Holiday fun with Independent Age

If you're in London this December, come celebrate the holidays with us! We have events coming up to suit traditional carollers as well as dance-till-dawn types.

First up is the Christmas Boat Party, on Thursday 2 December, a fun night cruising the Thames with a DJ and silent auction. The boat sets off from Westminster Pier at 7.15 pm and returns at 11 pm. Tickets are £30, which includes a buffet and welcome drinks. Please email Jordan Trimby for tickets or more information.

That's followed by our annual Christmas Carol concert the following Thursday, 9 December, at St Michael's Church, Chester Square, London SW1W 9HH. This will be a festive evening of Christmas readings and carols, featuring the Tabard Singers and a new Independent Age vocal ensemble, followed by mince pies and wine. Please contact Harriet Steele for tickets or to find out more.

We hope to see you at either event, or both.

Your holiday messages, keeping spirits bright

Earlier this year, we sent out an appeal on behalf of all of the older people who are lonely over the holidays. Included was a Christmas bauble printed on card with a blank space on the back for people to fill in with their own messages.

Well, you responded. We received baubles in the hundreds, all full of inspiring words of seasonal cheer, and passed them on to people who really appreciate them. At Randell House, one of Independent Age's care homes, some of the residents decorated a tree with them--and one lady even turned a pair into festive earrings!

For the rest of the week, we will be posting some of these messages on twitter. Why not follow us and share these holiday wishes?