Legacy
Legacy
Please note: this post is 133 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only
Have you ever wondered what sort of jokes you'll laugh at when you're 70 or 80? Last night South London Cares embarked on a beautiful friendship based on laughter and storytelling with older neighbours from across Southwark and Lambeth.
At the Yalding Healthy Living Centre in Bermondsey we brought together thirty fun-loving locals over 65 with their younger neighbours to enjoy three talented comedic acts in a area they all know and love.
Maybe you'll be like Linda from Bermondsey, who told us "the ruder, the better". Or possibly you'll become like Ken, who goes for character comedy but hadn't been to a gig in 40 years.
Then there's Brian from Walworth, who prefers to be on stage rather than in the audience. Brian took notes during our three acts before revealing that he used to do standup in Peckham and Nunhead - but hadn't performed in fifteen years. Our compere was only too happy to invite him on to do a five minute set - and Brian loved it as much as everyone else.
The rest of the audience didn't disappoint; there were gentle heckles, sharper suggestions, interactions and lots of laughter.
An audience over 65 is still an audience despite perceptions. The gang created a warm and fun atmosphere, giving as good as they got. One of our volunteers said that she hadn't stopped smiling in two hours, and our first act told us that it was one of the most challenging but rewarding gigs she had ever done.
Last night's event goes to the heart of what South London Cares aims to achieve: bringing together younger and older neighbours to enjoy new experiences, company and to find out what we might have in common with someone who seems at first glance to be completely different. Laughter is one thing we can all have in common, however old we are.
As SLC grows please keep up-to-date with the new social clubs in your area - we'd love to see you next time.