Celebrating the success of our Golden Years clubs

130 of our Golden Years clubs members were treated to afternoon tea and a spot of dancing at Fanshawe Community Complex, Dagenham last Thursday (27^th April).

Tea, coffee, cakes and sandwiches were served using vintage china tea sets and the Polka Dot dancers were on hand to provide the entertainment; singing hits from the 1940’s onwards.

The event was held to bring together everyone who attends our Golden Years clubs in Barking & Dagenham.

Our Golden Years programme, funded by the Big Lottery Fund, tackles loneliness and isolation in the older age group in our local area.

The programme was originally out together to support residents and volunteers to set up clubs and groups to encourage others to get out and about in the community, make new friends and share skills.

The programme has been very successful and we now have five groups in Barking & Dagenham including social groups, sewing and craft groups and a group aimed specifically at men.

Sue Tipple and Jackie Redmond are Co-ordinators for the Golden Years programme and helped put together the event;

‘The turnout has been fantastic. We are so pleased with the success of the Golden Years programme and how it has made such a difference to the lives of older residents. It’s been great to bring everyone together at this event.’

Iris Halls, 72, attends the Tuesday Social club and said of the Golden Years club she attends;

‘I wasn’t really getting out and about before I started to go to the club on a Tuesday. Through the club I’ve met some new friends and we do so much, it’s been wonderful.'