Singing to the children
Valuing Older People (VOP) are committed to helping older people reach their full potential in many fields. Along with Manchester Joint Health Unit, have begun funding a local choir.
During October, taster sessions were arranged (by Tracey Annett from the VOP team) in four different venues for the over fifties to have a sing-a-long. Venues such as; Mayes Gardens, Butler Court, Victoria Square and Phoenix Mill. Jules Gibb from Band on the Wall led the singing and the experience proved to be most enjoyable. From those four sessions anyone who was interested was invited to make up a choir, with the intention of going into schools to sing to children. Often school children visit old people's homes at Christmas time to sing to the residents. Councillor Jim Battle thought it would be a novel idea to do it the other way round.
The mix of people from the different venues came together and begun singing in November at the Band on the Wall, they soon found their voices, decided on the name Golden Voices for the choir, they also decided on a uniform look for the choir and because the name was Golden Voices decided on wearing something Gold. Tracey suggested a gold coloured scarf for the ladies and a gold tie for the gentlemen along with all black clothing, because almost everybody has got something black in their wardrobe.
The first performance for the choir is to be held at St. Anne's Primary School, during their Christmas concert on Wednesday 16th December 2009.
For more information about this choir contact Tracey Annett on 0161 234 4299.
All about VOP: Further Information and Contacts
What is Valuing Older People?
VOP is a multi-agency initiative, which aims to improve the quality of life of older people in Manchester by working alongside the city's public organisations, community groups and older people. The VOP team is part of the jointly funded Manchester Joint Health Unit, based in the Council's Chief Executive's Department. The team members are:
Paul McGarry: Strategy Manager, Tel. 0161 234 3503
Sally Chandler: Programme Manager, Tel. 0161 234 3513
Jane Morris: Research and Planning Officer, Tel. 0161 234 4810
Rachel York: Project Assistant, Tel. 0161 234 3547
Tracey Annette: Locality Development Officer, Tel. 0161 234 4299
Patrick Hanfling: Intergenerational Strategy Coordinator, Tel. 0161 234 4188