Older people sought to produce charity record

Anchor’s Ashcroft in Braddocks Close is part of a national project where people over the age of 60 will contribute to the words of a charity song to be released as a single

Staff at an over 55s retirement housing property in Ashcroft Rochdale want to hear about older people’s life experiences.

Suzie from Anchor’s Ashcroft in Braddocks Close is part of a national project where people over the age of 60 will contribute to the words of a charity song to be released as a single.

Suzie hopes people over the age of 60 will pop into Ashcroft and fill out a form describing the highlights of their lives.

She said: “Music is a powerful medium which brings people together and the record will give older people a voice.

“The lyrics of the song will be shaped by what people from across the country, including your town Rochdale, mention on the forms.

“I would like to hear about older people’s achievements, aspirations and the challenges they have overcome in life as well as hearing about the benefits of old age.

“Following the success of the Grey Pride campaign, which raised older people’s issues up the political agenda, we wanted to continue the campaign in a fun way by celebrating the wealth of talent and experience older people have.”

The record will be sung by The Anchor Community Band, which will be made up of older people living in the organisation’s care homes and retirement housing properties across England.

The hunt is also on to find a local recording studio where the Anchor Community Band members in Rochdale can record their song free of charge.

All the money raised from the sales of the song will go towards Anchor’s chosen charity Contact the Elderly which aims to combat the loneliness and social isolation faced by many older people aged over 75, who live alone.

Volunteers in Rochdale host free, monthly Sunday tea parties in their own homes for the elderly with other charity workers driving and accompanying older people to these events.

Suzie said: “The older people living at Ashcroft are able to enjoy a great community spirit and activities which help them get the most out of life.

“But there are hundreds of older people living in loneliness and isolation in Rochdale, who could benefit from the services run by Contact the Elderly. This fun event will raise much needed money for this worthwhile cause.”

Any over 60s wanting to share their experiences for the song or recording studios wanting to help can contact Suzie Ross on 01706 370 779.