Engagement

Newbury's Corn Exchange has received funding to begin the next stage of a legacy creative ageing programme.

A new team dedicated to this work has been appointed on the back of the £339,000 Lottery grant to lead engagement with older people, especially those who are rurally based and socially isolated.

The first stage of Ageing Creatively ran from 2016 to 2019. This second stage will involve a range of Covid-safe singing, writing, dance, crafts and exercise workshops, as well as a Touch to See group for the visually impaired.

Engagement Manager Hannah Elder said the programme is varied, responsive and provides a noticeable service to its community.

"We see the smiles in our Memory Cafe morning and the concentration on the faces of those attending Afternoon Art.

"We hope to see this impact continue for our ageing community over the next five years, and to play a real part locally in championing arts for health and well-being among our elders."

Peterborough is set to decide a new 10-year strategy to turn the area into a "cultural hotspot". 

The proposed strategy, co-produced by the city council, City Culture Peterborough, and Norfolk & Norwich Festival Bridge, proposes forming a local body for heritage and arts and a prospective bid for City of Culture 2029.

It hopes to capitalise on funding received from the Towns Fund to build a new city centre library and cultural site.

Peterborough is also one of 54 Arts Council England priority areas for investment.

City council cabinet member for culture Steve Allen believes the plan can deliver "huge benefits to the city for years to come”.

The strategy will be discussed by the council’s Communities Scrutiny Committee on September 28 before heading to the cabinet and full council for consideration.