,000 DONATION A singing charity which started in Bath has been given a £1,000 boost by Skipton Building Society’s Charitable Foundation. The Golden-Oldies started life in January 2008 with just four daytime fun sing-along sessions for older vulnerable people living at sheltered housing community rooms. The sessions then were all taken by the charities founder Bath music-man Grenville Jones working with Somer Housing. Over 10,000 sessions have taken place since the first ones in Bath and there are now 35 dedicated session leaders across England and Wales. The first session supported by Skipton Building Society took place in May at Burley in Wharfedale. The session was taken by Vanessa Iliff who leads Goldies in and around the Bradford area. Vanessa said: “There are over 30 people and everyone had a fantastic time. The sessions will take place on the 2nd Thursday at 2pm at St Mary’s Parish Centre.” Goldies Chair of Trustees is Bath based accountant, Mike Richardson, who said: “We are very grateful for the £1,000 donation from Skipton’s Charitable Foundation. We are a very small charity and still only have one full-time member of staff. Without question it is the pure energy and enthusiasm of our founder Grenville Jones that has driven us forward. It is quite remarkable what he has achieved. “In recent months our development across Southern England and Wales underlines our vision to reach out to older people across the whole of the United Kingdom as Goldies UK. “The first Bradford session started last month at Silsden Methodist Church and runs on the first Thursday of each month at 2pm.” Golden-Oldies now runs its popular singing and activity sessions across Southern England and Wales. Those attending are older people who are socially isolated as well as people with learning difficulties and dementia. For many “Goldies” is their lifeline. If you would like to help put songs and smiles on more faces, founder Grenville Jones would love to hear from you – please email grenville@golden-oldies.org.uk ENDS For further information, or to arrange interviews, please contact the Skipton Press Office on 03456 017247, email newsline@skipton.co.uk or visit the press section of our website at www.skipton.co.uk. Follow us on Twitter: @SkiptonBS_press Roy Prenton, Corporate Communications Consultant If outside Press Office hours (8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Friday), please call 07980 037 637. PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 There will be songs and smiles at St Mary’s Parish Centre in Burley, Wharfedale Ilkley LS29 7LG, on Thursday May 12. The Golden-Oldies Charity was launched in the West Country nine years ago and has since developed its work with older vulnerable people through organised daytime fun sing-along sessions. The songs at the heart of Goldies are the well-loved popular tunes of the 50s and onwards. The charity launched in the Bradford area last year and now runs a popular monthly session at Silsden Methodist Church from 2.00pm on the first Thursday of each month. The new Burley session will start at 2.00pm on May 12 and everyone is welcome to go along and discover just what Goldies is all about. Goldies in the Bradford area is supported by the Skipton Building Society Charitable Foundation. A warm welcome awaits at St Mary’s Parish Centre, Burley, on Thursday May 12. ENDS Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. PRESS RELEASE
Wednesday, April 27, 2016 The new Goldies sing and smile shop on the Bath Road roundabout in Keynsham will be living up to its reputation in May. The Goldies Charity was started by Bath-based choir leader Grenville Jones nine years ago. From four original daytime fun sing-along sessions for older people, one being in Keynsham. There are now over 150 across England and Wales. Thousands look forward to attending Goldies sessions each month. On Monday May 9 at 11.00am founder Grenville Jones will himself be leading a sing-along in the shop and everyone is invited to come along and take part in the fun. Following that on Monday May 16 and 23 there will also be Monday morning sessions at 11.00am. One will be taken by session leader Abby Rakes and the other by Jacqui Cook, who leads the two Keynsham sessions. These take place at The Hawthorns Community Room on the second Friday of each month from 10.30am-11.30am and at The Key Centre, Keynsham Methodist Church, on the last Friday of each month from 2.00pm-3.00pm. The Goldies sessions in Keynsham are supported by Keynsham Town Council and Keynsham Lions Club. Goldies can be contacted on 01761 470006. ENDS Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. Media RELEASE
Please join us at our all-singing opening at 12noon – on Monday March 21 The Goldies Shop is on the Bath Road roundabout in the Town – parking in Temple Street – behind the shop ----------------------------- Thursday March 17, 2016 Goldies Charity patron Sir Cliff Richard, has sent a personal message with his best wishes to everyone at the charity as it looks forward to opening its first all-singing charity shop next Monday, March 21. The shop is in Keynsham High Street and features an authentic juke box in the window with hits from the 60s including many Cliff favourites. There will be regular fun singing sessions held in the shop from next week. Goldies daytime singing sessions feature the popular hits of the 60s onwards. The Golden-Oldies Charity was started by Bath music-man Grenville Jones in 2007 when he recognised the social value that came from belonging to a singing group. Four years later Sir Cliff Richard agreed to become its Patron acknowledging the valuable work with older vulnerable people who attend the daytime singing and activity sessions. From the four original sessions the charity has grown to the point where it now reaches across the South West of England, Essex, the Midlands, Yorkshire and in South Wales, as Goldies Cymru, and led by 36 dedicated session leaders By the end of this year there will be sessions at over 160 community rooms, church halls, day clubs and schools, thousands of people attend. In a note to the charity trustees received today, Sir Cliff said; “I'd like to send my best wishes for the opening of the first all-singing charity shop in Keynsham next week with a juke box in the window! What a brilliant idea. “Grenville tells me that the charity is spreading across England and Wales with more and more daytime singing groups for older people - many of whom will be lonely and isolated. “I wish you every success and send my personal best wishes. “Sir Cliff Richard Patron.” www.golden-oldies.org.uk ENDS Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. |
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