Staying Well: There’s no business like showbusiness

“There’s plenty of singing and dancing groups, and Staying Well has now supported the start up of the first over 50s performing arts group.”

Calder Valley Performance Ensemble started meeting in an ad hoc way in 2014 to create a performance piece for the Hebden Bridge Arts Festival.

It went down a storm, so they repeated the process again this summer. “We’re a creative bunch who get a kick out of performing together,” explains Joe Standerline, facilitator for the group, “the money from Staying Well has allowed us to schedule a regular programme with acting professionals that we have named Washday Workshops. It’s a real treat for the people taking part to have a great time whilst learning more about the performing arts.”

The next Washday Workshop is on 7th September, noon – 5pm at The Town Hall in Hebden Bridge.

If it’s singing you’re more in to, there’s a great selection of singing groups in the area. For amateurs, there’s Singalong With John on a Wednesday afternoon at The Town Hall.

John is a professional pianist who accompanies a motley crew of singers through the popular tunes of the last 100 years: wartime favourites, swinging sixties and classic standards.

A love of singing rather an ability to sing is the prerequisite for this upbeat and lively group.

Singalong With John started from the GP surgery in Sowerby Bridge where Dr Stephen Catlow monitored the health benefits of singing. Dr Catlow explains: “I was surprised to see the level of health improvements I saw in the members of John’s singing group; it was more than I had imagined. It’s obvious that the enthusiasm and warm welcome John gives to the group has also a massive impact on their well-being.”

Has this convinced you to do more singing?

There’s plenty of other choices for you: Taize Harmony Singing at Hope Baptist Chapel on Tuesday morning, Calder Valley Women Singers on a Wednesday evening at The Town Hall, and Calder Valley Voices on a Thursday evening at the Methodist Chapel .

Do you have an inner performer itching to be released? The Staying Well hub in Hebden Bridge may be able to help guide you to a new set of friends.

Contact Helen Doodson on 01422 392707 or by e-mail [email protected].