Diary Notes for Older people in Richmond and Kingston.

The date for Hampton Court Palace concerts in 2012, to celebrate the Queen's Diamond Jubilee, "Vivat Regina" will be THURSDAY 30TH AUGUST,2012. To book places for the three concerts, please contact: enquiries@maria-arakie.com

CONNAUGHT OPERA PERFORM "CHARIOTS OF FIRE" AT HAMPTON COURT PALACE

Hampton Court Palace will mark the start and finish line of the Olympic Cycling Time Trials in 2012.

On 29th June 2011, older people from Richmond and Kingston had a taste of the London 2012 fever with their own concerts, performed by Connaught Opera in the Clore Centre in the lead-up to the Games.

This was the 8th year that the Palace has hosted these community events. (See Sue Whittaker's Blog on the Hampton Court website.

A beautiful sunny day in late July 2011, outside the Clore Centre at Hampton Court Palace. The theme for 2011 was "Chariots of Fire - a Spectacular in Song", to connect elders with the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Three concerts throughout the day were supported by The Capital Community Foundation and the Royal Borough of Kingston. Photographed with the Mayor of Richmond Cllr. Clare Head and Deputy Mayor Cllr. Meena Bond, are a few of the audience, with Alan Thompson (in exotic 'dragon shirt'!) who brought members of Contact-the-Elderly. He said: "The concert on Friday afternoon was a delight. Beautifully performed, perfectly pitched to the audience, and what frocks! My elderly folk from CONTACT really enjoyed it." An audience member added: "Such a long time since I have been to a concert - it was lovely."

The stunning gold filigree 'Pear Tree Gate' at Hampton Court Palace marked a fitting entry to the Clore Centre, where around three hundred older people from Richmond and Kingston enjoyed the 8th year of Connaught Opera performing concerts at Hampton Court Palace. Janet Thompson, on the left, organised a group of 49 Age Concern members from Richmond who travelled to the Palace in style by the river boat to Barge Walk.

The Deputy Mayor of Kingston, Cllr. Geoff Austin with Mrs Austin, pose with Glenn, Nick and Maria after the late afternoon concert.

The Palace, once again, was the gracious host to groups from Woodgate Resource Centre; The Phoenix Club; Raleigh House; Whitton Network; MDN Association; Hampton Friends; Deer Park View Care Home; MILAAP; Homelink; Age Concern, Richmond; Moving On (Life after Stroke Club); Newent House; Hobkirk House; Kingston Pensioners Forum; FISH; Contact the Elderly, Twickenham; Abbeyfield Care Home; EMAG (Ethnic Minorities Advocacy Group); Murray House; Tedlock Ladies Club; and Ellery Hall.

"Just to say a big thank you for the fantastic performance today. We all thoroughly enjoyed it. It could not have been better. We are now looking forward to next year! Well done to all of you - you are truly great performers." Phoenix Club Committee.

The London Borough of Richmond, Adult Services, have awarded us 2 years funding in 2010/11 and 2011/12 for older people in the Borough.

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames, continue with their year round support for concerts for elders, at Hampton Court Palace and in Kingston's Neighbourhoods.