Christmas cheer to see off this difficult year
No, you are not hearing things! Along with a few special guests, Age UK Bath & North East Somerset is bringing a Christmas Singing Bus spectacle to a street near you on Sunday December 20th.
Recognising that this Christmas will be unlike any other and that many more people will be alone, the charity wants to spread Christmas cheer to as many people as possible, paying particular attention to areas that are at most risk of loneliness.
Age UK B&NES has been running their vital services which support thousands of older people but during the pandemic has also been boosting wellbeing by visiting gardens, green spaces and more recently, care homes with their singing bus.
On the 20th December though, Bath Bus Company are supporting the trip by lending one of its iconic double-deckers for the journey which will have a professional band singing Christmas hits and a few surprise guests to look out for.
Janet Dabbs, Age UK B&NES CEO said:
“This year has been dire for everyone and has certainly increased feelings of loneliness and anxiety, so we hope this goes someway to bringing some festive cheer to the city. It might surprise people but there are pockets of loneliness and isolation in Bath which is amongst the worst in the country, so we are including some of these on the trip.
We of course wish we could bring the bus to every street but if it is passing you, please do look out for it, give us a wave and clap along from your window, doorstep, or garden – being mindful to adhere to the guidelines. It is for everyone to enjoy!”
One special guest, who will be on the bus, who knows all too well about the impact of loneliness in the city, is The Right Worshipful The Mayor of Bath, Councillor, Manda Rigby. Her theme is to tackle loneliness in Bath and is looking forward to being part of this special evening in all her regalia.
The Mayor said: “I think this is a brilliant idea, I look forward to seeing as many people safely as possible, and I promise not to sing!”
The Age UK B&NES Christmas Singing Bus will be taking a slow route from the centre of Bath from 3pm on 20th Dec through parts of Bear Flat, Odd Down, Englishcombe Lane, Southdown, Whiteway, Twerton, Oldfield Park and Lower Bristol Road. There will be a few short stops on the way.
Please look out and join in the fun at a safe distance from others. Wave from your windows, doorsteps, or gardens.
To see the route and timings please visit www.ageukbanes.co.uk
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