Rhythm and Brews

RHYTHM & BREWS

 

Each week the Thwaites Empire Theatre provides free song and dance and exercise to music sessions as a thank you to our volunteers and patrons.  The groups are particularly suitable for mature movers or those wishing to get more exercise into their lives.  The kettle is always on for you to help yourself to a brew, have a natter with fellow movers .... and you can do as much or as little as you like!

  

Wednesdays

10.00am

Warm Up, Gentle Exercise

Age Concern holds a gentle warm-up exercise sessions to music for older people every Wednesday morning between 10am - 10.30am.  The sessions are aimed at 'mature movers' but are suitable for anyone looking to lose weight or get more exercise into their routine.

10.30am

Tap for Mature Movers

Thanks to a grant from Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council we are now able to offer beginners Tap lessons for older people.  These sessions are run by Estelle in the studios of the  Bernese School of Theatre, Dance and Drama.  They sessions are subsidised by the theatre and free to join.  Shoes are provided free - subject to availability.

11.00am

Movement to Musicals

Harriet Roberts provides choreographed song and dance routines using popular songs from the 1920s to the present day with lots of songs from the shows.  The group work towards taking their performances out to residential homes and community settings and have a busy programme of bookings which raises money for the theatre. 

The group perform as The Golden Oldies and welcome retired performers who can join in with the concert party - either in the song and dance numbers or as soloists.  Harriet is an experienced theatre producer who has been putting on shows and running theatre groups since she was a teenager.  She has been working with the 55+ age group throughout her career in BBC local radio and in theatre.

The Team:

Mandy Stableford, Secretary

Mandy is the first point of call for enquiries about Rhythm & Brews.  She also runs the Monday Club programme of daytime activities as a volunteer for the theatre as well as being a busy mum and grandma and the captain of her local ladies bowling team!  For many years Mandy worked in central control for a housing scheme and brings many years experience in dealing with older people.  Contact Mandy to find out about taking part in our activities of bringing the group to perform in your venue:  Mandy's mobile 07973 998323

Harriet Roberts, Chief Executive, Thwaites Empire Theatre.

Harriet has been at the theatre since March 2007 and started the activity group following the success of the daytime audience activities for older people.  She said, 'There are so many retired people who have the urge to sing and dance but there is no outlet for them to perform with likeminded people of their own age and ability. We choose songs from the 1920s up to the present day and work on simple routines at an easy pace.  It's a really fun way to work out and there is always lots and lots of laughter which is a tonic in itself!' 

Estelle Broadhurst, Dance Tutor, Bernese School of Theatre, Dance & Drama

Professionally qualified, Estelle is a freelance dance teacher based at the theatre.  'Working with older people makes a refreshing change and is highly satisfying.  When you are learning tap, it involves both your feet and your mind!  So it provides both physical and psychological benefits as well as being a very sociable way to exercise.'

Alison Hartley, Ageing Well Co-ordinator - Age Concern

Alison works with older people across the borough on a wide range of leisure pursuits.  These include Tai Chi sessions for over 50's at various community venues and sheltered housing complexes throughout the Borough on a regular basis.  She also runs swimming, walks, ten pin bowling, gym sessions and 'Get Fit with Wii'. 


Alison Hartley, Ageing Well Co-ordinator

01254 266620 or email enquiries@ageconcernblackburn.co.uk

Visit the Age Concern Blackburn website