SINGERS from across the town came together to mark ten years of hitting the high notes – and they had a new songbook to mark the occasion.

It is ten years since the Golden-Oldies Charity was first formed by Swindonian Grenville Jones in Bristol and Bath, before he established groups in Swindon.

Now the town boasts nine groups which meet at various venues throughout the week to sing popular classics.

They give their elderly members the chance to have a dance as well.

At the end of last week members from all the groups came together at Coleview Community Centre, where their new songbook was unveiled by session leader Alison Dawn and Grenville himself, who came to visit.

He said he was delighted that the groups were proving so popular.

Swindon Borough Council has supported us from the outset,” he said.

“My charity has grown across England and Wales from Yorkshire down to Exeter across to Essex and into South Wales.

“But Swindon Borough Council has been outstanding, they are one of the councils who have really supported us from the outset.

“They understand loneliness and isolation among older people is a huge issue.

“Generally speaking, I think older people are looked after in their own homes and kept warm but there is little or no social activity for them, so people become isolated.

“Fifty-one per cent of those aged over 75 say the TV is their only source of comfort.

“What we do is very simple, we give people a reason to get out and be with others. Here they can sing and dance, and smile.” Having been bringing residents together for the best part of a decade, Grenville decided it was time for a change and called on the members to draw up their own list of new songs.

During their celebration members were given their first glimpse of their new songbook, which included My Favourite Things by Julie Andrews, Calendar Girl by Neil Sedaka, and country and western favourite, Achy Breaky Heart.

Amongst the new songs are Julie Andrews ‘My Favourite Things’ chosen by Rene from Penhill ‘Achy Breaky Heart’ chosen by Pat and Clive from Coleview and the Neil Sedaka’s ‘Calendar Girl’ the favourite of Brenda from Park North.

Alison said it had gone down really well. “They have loved it, apart from one gentleman who told me he prefers the originals, but like I said to him – variety is the spice of life!”