What is Creative Ageing?

Perhaps ageing without raging?

Heydays gives us the chance

To write, create, perform and dance.

 

We love our weekly fix

A super cultural mix

Of drama, song and craft,

And lots of time to laugh.

 

We have no hesitation

To join this celebration

But instead of reading a play

We’ll perform a different way

 

It is our reflection

Via a poetry confection

On age and creativity

(within our capability)

 

We’ll include some quips

And maybe old age tips

Think of it as word soup

For our particular age group.

 

So here we go

With our part of the show.

Our voices now we raise

In praise of our Heydays

 

It’s a boon in all our lives

As each Wednesday arrives

So glad to be engaging

In this creative ageing.

This getting old malarkey is such a bitter pill to swallow

But us oldies here at Heydays will most definitely not wallow

With the youngest member at a mere fifty-five years of age

To our 92-year-old founding member, Barbara, who helped to set the stage

 

Now life is here for living and that is exactly what we do

With our weekly get togethers there’s no time for feeling blue

We have made so many friends through our shared delight in crafts

Any thoughts of loneliness have been replaced by cheery laughs

 

There is songwriting, singing, nature crafts and more

With dancing, drama and even glass painting to explore

With play reading, a pop-in programme, or a stab at creative writing

There is something for everyone, it really is inviting

 

The Leeds Playhouse organisers, they simply are divine

Such dedication and commitment, we thank them for their time

So, to Fi, Lily, Catherine, Owen, Maddison, Ellie, Mel, Aaron, and Abby

We salute you for your efforts, which are truly far from shabby!!

 

The ukulele lunchtime group, their music brings great cheer

With a pleasant blend of melody for an appreciative ear

As we listen so contentedly with our worries cast aside

We are in awe of their great talent, our delight we cannot hide

 

Here’s a shout out to our visiting artists, we thank you for your time

To Rachel, Suzi, Dr Bridie, and Chris, you simply are divine

The Leeds Conservatoire students also need a mention

As we thank them for their efforts and unwavering attention

 

So just because we are over the hill doesn’t mean we can’t have fun

In fact, it’s quite the opposite, our time is far from done

For getting out and networking is so good for our mental health

Looking after our ageing minds, which is our ultimate wealth

 

How lucky are we at Heydays, with benefits galore

There are discounts in the café, reduced theatre tickets and much more

We look forward to our weekly get-togethers, we have such a splendid time

It enhances our lives so fittingly, it truly is sublime

 

Our working lives may have long flown past

Now each waking hour belongs to us, at last

So, three cheers to Heydays, it has been a pleasure

Here’s to many more visits for us all to treasure