To celebrate the inaugural post on our blog, we’re highlighting one of our favourite pieces from the February edition of the Bugle – superstar Gary Barlow showing his support for Be Well!
You can read the rest of this month’s Bugle here.
Last month, Vicky Murphy, our Intergenerational Lead, had the opportunity of a lifetime to chat to her her childhood hero on live radio!
The interview with Mancunian Gary, whose career started in the boy band Take That, was set up by BBC Radio Manchester after the Glossop Chronicle did an article on the project, which links locked down older people with youngsters by having them writing letters to each other. Gary heard Vicky being interviewed on the Mike Sweeney Show and said he’d like to speak to her. And just after Christmas their chat went out on 40 BBC local stations around the country.
“It was like a dream come true,” Vicky told The Bugle. “A month later, I’m still pinching myself!”
Vicky explained Do the Write Thing to Gary: “My job is helping improve older people’s wellbeing using intergenerational activities like singing or reading together. During lockdown, instead of actually bringing them physically together I organised a project where they could write to each other.”
Gary said: “What a brilliant idea you’ve had there! It always amazes me. When you came on Radio Manchester, I thought this personality I’m hearing is going to lead to something great. Well done you and what a brilliant idea.”
Vicky has, officially, been walking on air ever since.
If you or someone you know – of any age – would like to be part of Do the Write Thing, please ring us on 07590 839421.