SOCIAL dancing and shared meals have been “changing lives” for five years in Shildon.
Since September 2012 Age UK County Durham has been running its Shildon Dine and Dance at Shildon Civic Hall which offers the older generations the chance to meet new friends, get active and enjoy a hearty meal.
Part of the charity’s Come Eat Together project, the monthly gatherings aim to improve older people’s ability to access, cook and enjoy healthy food together while helping them cope with life stage changes such as retirement, bereavement, moving home or ill health.
Next month will mark the town’s Dine and Dance’s 50th meeting which organisers will celebrate with a Christmas edition.
Chris Fletcher, development manager for Age UK County Durham, said: “Shildon Dine and Dance does change people’s lives.
"People get out the house and that is what Come Eat Together is about. it’s about making life so much better.”
The monthly sessions attract an average of 50 people aged in their 70s, 80s and 90s, from as far as Peterlee and Darlington.
One of the regular attendees said: “We enjoy excellent music, a lovely atmosphere, eating together and dancing keeps us fit and active.”
At the festive event at midday on Wednesday, December 5, there will be a display of photographs from the past five years plus a Christmas raffle.
A freshly cooked Christmas lunch with tea or coffee and mince pie will be followed by two hours of live organ music by entertainer Michael Foxcrodt for dancing or singing along.
Mrs Fletcher added: “The Dine and Dance is a wonderful partnership between the Shildon Civic Hall team and our Come Eat Together project team.
“Andrea Goldie, the development worker and her wonderful team of local volunteers June Marshall, Myrtle Thompson and Doreen Sadler put in a lot of effort and we are so pleased it is a success. We wish all our members a very merry Christmas.”
Entry is £6. To book a place contact Andrea Goldie on 0191-3746577 or email cet@ageukcountydurham.org.uk
For more information call about the charity or project call 0191-3746564.
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