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Friday, November 21, 2008, 12:00
Golden Oldies encourages people in their 50s, 60s, 70s and older to join in singalong sessions, and residents of the Pullen Court sheltered housing scheme were eager to get involved.
Scheme manager Anne Sparrow said: "It was really nice to see the tenants enjoying themselves so much, the singing session lifted the mood.
"Some of the songs brought back a few memories for the tenants. Some tears were shed by those who have lost wives and husbands as music reminds us of different people, but it was all part of the day.
"It was brilliant and the tenants can't wait to take part again as these sessions will now become weekly."
Golden Oldies was founded by Grenville Jones, who was in the national spotlight this summer as founder conductor of The City of Bath Male Choir in the BBC's Last Choir Standing programme. He was inspired by a television programme featuring The Zimmers, a 40-strong rock band with a combined age of more than 3,000, and he started Golden Oldies in Bath and North East Somerset in January this year.
Mr Jones said: "When I watched that programme, I realised just how many lonely and isolated people there were in this country. Singing makes you smile and is good for you."
Golden Oldies is supported locally by Mendip Housing and Mendip District Council.
Cllr Ron Forrest, who holds the portfolio for community at the council, said: "We are pleased to be supporting such a worthy and unusual project, which not only reaches out to older people in our communities but also helps keep them active and, in this case, keeps them singing.
"This group will provide important social interaction between residents in Mendip and helps the council to reach one of its key priorities by improving the quality of life for communities and individuals."
Mrs Sparrow said: "I hope this will continue to grow and that everyone involved on Friday will help spread the word. We really want the community involved in this."
The hour-long sessions will run on a weekly basis at Pullen Court on Fridays from 2.30pm.
FOR more information about the charity, visit www.golden-oldies.org.uk
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