You’re never too old to rock “n” roll . . . and they’re proving it in Todmorden.

Todmorden Unitarian Church will play host to a festival of Rock ‘n’ Roll, bingo and afternoon tea on Saturday 28^th June. 

The event, organised by the Friends of the Unitarian Church along with the Neighbourhood Scheme for Todmorden, is aimed at people over 50, but is open to all. 

Calderdale Council has been working with the Neighbourhood Scheme, providing funds to support activities for older people under the Council’s Partnership for Older People Projects (POPP) scheme.

Entertainment will be provided by the Wes Paul Band, a Todmorden band famed for their rock ‘n’ roll shows, with support from the White Ponies. Bingo will be called in the interval.

“We organise lots of activities for people over 50, but have had requests for something a bit different, especially music or concerts,” explained Neighbourhood Scheme support worker Beth Maiden.

“This event brings together some of the most popular suggestions. It will be a lot of fun for all ages – where else but Todmorden can you dance to 50’s and 60’s rock ‘n’ roll hits, whilst enjoying afternoon tea and cakes, and then play a game of interval bingo? 

“It would be a great opportunity for a whole family to come out together – there’s something for everyone from little kids to grandma and granddad. Or if you want to come along but have no-one to go with, don’t worry! Just come on down to the event, it will be a great opportunity to meet people, have a laugh, and maybe win a prize on the bingo!

“Events like this prove that you’re never too old to rock “n” roll.”

 There will be a dance floor for anyone keen to show off their moves, plus plenty of seating for those feeling less energetic.

The Unitarian Church has undergone refurbishments and now boasts a brand new kitchen area, plus convenient toilets, making it a fantastic and unusual venue for community activities. 

“We are really proud to be using the Unitarian Church for the event,” said church volunteer Mary Clear, “it’s one of Todmorden’s treasures – built in the 1860s by the Fielden brothers, it’s now a Grade 1 listed building. It’s open to the public, yet many people in Todmorden have never been inside. It would be worth coming down to the event for that reason alone!” 

The church has also opened its doors to worshippers once again, with a Unitarian service on the last Thursday of every month.

The event starts at 2.00 on Saturday 28^th June, and will run ‘til late afternoon. Entrance is just £1.00 for people over 50, £2.00 for everyone else, and children under 7 go free.  You are welcome to bring your own food and drink, though tea and cakes will be available.  For more information, please phone Beth or Tess McMahon at the Neighbourhood Scheme on 01706 815337.

The Neighbourhood Schemes are six projects funded through Calderdale Council’s POPP scheme, which supports older people and addresses issues which are particularly important to them. The scheme also supports the following services:

 To book an event at the church please contact Wes Paul (Events Manager)