PRESS RELEASE Monday 5 June 2017 An award-winning charity is putting more smiles on the faces of hundreds of older people as its plans to extend across West Wales are coming to fruition. Goldies Cymru, fondly known simply as 'Goldies', started in and around Cardiff and the South Wales Valleys over six years ago, with a small number of daytime singing and activity sessions for older people to attend. It has grown to the point where there are now over 50 sessions taken by 12 sessions leaders taking place at Church halls, community rooms and libraries. Sessions include members of the Cardiff Institute for the Blind and members of the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation and Sheltered Housing Schemes. There are a number of sessions for Adults with Learning Difficulties and for people living with dementia. At the heart of each session are the pop favourites and memory-evoking songs of the 50s and 60s. A song book of Welsh folk songs is very popular with everyone who attends. Supported by a 3 year People and Places, Big Lottery Fund in Wales grant the first new session to open was on Wednesday, March 8 at Evergreen Hall, Bridgend. A taster was met with a wonderful reception and is now successfully running each month, this was closely followed on March 18 in partnership with Port Talbot Age Cymru and has been enjoyed by many since. The charity met with the team at Morriston Library in March and a new session will soon commence. Gwaun Cae Gurwen also had their first taster session on May 30 with a regular monthly session planned at the Community Library with fantastic local support. Further meetings in May have secured the first session in Gorseinon from June as well as Maesteg, Clydach and Pontarddulais. For further information on all sessions, see www.goldiescymru.org.uk. The Goldies Cymru sessions are led by dedicated freelance session leaders and, with the support the Big Lottery Fund in Wales, a further 50 sessions will be added across Mid and West Wales in the next three years. Sir Cliff Richard OBE is Patron of the Charity, he said; "In a very short time our 'Goldies' charity has really made quite remarkable progress." The Charity works with many organisations and community groups in the delivery of its sessions. The most recent addition being at Evergreen Hall, Angel Street in Bridgend, the session is taken by Rachel Marsh on the last Wednesday of each month from 10.30am to 11.30am. Everyone is welcome. As Goldies Cymru spreads across Mid and West Wales it is keen to hear from all local age support groups, Churches and other organisations who would like to know more about hosting a Goldies session for older people in their community. The Charity is always looking for enthusiastic new session leaders and the Goldies Cymru contact is Rachel Parry on 07796 714816. www.golden-oldies.org.uk ENDS Picture Caption : Goldies Cymru reaching out to older people. Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934.
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Thursday June 1, 2017 SING YOUR HEART OUT - Contact Grenville Jones 07778 282934 The People’s Lounge at Goodison Park will be alive with the sounds of singing and laughter on Thursday afternoon, June 15. That’s the day that the Goldies Charity will be bringing its unique brand of songs and smiles to older people across Liverpool. The Golden-Oldies Charity started with just four sessions 10 years ago in the West of England. By the close of this year that number will have increased to 200 across England and Wales, with Sir Cliff Richard as its Patron ‘Goldies’, as it is fondly known, reaches out to thousands of older people through its daytime fun singing and smiling sessions. It is certainly not a choir but sing-alongs are at the heart of everything that Goldies does. The Goodison Park session takes please from 2.00pm until 3.00pm and everyone is welcome to go along and discover what the Goldies Charity is all about. Founder Grenville Jones will be travelling from the West Country to lead the session, he said “If you love a good old sing-song then please, please come along to the People’s Lounge and its brilliant that Everton, through their community programme, are supporting us – they are wonderful.” The Charity is hoping to find someone in the City who will have the available time and enthusiasm to lead the Goldies work forward over the months and years ahead. If this maybe something that interests you then please check www.golden-oldies.org.uk and come along on the June 15 to meet Grenville. ENDS Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday May 30, 2017 The sing and smile charity Goldies will be raising the roof at Chelmsford’s Salvation Army Citadel on Monday June 12 from 12.30pm until 2.00pm. The Golden-Oldies Charity, with Sir Cliff Richard as its Patron, started in the West of England 10 years ago with just four daytime activity and singing sessions for older people in sheltered housing community rooms. By the close of 2017 that number will increase to 200 now reaching out across England and South Wales. Goldies started in Braintree three years ago and now runs 14 sessions across Essex, with plans for many more in the months and years ahead. The celebration on June 12 will be to thank the Genesis Community Foundation who have just agreed to support the work of Goldies with the introduction of six new sessions in Genesis Housing community rooms. ‘Goldies’ featured last December in a nationwide BBC programme entitled ‘Operation People Power’ presented by Hairy Biker Dave Myers. The Golden-Oldies Charity was chosen by programme makers to represent the importance of its work with vulnerable isolated people. Goldies founder Grenville Jones will travel from Bath to the celebration, he said; “We are regularly reminded of the increasing numbers of older people in the UK and in our small way we know that we are making a difference to peoples lives. It’s quite simple, many people have little to look forward to and from the feedback of our session leaders we know that for many, getting out and going to a Goldies session is a highlight for them.” Sandra Maguire, Business and Contracts Manager for Essex and Southend, for the Genesis Community Foundation said; “We are delighted to support the work of the Golden-Oldies Charity and recognise the way that it is brightening the lives of older people through its daytime singing and activity sessions. “We are working closely together now to introduce new sessions across our local community rooms and the venues will be announced at our celebration day in Chelmsford on Monday June 12.” For further details of the celebration please contact Essex leader Rob Cadman on 07933 713318. Final word goes to Sir Cliff Richard; “Goldies is really making a positive difference to the lives of so many people. Singing makes you happy.” Chelmsford City Council have also supported the charity and the Mayor will be present at the party. ENDS Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday May 2, 2017 SING OUT IN LIVERPOOL! A charity that brings Songs and Smiles to older isolated people will launch in Liverpool on June 15. The Golden-Oldies Charity, fondly just referred to as ‘Goldies’ and with Sir Cliff Richard as its Patron, started in the West of England 10 years ago. The founder is Grenville Jones, a well-respected choir leader, who had seen for himself how singing brought joy to so many people through his community choirs. Always quick to emphasise that his charity Goldies is NOT about choir singing, Grenville took the first four daytime singing and activity sessions for isolated lonely people himself. Ten years on, the charity now runs over 150 sessions across England and Wales. For thousands, attending a Goldies fun session is a highlight for them and the only time that they enjoy the company of others. Goldies was approached by Henry Mooney, Community Engagement Officer at Everton Football Club early this year. Grenville Jones, said: “Loneliness and social isolation is an issue that needs addressing, so this initiative and the support of Henry and Everton FC is great news. It is so important that lonely older folk have the opportunity to get out and be with others and we know that the work that our charity is doing makes a real difference to people’s lives.” Grenville will travel to Liverpool to lead a session in the Peoples Lounge at Goodison Park from 2.00pm until 3.00pm on Thursday June 15. Everyone is invited to go along and discover just what the charity Goldies is all about and further information can be found on the charity website www.golden-oldies.org.uk ENDS Picture shows : The sing and smile charity that is brightening the lives of older people across England and Wales. Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. PRESS RELEASE
Tuesday, May 2, 2017 An award-winning charity that addresses isolation amongst the elderly through its fun daytime singalongs wants to reach out to more people across Stroud. The Golden-Oldies launched 11 years ago in and around Bath and Bristol with just four sessions. This has grown now to over 150 through 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 Sherbourne House, Stonehouse, started in 2015 and is led by Lizzie Figgis. The venue is in Ospray Drive and the next session is from 2.00pm to 3.00pm on Friday May 19. 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 Sherbourne House. 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. Come along to our Stonehouse session and have a fun singalong with a friendly group of folk.” 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. 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. PRESS RELEASE Wednesday April 12th 2017 A Charity that is putting smiles on the faces of hundreds of older people is developing its plans to extend across Wales in the coming months. Goldies Cymru, fondly known just as ‘Goldies’, started in and around Cardiff six years ago with a small number of daytime singing and activity sessions for older people. Since that time it has grown to the point where there are now over 50 sessions taking place at Church halls, community rooms and libraries. Sessions include members of the Cardiff Institute for the Blind and members of the Coal Industry Social Welfare Organisation. There are a number sessions for Adults with Learning Difficulties and for people living with dementia. At the heart of each session is the memory-evoking songs of the 50s and 60s. A song book of Welsh folk songs is very popular with everyone who attends. Last month Goldies Cymru’s work with vulnerable people was recognised when it received the Epic Award from the Voluntary Arts organisation. This was the premier award for all of Wales, Voluntary Arts represent a total of 63,000 groups across the UK. The Goldies Cymru sessions are led by dedicated freelance session leaders and with the support the Big Lottery Fund in Wales a further 50 sessions will be added across Mid and West Wales in the next three years. Sir Cliff Richard OBE is Patron of the Charity, he said; “In a very short time our ‘Goldies’ charity has really made quite remarkable progress.” The Charity works with many organisations and community groups in the delivery of its sessions. The most recent addition being at Evergreen Hall, Angel Street in Bridgend, the session is taken by Rachel Marsh on the last Wednesday of each month from 10.30am to 11.30am. Everyone is welcome. As Goldies Cymru spreads across Mid and West Wales it is keen to hear from all local age support groups, Churches and other organisations who would like to know more about hosting a Goldies session for older people in their community. The Charity is always looking for enthusiastic new session leaders and the Goldies Cymru contact is Rachel Parry on 07796 714816. Grenville Jones is the charity founder, he said; “We know that our work is brightening the lives of hundreds of older folk across Wales and we could not have achieved this without the support of the Big Lottery Fund in Wales and from Diane at the Moondance Foundation in Cardiff, who have given us magnificent support. “Alongside its sessions the charity also runs a successful schools intergenerational programme and later this year will launch a new exciting programme for primary schools based on the commemoration of the final months of World War One.” Renowned choir leader Alwyn Humphreys MBE is a Goldies Trustee and member of the creative team who are guiding the new World War One project. Dr Humphreys said; “Goldies is not a choir but the fun singing to the memory evoking songs of the past reaches out to people, many of whom have little in their lives to look forward to. “Our schools programme brings together the Young with the Young at Heart and I’m sure that many teachers will be looking out for details of our new WW1 programme which we will announce later this year.” www.golden-oldies.org.uk ENDS Picture Caption : Over 50 people regularly attend the Goldies Cymru session at Rhydypennau Library, pictured here. Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934 or Rachel Parry 07796 714816. EndFragment PRESS RELEASE Thursday, March 23, 2017 It was Songs, Smiles and Celebrations at Rhydpennau Library this morning, Thursday March 23. Last Sunday March 19 the Goldies Cymru Charity won the Epic Award for Wales from the organisation, Voluntary Arts. They represent 63,000 groups across the UK and Goldies Cymru Programme Leader Rachel Parry received the award at a ceremony held at the Sage Gateshead. Rhydpennau Library is one of the increasing number of daytime singing and activity sessions organised by the Goldies Cymru Charity. Many hundreds across Wales and England attend the popular sessions which are based on the memory-evoking songs of the 50s and onwards. Rachel said; “To receive this recognition from Voluntary Arts clearly underlines the importance of our work with older isolated people. Rhydpennau is one of a number of daytime library sessions and today over 50 people were singing and smiling as we celebrated with Welsh cakes and a rather special cup of tea!” ENDS Our picture shows Rachel holding the engraved glass surrounded by the folk who look forward each week to their library Goldies session. Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. PRESS RELEASE Monday, March 20, 2017 The 2017 Epic Awards winners' reception took place at the Sage Gateshead on Sunday evening (19 March) as part of BBC Radio 3's Free Thinking Festival. Goldies Cymru were the winners of the National Wales Award. The Charity runs weekly singing sessions across South Wales, providing the opportunity for people who may be otherwise isolated to enjoy Sing and Smile sessions and build confidence and friendships. An award-winning intergenerational schools programme encourages communication between age groups. The Epic Awards, now in their seventh year, aim to inspire others to get involved and participate in artistic and creative activities. The Awards are run by Voluntary Arts and many of the 63,000 voluntary arts groups it represents have put themselves forward for the Awards. The judging panels in each of the nations selected a total of 32 groups to be shortlisted for the final awards. They are the premier awards for voluntary arts and creative groups across the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland and groups travelled from all corners to celebrate with each other in Gateshead. The Award was received by Rachel Parry, Programme Leader for Goldies Cymru. The Goldies Charity founder said; “We are going to celebrate the Award at our Goldies session this THURSDAY March 23 at Rhydpennau Library, Llandennis Road, Cardiff, CF23 6EG. Our popular Goldies session takes place there from 10.30am to 12.00noon and we will celebrate with EPIC Welsh biscuits and a cup of tea! “We will raise our cups at around 11am with lots of Goldies songs and smiles everyone welcome.” ENDS Picture shows : Goldies Cymru’s Rachel Parry with Voluntary Arts Wales Co-ordinator Gareth Coles. Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. PRESS RELEASE
Monday, March 6, 2017 Since its launch in Bath 10 years ago the Golden-Oldies Charity has grown from four original daytime singing and activity sessions in community rooms to over 150 across England and Wales. ‘Goldies’, as it is fondly known, now reaches out to hundreds of older vulnerable people through its regular daytime sessions and award-winning intergenerational schools programme. Those attending vary from older people living in isolation and in recent years founder Grenville Jones has seen an increasing number of adults living with dementia and their carers attending the sessions. Grenville said; “The Dementia Action Alliance recently reported that there are currently around 4,500 people living with dementia in B&NES and an estimated 10,000 carers. The increasing numbers of people living with dementia is regularly reported across the media and as a charity we know that participation in our singing sessions does make a difference to the lives of those attending.” Starting on Monday March 20 Goldies will launch a ‘dementia friendly’ session at The Orangery, 157 Englishcombe Lane, Bath, from 2.30pm-3.30pm this will be a monthly session which is open to people living with dementia and their carers across the area and is in partnership with Cedar Care. They will take place on the third Monday of each month with the next session on April 17. Grenville said; “Everyone is welcome and we hope that this will be the first of many Dementia Friendly sessions that we will introduce across England and Wales as we continue to grow in the months and years ahead.” From small beginnings in Bath the charity now runs its fun sing and smile sessions across the South West, as well as in Essex, the Midlands and North Yorkshire. In England there are plans to introduce Goldies in Liverpool, the Midlands, Devon and Cornwall by the close of 2018. Goldies Cymru is the charity’s Wales-based arm and earlier this month the Big Lottery Fund in Wales announced a major grant of £249,000 which will support the develop of 50 new singing and activity sessions across Mid and West Wales in the next three years. The charity recently featured in a BBC1 national TV programme entitled ‘Operation People Power’ which has resulted in many calls to the charity’s office enquiring about new UK sessions. ENDS Press enquiries to Grenville Jones on 07778 282934. |
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