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BBC News
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Barnsley care home dance class tapping into memories
A seated tap dance class introduced at a care home has helped to improve wellbeing for residents, staff said. Deangate Care Home in Barnsley has been holding monthly sessions from 21-year-old dance teacher Alicia Bembridge, with the class inspired by an ex-professional performer and current resident. The sessions, supported by the Donna Pressley Dance Academy and Grassroots Sports Academy Yorkshire, focus on simplified footwork and arm Bembridge said: "The elderly quite often get pushed aside, so it's great that they're getting the opportunity to learn something new - because it's not too late. "I look forward to this session every single time it happens, it gives me a lot of happiness."Rachael Addy, Deangate events coordinator, said staff introduced tap dancing to the care home after being joined by 79-year-old resident Margaret Cooper, who has early-onset dementia, was a professional dancer who started performing with Sunderland's Rosslyn Babes from the age of 10. "She would come to us and she was a little bit down - I think she was missing home," Ms Addy said."At that point it's a case of grabbing on to something that they enjoy or something that makes them happy."She continued: "It is quite difficult to tap in and get full engagement, but as long as we've got a little bit of a flicker and she's enjoying it, that's all that matters to us."Ms Cooper said she had "always loved dancing"."I used to be in pantomimes and I used to do acrobatics," she said. "I'm still pretty supple for my age - I can still touch my toes." Ms Cooper had become "much more sociable and a lot happier when she gets up in the morning" since dancing again, Ms Addy dance to music by artists including Queen and Elvis, the care home said, with the songs said to be key to unlocking memories. "It's important to grab the right era and work around what it triggers," Ms Addy said."If we can give them the best possible life and everyone can see how amazing they are, it leaves both them and their families with the best memories." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
Daily Record
09-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
VE Day's 80th anniversary marked at South Lanarkshire Council HQ
Provost Margaret Cooper led a short event where a commemorative flag was raised. A commemorative flag was raised at South Lanarkshire Council headquarters in Hamilton yesterday (Thursday) to mark the 80th anniversary of VE Day. Provost Margaret Cooper led a short event for invited guests, who included Lord Lieutenant of Lanarkshire Lady Susan Haughey, local and national politicians, members of the Royal British Legion, local clergy, emergency services personnel and senior council officers. Also invited were representatives of the Cameronians, Scotland's only rifle regiment of the British Army, disbanded in 1968, and now memorialised in a unique permanent exhibition at Hamilton's Low Parks Museum. Members of the community music group Soundsational, dressed in fashions from the war era, performed 'Don't Sit Under the Apple Tree' and 'Boogie Woogie Bugle Boy' and the wartime classic, 'We'll Meet Again', as the guests took their places. Rev Ross Blackman, Minister of Hamilton Old Parish Church, then led an opening prayer before Laurence Binyon's famous words, 'They Shall not Grow Old', were read. The 'Last Post' then sounded before a two-minute silence was observed and the anniversary flag raised to mark eight decades since Germany surrendered to allied forces on May 8, 1945. After a final prayer, the ceremony ended with the playing of the national anthem and final sounds from a lone piper. Provost Cooper described VE Day as 'one that must never be forgotten'. She added: 'I have no doubt that Victory in Europe Day is one that those who lived through it would remember for the rest of their lives. It must surely have been a day full of hope and joy, and genuine celebration. 'Yet, there would also have been sadness for so many as they remembered loved ones who gave their lives on a foreign battlefield to make sure that this day of victory would come. 'And that is why we are here. It is why, not just on this 80th anniversary, but every year, we honour the sacrifices they made. 'Eighty years on from the end of WW2, there are very few of our 'greatest generation' still with us, which makes it even more important we, who enjoy the freedoms they fought for, ensure that their voices will live on. 'Coming together today in remembrance, and to raise this special flag is the very least that we can give them, and we do so with pride.'
Daily Record
23-04-2025
- General
- Daily Record
South Lanarkshire residents honoured for stellar community work
More than 30 individuals and groups were recognised at this year's Provost's awards A host of South Lanarkshire stars were honoured for their dazzling work in their communities at this year's provost awards, recognising volunteers of all ages for contributions ranging from running community groups and events to fundraising and litter picking. More than 30 individuals and groups were nominated by local councillors in praise of their volunteer efforts and support for fellow local residents. They were then invited to a special ceremony at the council's headquarters in Hamilton where they received commemorative certificates and paperweights from provost Margaret Cooper to mark their 'outstanding contribution to their communities' through charity work, community groups, sports teams and helping the environment. The youngest recipient was eight-year-old Darson Watson, described as 'an absolute inspiration to our town of Larkhall' for his work in carrying out weekly litter picks in local parks and along the River Avon with mum Sandra and their dogs. His video messages highlighting the issue of litter are then shared on social media and have resulted in 'a tremendous response from other locals eager to join the clean-up efforts' in the community. Darson was honoured alongside recipients including Earnock residents' association secretary Sally Dallas, who led the successful campaign to reinstate the area's bus service; mum-of-four Corrie Reis who runs a weekly family activity night for children and carers as well as a summer programme and last year ran a 50-person camp at Wiston Lodge; and Ray Ryan, described as having 'a profound impact on young people and the local community' for her three decades as parent helper, chair and treasurer with Hamilton district youth theatre. Further nominees from the Hamilton area were Supporting Our Community volunteer Brooke Carracher, who organises a family activity class as well as volunteering at church and St John Ogilvie High; the team at Fairhill community cafe for their weekly cafe and special fundraisers and celebrations; Hillhouse community cafe and recreational gardens volunteer Megan Dougal; and Rev Malcolm Anderson, chair of Hamilton churches drop-in centre which provides shelter and meals for homeless people. Several Blantyre residents were recognised for their community work – including Ryan and Carla Buchanan for their fundraising, support of good causes and 'significant impact on the community'; Jonathan Oliver of Lodge Blantyre Kilwinning which raises charity funds and donates a Christmas selection box to all local youngsters; 'tireless' community stalwart Jean Orr of Blantyre community council, Bonnie Blantyre and Friends of Calder; and former Blantyre Miners chair Andy Simm, whose achievements include helping to develop the area's community garden. Provost's awards also went to Uddingston community council chair Michael Hart, who worked to reinstate the organisation three years ago; Bothwell community council secretary and scarecrow festival volunteer Ewan Speedie; Pauline Davies, who spearheaded the refurbishment of Green Street playpark; and Bothwell & Uddingston men's shed founder Joe Kennedy. A group award was made to Strathaven memory club, for people with dementia, which meets twice monthly and supports 20 families and carers, with a growing volunteer roll and numerous community links. Provost Cooper also honoured Fibro Friends Lanarkshire founder Tracey Orr, of Chapelton; Strathaven Group volunteer Laura Booth; East Kilbride youth disability sports club chair Heather Irvine; Kilbryde Hospice trustee Fiona McKee; Jim Ballantyne, who chairs both East Kilbride twinning association and sports council; and Helen Cuthbertson, whose community work includes volunteering with Claremont parish church, Kilbryde Hospice and East Kilbride community foodbank. Stevie Burns and Simon Trobe, who both volunteer with 113th Glasgow (Burnside) Scouts, were nominated by Rutherglen councillor Robert Brown for their 'exemplary actions' in spending hours clearing a large fallen tree from Burnside Road – and provost's awards also went to Camglen Buddies and group founder Jackie Mount, plus Iain Welford and Spittal parent council. Barn Buddies founder Leeanne Inglis was also recognised, alongside fellow Carluke residents James Braynion, leader of the Boys' Brigade group at St John's Church, and Margaret Lindsay, manager of Carluke community charity shop Choices. Law mum and daughter Marion Moffat and Amy Shaw who run the area's baby and toddler group and are involved in a host of community associations were also among those receiving certificates at the ceremony, as were Forth resident May Gibson, founder of the weekly Braehead lunch club; and Isobel Aikman and Jean McCaldon, who have organised the Blackwood & Kirkmuirhill gala day for the past five decades. Provost Cooper said the awards highlight residents' 'significant contribution to community life' and 'recognise the fantastic work that is done right across South Lanarkshire'. She said: 'Much of this so often goes unnoticed, although of course that is the last thing in the minds of those who carry it out. The awards are a recognition of this work and to allow us to show how much we appreciate the people who give up their own time to help others. 'It was wonderful to see so many people from all walks of life and hear about the tremendous contribution they make to their local communities; I personally find it a real honour, and a humbling one, to celebrate their achievements.'
