HAMPTON COURT PALACE

2009 marks the 500th Anniversary of Henry V111's accession to the Throne.

On the 26th of August,Hampton Court Palace hosted a series of concerts in the Clore Centre, for older people in Richmond and Kingston. Connaught Opera, singers Maria Arakie, Glenn Wilson and pianist Nicholas Bosworth performed three concerts,which had as their theme 'Kings and Queens'.  This is the 6th year that Connaught Opera have performed at the Palace - this year, was a jointly sponsored initiative between Thames Community Foundation and The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames grants.

This year's initiative enabled around 300 elders from centres in both Boroughs to attend the free concerts.  The purpose built Clore Centre has full disabled access, allowing a lot more frail elders in the community from Richmond and Kingston to attend.

The Mayor of Richmond and Deputy Mayor of Kingston welcomed the audience in an opening address. Attendees included the Woodgate Resource Centre; Devon Way Centre; Elleray Hall; Murray House; Bradbury Active Age Centre; WhittonNetwork; Age Concern Richmond; Royal Star & Garter; Hampton Friends; Teddington & Hampton Wick VCG; Abbeyfield Care Home; Galsworthy House; Alfriston Day Centre; Hobkirk House; EMAG.

"Many thanks for a lovely concert yesterday - you were all in great form and the originality of the costumes and music made the afternoon a joy" Hampton Friends Group, Richmond..

"You are like a good wine every year better, that is what my residents say, thank you so much for a great day" Murray House, Kingston.

  The Deputy Mayor of the Royal Borough ofKingston upon Thames, Councillor Shiraz Mirza, with Henry V111,(singer Glenn Wilson), dressed in a costume loaned by the Tower of London, Anne Boleyn (Maria Arakie) and pianist Nicholas Bosworth. They are pictured before the Kings and Queens community concert in the Clore Centre at Hampton Court Palace.

  The Worshipful the Mayor of The London Borough of Richmond, Councillor Celia Hodges, greeting a large party of Age Concern Richmond members who arrived for the concert by Connaught Opera in style, travelling by boat to Barge Walk.  Also there to meet them were Henry V111 (Glenn Wilson) Anne Boleyn (Maria Arakie)and pianist Nicholas Bosworth, prior to the concert in the Clore Centre.

Continuing to offer their support for our work, the London Borough of Richmond have funded 14 concerts in Social Centres and Neighbourhood Care Groups in 2009/2010.

The Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames continue with their year round support for concerts for elders, in Kingston’s Neighbourhoods.