‘I think we all appreciate getting out and about more since Covid...’
SEPTEMBER’s Great Get Together Superjam was a sell-out… and I was lucky enough to be one of the fortunate attendees.
Entering the room, there was an excited buzz of conversation, old friends greeting each other, new friends introducing themselves, the sound of laughter and clink of glasses.
The scene was set for this month’s tea party.
Community consultant Kathy Markwick and her team were busily making sure everyone was looked after and this afternoon’s entertainer – singer Joseph O’Brien – was on hand to entertain the guests.
Getting proceedings underway was Rotarian John Walker who welcomed guests and ran through the afternoon’s programme of events.
A minute’s silence for the Queen followed by a rousing rendition of God Save the King complete with flag waving ensued and then it was entertainment time.
Joseph had barely finished his first verse when the dance floor started to fill up – guests eager to put their dancing shoes to the test.
By the second song, the dance floor was full of happy faces, eager to make the most of the music, the company and the occasion.
Next up, it was afternoon tea – a delicious selection of sandwiches was followed by the best scones I have tasted in a very long time complete with jam and cream!
More music and a raffle followed to complete a heart-warming afternoon of laughter and joy.
And chatting to some of the guests it’s clear that these monthly occasions quickly establish themselves as a highlight for many.
Margaret Ashton, 86, and her husband Malcolm, 87, from Wath, have been attending for about 18 months and have made new friends at the event.
“We loved it straightaway and have a lovely time every time. I love a dance and there’s always great music and company. It’s helped us get mixing again. It’s really uplifting – a real tonic,” said Margaret.
The couple were accompanied by their daughter Karen Sansom who said: “I enjoy it as much as them. We have all had a tough time and it has left its mark. We all know what isolation feels like now but I can see the difference in them since they started coming here.”
And Margaret and Malcolm are not alone in loving their afternoons at the Holiday Inn.
Shirley Peters, 61, from Dodworth, was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 17 years ago and loves getting out to dance and socialise.
“I have been coming since Superjam first started – I read about it in the Chronicle and it’s lovely. I’m a people person and it got me down not getting out. I think we all appreciate getting out and about more since Covid and these sorts of things keep me going,” said Shirley.
Guests included 46 members of Monk Bretton Over 50s’ club.
“It’s great to have something to get dressed up for and I can never wait to get on the dance floor.”
Not everyone is a regular at the event – it was a first for Joan Horbury, 87, of Worsbrough, but she’ll be back. Accompanied by Stella Court, 95, Joan was loving her afternoon of music, afternoon tea and company: “It’s my first time but it won’t be my last. I can’t believe it
– I’m having a great time.”
One thing that the Superjam is a little short of is male guests but I also met one gentleman who would heartily recommend it to anyone.
Ninety-year-old Cliff Banks, of Wombwell, is a regular guest and is a familiar sight on the dance floor. He attends with his two daughters, Maxine White and Jayne Hook, as well as his grandson. Tom, 25, and two family friends.
“My Dad loves it, we all do, and he loves to get up for a dance,” said Maxine.
By the end of the afternoon, the guests were eagerly looking ahead to the next event – it’s on Tuesday October 18, when they will be raising awareness for the Barnsley Hospice and the special guest is the Mayor of Barnsley. Barnsley entertainer Oliver Harris will be performing.
■ To book for the Superjam, guests should contact Kathy: 07729 528844 kathymarkwick@gmail.com.