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Silver Stars strike Gold!

The Rhythm & Brews older people's exercise group who meet at the Thwaites Empire Theatre are celebrating a grant award this week, having been informed that they have been successful in their bid for money to expand their activities. 

They have been awarded just over £2,000 from the Neighbourhood & Community Development Fund for a portable PA kit, tap shoes and performance costumes to develop the learning activity and community participation part of their work.  

The group are led by Ageing Well Co-ordinator Alison Hartley who works for Age Concern and they perform as the Silver Stars. They have recently begun to take their performances out to settings with older people and similar groups. They have also appeared at the King Georges Hall and Darwen Library Theatre   

The Empire's Chief Executive, Harriet Roberts volunteers her time to choreograph the group.  She explained, 'It started with a few volunteers getting together and exercising to some well known musical numbers, and a year later they are in demand and get multiple repeat bookings every time they appear in public!'   'Although we are extremily professional in the standard of our performances, we don't take ourselves seriously and I think that's the key really, people can see that we're having a good time and we all laugh alot together everytime we meet.  That in itself is good for your health!'  

Margaret Greenhalgh, takes part in the group and is delighted with the news of the award, 'Tap dancing is something I've always wanted to do since being a little girl.  I'm thrilled that we've been awarded this money because I never ever thought it would be something I'd get the chance to try.'  

The group meets every Wednesday at 11am at the Thwaites Empire Theatre. 

The sessions cost £1 to take part.  The group are also available for bookings:  contact 01254 685512.   

Here are some pictures from a recent performance at Spring Bank Court in Mill Hill

Silver Stars at Spring bank Court

 

Release Date: 15 July 2009