Rugby Art Gallery and Museum brings The Good Times back

The Good Times was launched in 2016, offering a range of free sessions tailored to tackle loneliness and isolation by increasing social interaction.

And after securing fresh funding from Public Health Warwickshire and the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross, The Good Times has now returned.

To celebrate, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum hosts a 1950s tea party this Friday (18 August), complete with classic tunes from the decade and a dance display from Strictly Jitterbug.

The tea party also includes knitting and crochet sessions with Thread The Love, a display of period pieces from the Museum's social history collection and, of course, plenty of tea and cake.

Visitors can also chat to Mandy Ross, Rugby Art Gallery and Museum's blogger in residence for the summer, who has posted a series of pieces inspired by events and exhibitions at the venue at www.rugby.gov.uk/blog/ragm

The Good Times was specifically designed to cater for older people living with dementia, and in addition to monthly craft sessions at the Art Gallery and Museum, regular sessions also take place at Age UK's Claremont Centre, in Clifton Road, and the Hospital of St Cross.

Public Health Warwickshire has supported the return of The Good Times with a £3,160 grant, while a £1,100 grant from the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross has allowed the project to increase the number of sessions at the hospital to three a month.

Cllr Heather Timms, Rugby Borough Council portfolio holder for growth and investment, said: "By placing a particular emphasis on supporting older people living with dementia and their carers, The Good Times offers a welcome break from routine and can help create a sense of place and purpose for those who have become lonely and isolated.

"The project also creates an environment where older people can develop new friendships, build confidence and, most importantly, have fun.

"I'm delighted the team at Rugby Art Gallery and Museum can now build on the success of The Good Times thanks to the generous support of Public Health Warwickshire and the Friends of the Hospital of St Cross."

The 1950s tea party takes place from 1pm to 4pm. All welcome.

For more information about The Good Times, visit www.ragm.co.uk/goodtimes