Song and dance keeps members on their toes

This week we’re continuing our special Group of the Month feature with a look at a wonderful arts and wellbeing charity for retired people.

Every month we’ll shine the spotlight on one of the hundreds of charities, clubs, groups and organisations around West Lothian.

It could be any kind of group or club, from kids’ sports teams, arts and crafts clubs, mother and toddlers, drama and everything in between.

To take part email debbie.hall@ reachpl.com.

Generation Arts is an arts and wellbeing charity run by a board of retired professionals living in West Lothian.

Its aims are to improve the quality of life for people aged 50-plus through participation in creative activity, helping them to enjoy later life and reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness.

Generation Arts support worker, Isobel Ross, said: “We work to ensure that all people in West Lothian over the age of 50 have local and low cost access to a regular programme of good quality creative activities that promote independence, confidence and good physical and mental health.

“We were established in 2004 and are funded through a range of short term restricted project funds, donations and unrestricted fundraising activities.”

Isobel said there are a number of classes to suit all tastes, running in-person.

These are:

Livingston Dance – Thursdays at 10.30am, Craigsfarm Community Hub, Maree Walk, Livingston;

Seated Dance – Wednesdays at 10.30am, Craigsfarm Community Hub, Maree Walk, Livingston;

Silver Tones Choir – Mondays at 11.30am (new time), Royal British Legion, Bathgate;

Bathgate Dance – Fridays at 10.30am, St Mary’s Church Hall, Bathgate;

Vintage – Intermediate Dance Class (Not yet restarted), Thursdays 11.30am to 12.30pm. £4 per class, Craigsfarm Community Hub Livingston.

For those that are ready to take their dance to the next level, improve technique and creative skills, this class, with guest tutors, will lead regularly to a performance.

The classes cost £4 a week, which helps to pay for the class facilitator.

You can pay on the day or make a bank transfer per term. Please talk to the class leader about these options.

Where you attend more than one weekly class the second class is charged at £3.

For more information email generationarts.coordinator@ gmail.com, or call 077177 40595.

You can also check their Facebook page for recent updates.

The charity also runs activities in NHS sites for staff and patients and care homes/day centres.

Look out for new classes at The Regal in Bathgate.