It’s time put on your dancing shoes with ActivLives at their popular Tea Dances!

It’s time put on your dancing shoes with ActivLives at their popular Tea Dances!

Aug 31, 2018 | ActivLives

Whether it’s been a while or you’re a keen dancer – everyone’s welcome at ActivLives Tea Dance in the centre of Ipswich. Old classics to help get you in the groove, then lots of well earned refreshments for you to enjoy. So whether you are a couple, single or a group of friends, everyone is welcome, put on your glad rags and get ready to rumba.

Take a quick step down to The Corn Exchange, King Street in Ipswich on Thursday, 13th September at 2pm with the doors opening at 1.45pm with tickets at £7.50 for the afternoon. (In association with Ipswich Borough Council)

We have a special guest and in addition, there will be an airing of the Town Hall Polka, commissioned 150 years ago for the Mayoress at the ball celebrating the Town Hall’s opening.

An expert will be on on hand for help with some basic dance moves, so if you are a bit rusty she will be on hand to help.

Live music will be provided by the lovely and talented Gina Silburn, a wonderful local artist, singing ballroom favourites and dance-floor classics. So whether a waltz or a samba, or something more contemporary, come along and enjoy two hours of live music and dancing. Lovely homemade cakes and teas and coffees will be available to revive you during the afternoon.

Julie Stokes, Chief Executive Officer of ActivLives, said ” Tea Dances are a fun way for local people to get together and it is not only for couples who enjoy dancing but also those who may be on their own, to give them the opportunity to make new friends at a fun, relaxed event, with the bonus of being able to dance with like-minded people.”

As well as providing an enjoyable opportunity to dance, it has been shown that Tea Dances play a valuable role in tackling the important issue of loneliness amongst the elderly. Research has highlighted that 1.2 million older people are chronically lonely, and half a million people over the age of 60 usually spend every day alone.

Everyone is welcome to come along to the ActivLives Tea Dances. Whether you just like to listen to the music, enjoy making new friends or just want to dance, there is something for everyone – and tea and cake too!

Ticket Prices:  £7.50 adults, including refreshments

To Buy Tickets: Please visit call 01473 345350

For more information, please contact Alison Pearson, Community Engagement Officer on 01473 345350 or email alison@activlives.org.uk

ActivLives hosts Wonderland-themed tea party

ActivLives hosts Wonderland-themed tea party

Jul 31, 2018 | ActivGardens, ActivLives

The quirky ‘Wonderland Tea Party’ was a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach, with all the key characters getting involved – serving tea, selling plants and causing mischief.

It was just part of the 2018 Big Garden Party, run by ActivLives, which celebrated the 10th birthday of the People’s Community Garden at Maidenhall Allotments.

The bumper event was opened by the mayor of Ipswich, Jane Riley, and Ipswich Town legend and ActivLives’ patron Roger Osborne.

With stalls from numerous Suffolk-based organisations such as Ipswich Wildlife Group and Wildlife Gadgetman, to Suffolk Refugee Support and Suffolk Police and Fire Services, it was a lively collaboration of local groups and businesses.

While the Ipswich Wildlife Group were busy building bug boxes, the Wildlife Gadgetman showed off his photography hide, and the team at Suffolk Refugee Support cooked Syrian falafal for all to try.

Younger visitors were also spoilt for choice, with activities ranging from face-painting and hat-making to a carousel, drumming workshop and magic show.

The soundtrack to the day was provided by Saints Community Band, The Phil Jackson Rock ‘n’ Roll Band, and ActivLives’ very own Keep On Rockin’ singing group as well as a few local talents perfoming in the Welcome Area.

Sam Thurlow, from ActivLives, said: “With the theme of this years event being ‘Wonderland Tea Party’, visitors were promised ‘a day to join with all your favourite Wonderland characters for a cup of tea and some cake’ and they weren’t disappointed.

“There was a tea party with the Cheshire Cat serving drinks, Alice selling plants, the Mad Hatter causing mischief and the White Rabbit seemingly running around all day – all of which were ActivLives staff and volunteers who spent the past few months organising this brilliant event.

“We think this quote sums the day up nicely: ‘Absolutely brilliant…the best Garden Party yet…it’s so much fun!’ said one of the visitors as they walked through the site with a strawberry tart in their hand on their way to try their luck in the tombola.”