By Helen Fay
A West Leeds men’s music group performed a range of toe-tapping tunes to some of LS12’s senior citizens this week.
The Man About Town (MAT) Music Group runs weekly sessions at the James McKenna Community Hub in Armley. On May 12 and 20 the group played at two of Armley Helping Hands’ (AHH) Friendship Groups events.
The ‘Music, Memories & Munchies’ events proved a huge hit with AHH members. Members were treated to a lunch of pie and peas followed by apple pie and custard. They were then entertained by the MAT Music Group, who sang and played a range of songs from the 50s, 60s and 70s.
Dawn Newsome, CEO of Armley Helping Hands, said: “The performances brought an infectious energy to the room. From staff and volunteers to the oldest ‘groupie’ at the remarkable age of 102. All in attendance were waving hands, tapping toes, and dancing.”
One of the AHH service users who attended the event told WLD: “I absolutely loved the band; it brought many memories back when I used to go out dancing at the Mecca. I can’t wait until they come back!”
Further collaborations between Armley Helping Hands and Creative Frame CIC (the social enterprise overseeing the MAT Music Group) are on the cards for future events.
Creative Frame CIC director Jonathan Parker said “I’m so proud of every performer who turns up week in week out in support of the Man About Town project and their commitment to improving and maintaining their mental health through creativity, community and a drive to support one another.”
For further information on the music group and other projects run by Creative Frame CIC, follow this link.
There is also a Facebook page. Jonathan can also be contacted by e-mail on info@creativeframe.org.uk.
Dawn Newsome added: “Beyond the entertainment, these sessions provided profound therapeutic benefits for our older people. Music serves as a powerful tool to connect people, enhance brain health, improve mood, and stimulate memory.
“Most importantly, the initiative brought profound joy and happiness to the most vulnerable and isolated older adults living in Armley and Wortley.”
- For information on Armley Helping Hands, there is a website here.
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