Goldies Sing for the King!

The Goldies Charity, well known and loved for its popular fun social Sing&Smile sing-alongs across England & Wales, will be bringing communities together to celebrating the Kings Coronation in style this May!

The Golden-Oldies Charity, more fondly referred to as ‘Goldies’, was founded by Bath-based musician Grenville Jones in 2007. Goldies community-based Sing&Smile activities now number over 120 groups across England and Wales in Libraries, Community Centres and Church halls.

Goldies will be celebrating the Coronation weekendat all their groups with a special booklet of songs filled with popular hits from the Kings memorable years, including some of his all-time favourite artists – like the Three Degrees who performed at his 30th Birthday party in 1978.

Cheryl, Programme Area Leader for Wales Cymru commented; “It’s fantastic that we will be celebrating the Kings Coronation at our sessions. It’s a historic event that means a great deal to many of our participants, I’ve had some really positive feedback and so many ideas about what they would like to do at their groups, May will be an eventful joyful month.”

Each group will be doing something a little different; a Royalty Theme with cakes and snacks to share and Royalty memorabilia. Joanne, South Somerset Leader said; “Chard are really looking forward to making our May session special, we’re extending it and will all be wearing red, white and blue. We’re bringing in some snacks and look forward to adding a Royalty Quiz into the proceedings.”

Combating isolation in local communities with FUN and UPLIFTING musical activities, Goldies sessions are filled with laughter and chat whilst singing along to the popular hits of the 50s onwards. Popular songs featuring artists such as the charity’s Patron Sir Cliff Richard, Tom Jones, Elvis, Dusty Springfield, Petula Clark and many more.

Stephanie leads a Gloucestershire group; “I’ve Just received my coronation pack, how wonderful. There are so many more people joining our session at the moment, it’s great to see people feeling ready to re-join their local community after the pandemic. Everyone comments on how fantastic a jolly good sing makes them feel.”

SINGING IS GOOD FOR YOU! Apart from being fun and uplifting, singing has lots of health benefits? A good sing can stimulate your immune responses, release pain relieving endorphins, improve sleep and reduce snoring, improve lung capacity and posture, tone facial and stomach muscles. Singing is a great stress reliever too and is well known for improving mental health, supporting those experiencing grief and bereavement, and developing a sense of belonging and connectivity.

Monica, a Session Leader in Yorkshire said; “I’ve had the Coronation pack in post, what a lovely idea. My groups will be bringing in some snacks and some items for a raffle. They will love the pamphlet and several have asked for Goldies T-Shirts too. We love Goldies and we are proud to be part of this great charity.”

Our thanks to St Monica trust in Bristol for supporting our Sing&Smile sessions in Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset and B&NES with a small grant from their Coronation Grant scheme.

In Wales the Moondance Foundation is the fantastic supporter.

Goldies Sing&Smile sessions are open to everyone, giving people “something to look forward to”, a chance to get out, make new friends and most importantly, have fun. Goldies is not a choir, you don’t have to be able to sing to join, just love music and socialising.  There is a recommended £3 donation to attend.

The Charity is always looking to recruit new session leaders and volunteers and to hear from organisations who work with older isolated people. Visit the website www.golden-oldies.org.uk , call the office on 01761 470006 or email [email protected]for more information.

Looking for a fun daytime social group? Why not join your local Goldies Coronation Celebration Sing&Smile session?

Wiltshire & Swindon

Calne – The Marden House Centre, SN11 0JJ – second Friday of each month from 2.00pm

Codford – Tuesday Café at Wylye Coyotes Afterschool Club, BA12 0PN – third Tuesday of each month from 10.45am

Corsham – Pound Arts Centre, SN13 9HX – first Monday of each month from 2.00pm

Downton – Memorial Hall, SP5 3NB – fourth Wednesday of each month from 10.00am

Salisbury – Methodist Church, SP1 1EF – second Monday of each month from 2.00pm

Swindon – Coleview Community Centre, SN3 4AS – first Thursday of each month from 2.30pm

Warminster – United Church, BA12 8QB – first Thursday of each month from 2.30pm