Over 180 residents flocked to the Assembly Hall this month to enjoy the first Melksham Daytime Disco organised by local charity AgeUK Wiltshire.
The free disco attracted partygoers aged 55+ to dance, socialise and soak up the fun atmosphere. The event was organised by AgeUK Wiltshire in partnership with Get Out Get Active and aims to help residents aged 55+ get active and socialise with others. People danced to music from the 60s through to the 80s and enjoyed meeting up with friends.
“It was brilliant! So good!” said one guest. “We’ve been really looking forward to it. We’ve been telling all our friends – and they’re all here. It’s fantastic!”
Another attendee added: “It’s such a nice thing. Older people have so much to give, and it’s not always celebrated. This has been amazing – thank you.”
The Melksham Daytime Disco was the second of eight Daytime Discos run by Age UK Wiltshire following one in Calne.
One visitor, who travelled by bus from Chippenham, said she’d come on her own after loving the Calne event. “It’s so good to get out and have a dance. I haven’t danced like that for goodness knows how long,” she said.
The atmosphere was summed up by another dancer: “Best party I’ve ever been to. I felt safe, welcome and happy. Please do it again!”
Activity Service Lead for Age UK Wiltshire, Tracey Jones, said, “It’s a brilliant way to support both physical activity and mental wellbeing. Events like this reduce loneliness, improve mood and encourage healthy, active ageing. No booking is required, making it easy and stress-free to attend.”
Hot on the heels of the success of Melksham and Calne, more discos are already planned across the county including in Chippenham on Friday 19th December 2pm to 4pm at The Neeld Hall Community & Arts Centre and Trowbridge on Friday 30th January, 2pm to 4pm, Trowbridge Town Hall.
Sarah Cardy, Age UK Wiltshire CEO said, “We were absolutely thrilled with the turnout in Melksham. It’s wonderful to see so many older people getting active, socialising and simply having fun. These events are about joy, connection and inclusion – and we can’t wait to bring more discos to more communities throughout Wiltshire and Swindon. I’d like to say a huge thank you to our wonderful team and everyone who supports us, with special thanks to Tracey Jones for her amazing work organising these events.”
For updates on future events, follow Age UK Wiltshire on Facebook at facebook.com/AgeUKWilts, visit www.ageuk.org.uk/wiltshire or call the Melksham Community Support service on 01225 809265.
Pictures by Linda De Santiz
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