|
Press Release
|
Ref: PRCP019 Date: 4thJuly 2024
Nostalgic performance ‘reconnects' Staffordshire residents
Hi-res image
Over 55s living in Stafford and South Staffordshire were recently given the chance to step back in time to the 1940s, thanks to a vintage concert organised as part of a successful initiative that's supporting older people to live more active lives.
Through its ReConnected service, Care Plus invited guests to enjoy a free cream tea at The Northfields Centre in Stafford, where they also enjoyed listening to live music from vintage harmony duo Bluebird Belles.
Part of the Housing Plus Group, Care Plus manages retirement living schemes on behalf of the housing association and launched ReConnected with support from the National Lottery Community Fund. Now it provides free activities, social events and advice for people aged 55 and over from acrossStafford and South Staffordshire.
Lisa Fisher, ReConnected project coordinator at Care Plus, said: "The event proved a great success, and we were thrilled to welcome guests from across the area who thoroughly enjoyed the performance by two very talented artists.
"Guests sang and danced along to classics including When You're Smiling, Puttin' On The Ritz and All Shook Up.
"This is just one of a series of social events that ReConnected is organising this year,which have been designed to help tackle isolation among older people in the communities we serve.
"We are delighted that the Bluebird Belles will be returning for another free live show in Stone this week."
Dubbed 'the best thing since The Andrews Sisters', The Bluebird Belles are a professional 1940s and vintage vocal harmony duo, and they certainly proved a hit with those attending the Stafford show.
Royal Air Force veteran, Keith, commented: "My children told me about the event and said I should go, as it's not good for me to be alone.
"I have been really looking forward to it, as I like being sung to, and it's been great to see so many people here."
ReConnected members Eileen, Avril and Sheila also attended the free show. Eileen said: "The ReConnected events are brilliant. They help people who are perhaps on their own to get together and meet different people.
"We do a lot of social get-togethers. We meet up for a drink and a chat, or there are quizzes and art and crafts. But the performance today feels very special following on from the 80thanniversary of the D Day landings.
"We would encourage other people to come along to the ReConnected events. Everyone's very welcoming, and the organisers and volunteers are wonderful. They look after us."
The Bluebird Belles will be returning for another free ReConnected event at St Dominics Social Club in Stone on Friday, July 5, from 2pm to 4pm. Exclusively for people aged 55 and over, in Stafford and South Staffordshire, the afternoon will even include a free cream tea for everyone who attends.
Bluebird Belles member, Beth, said: "We absolutely love performing at events like these because they bring a sense of nostalgia and joy to both the audience and us as performers. There's something incredibly special about performing classics from the 40s and 50s, and seeing people connect with the music, some of whom first heard these songs when they were originally released.
"The inspiration to form the Bluebird Belles came from a love of vintage music, fashion, and vocal harmony, and a desire to celebrate and preserve our history. We wanted to create an experience that transports audiences back in time, evoking the charm and elegance of a bygone era."
To learn more about the ReConnected service and discover what's on in your area, go towww.care-plus.org.uk/ReConnected.
Caption for picture:
The Bluebird Belles pictured with ReConnected project coordinator at Care Plus, Lisa Fisher.
- ENDS -
Background for editors
Care Plus specialises in housing and support for older people and those with physical or learning difficulties. Managing 57 retirement living communities in Staffordshire and Shropshire as well as a residential nursing home, Care Plus helps people to live independently in their own homes with support including 24:7 telecare response, wellbeing services and home care.
The personal care service delivered by Care Plus has been assessed as Good in all areas by the Care Quality Commission.
Registered as a Charitable Community Benefit Society, Care Plus is a Housing Plus Group company. The Group is a leading provider of quality, affordable homes and care services that customers can trust. Member companies also include Homes Plus, Property Plus and Severn Homes.
With a vision to be a resilient organisation, making a positive difference to homes, lives and communities, Housing Plus Group employs around 1,000 people in Staffordshire and Shropshire. The growing Group is addressing the housing crisis locally, by building new homes for rent, shared ownership and outright sale. It has committed to delivering affordable care and support for older people in their own homes and to creating new apprenticeship opportunities in the Group and its supply chain.
Housing Plus Group is inspired and guidedby the values which are the foundations of its work: Communication, Learning, Accountable, Respectful, Inclusive, Trust and You.
The Regulator of Social Housing (RSH) requires that all registered providers confirm compliance with the Regulatory Framework, Governance and Financial Viability Standard. Housing Plus Group complies with this standard, holding the RSH highest rating for governance, G1 and V2 for viability. Please visit www.gov.uk to find out more.
Further information
Mara Hargreaves
Head of marketing and communications
Mobile (p): 07967 967 466
e:mara.hargreaves@housingplusgroup.co.uk
Ruby Davies
Marketing and communications officer
Housing Plus Group
Mobile: 07485 922 776
e:ruby.davies@hosuingplusgroup.co.uk
Martin Farrow
CHANGEWORKS Communications
t: + 44 (0) 1785 247588
m: +44 (0)7771 970025
e:mfarrow@changeworkscom.co.uk