Penarth's 'Goldies Cymru' workshop is a singing success! (From Penarth Times)

Penarth's 'Goldies Cymru' workshop is a singing success!

9:00am Wednesday 26th September 2012 in News By Chris Seal

PENARTH residents sang their hearts out at the first 'Goldies Cymru' workshop in the town.

Thirty residents enjoyed the session at the Glyndwr Community Centre as part of last week's Ageing Well Club (September 12).

Goldies Cymru, which is part of the Golden-Oldies Charity, will return to the club on the second Wednesday of every month.

The session, which included singing hits such as Itsy Bitsy Teenie Weenie Yellow Polka Dot Bikini, Congratulations, and This Old House, was led by the founder of the Golden-Oldies charity, Grenville Jones.

"It's not just about singing, it's about social interaction and encouraging people to get out of the house," he said.

"Doorstep syndrome, where some people don't even leave their own homes, is a big thing in this country. This group encourages people to step out over their doorstep.

"It's a reason to leave the home and meet other people."

Jane Platts, rural connections co-ordinator for Age Concern, said that everyone had enjoyed the session.

"It was brilliant," she said.

"They all embraced it and it went really well. I thought they might be quite reluctant, but they absolutely loved it.

"There is something about singing that everyone enjoys."

The new initiative complements other club activities including Qui Gong, Zumba and trips out, and Jane added: "It's massively important to have a wide range of things to do.

"People don't want to just go out and play bingo, they want to have the option of other things too."

Mr Jones added: "The Penarth people have very strong voices and showed that Wales is full of good singers!"

Goldies Cymru will next be at Penarth's Ageing Well Club, at Glyndwr Community Centre, on Wednesday, October 10.