By Diane Sullivan
It might have been raining outside but that did not dampen the spirits of Christmas party goers on Monday afternoon in Pudsey!
That Sixties Man, real name Matt Johnson, quickly had everyone singing along to 60’s favourite Halfway to Paradise.
Matt, who describes the 60’s as the best decade ever, was in his element entertaining the party goers. “I was brought up on 60’s music,” he said. “This is the perfect audience for me!”
Matt blended 60’s songs, Christmas favourites and a wonderful sense of humour throughout the afternoon to the delight of an engaging audience.
The first lady up dancing was Sheila, who was quickly followed by husband Geoff. Both are regulars at MHA Communities events in Pudsey.
The party, billed as a Christmas Party Special, aimed to bring the “older community” together during the day time, said organiser Kate Frazer, from The Music Box.
The party certainly brought the community together and the joy on faces around the room was clear to see.
MHA Communities Pudsey provided a fundraising raffle and lots of their regular event goers – including Shirley and Mike – joined fans and followers of That Sixties Man. Fans included friends Janet, Alli and Judy who told WLD that they were having a brilliant time with Alli. They added: “And we don’t mind having a drink in the afternoon!”
Inside the Masonic Hall it didn’t feel like an afternoon. The hall is a popular local venue for events and parties, ands it was all trimmed up for Christmas. The bar was open and a very generous buffet courtesy of Pudsey restaurant, The 7 Steps, was enjoyed by all.
The event was enjoyed by more than 50 party goers, many wearing Christmas outfits and even the odd Santa hat! As Matt sang Merry Christmas Everyone the party was in full swing and the hall was filled with Christmas cheer!
After a delicious buffet, an assortment of hot and cold drinks, much dancing, toe tapping, clapping, laughing and singing came the eagerly awaited raffle, organised by Karen Mitchell from MHA Communities.
“It’s been a brilliant afternoon” Karen said. “I just love to see everyone smiling and dancing and all getting together.”
Bringing the party to a close and thanking everyone for their involvement Kate invited everyone to The Music Cafe on 6 January 2026 at 2pm. The Music Café, a new event run by The Music Box and funded by The McCarthy Stone Foundation, will be taking place on the first Tuesday of every month at Pudsey Congs Cricket Club.
The Music Café is a free event open to older people in the community (65+) see The Music Box website for more information.
MHA Communities – Pudsey and Farsley provide groups, activities and support for people over the age of 55.
Penny Lane is an event with singalongs, socials and other activities. It is held at Pudsey Congs Cricket Club on the first and third Tuesday of the month between 2pm and 4pm.
For details of this event and others see the MHA Pudsey website.
- More Pudsey news and views from WLD can be found here.
- Check out WLD’s what’s on section for more local events, groups and activities.
Sponsored content
