Dear LPG readers,

On Tuesday, April 17th, I was there to help commemorate the 75th anniversary of Stanstead Lodge’s reincarnation as a centre dedicated to the welfare of the older members of Forest Hill society. The day was marked by an event that I felt privileged to have been a part of.

I was treated to a half-hour of singing showcased by their resident choir, and some of the songs brought back such memories of decades long past.   I could not help but see the nostalgic look in the eyes of the Caribbean people when ‘Jamaica Farewell’ was sung, and I relived a bit of 1968 when I heard their version of Mary Hopkin’s ‘Those Were the Days’.    This was followed by lunch in their café where there was so much variety on the menu that I had difficulty choosing. After that, I was introduced to the ukulele through performances by three different groups.  Elvis was in my version of the building as they played songs like ‘Wooden Heart’, and their rendition of Bob Marley ‘s ‘Three Little Birds’ got me going too.  A quick strum, under supervision, got me thinking about getting one myself.  

Then, some music was played so that we could all strut our stuff, and nearly everyone got to their feet, including me.  I am usually one of the most self-conscious dancers, but the uninhibited way that everyone else got involved inspired me to just get up, dance, and throw caution to the wind for a few minutes.

We were then invited to watch films that got those nostalgic juices flowing. ‘The Elephant Will Never Forget ‘told the story of the last trams to frequent our streets in 1953 and featured the venue’s former Darby and Joan club choir, which used to practice in the building. They provided the musical soundtrack for the whole film. The other was the classic 1949 ‘On the Town,’ release’ starring Frank Sinatra.  

I was invited by a friend who visits regularly and is a member there, and I had no idea that so many activities were available so close to my doorstep. They offer sessions in everything from Zumba to Tai Chi and computer lessons to filmmaking.

The people I met were more of a family than a group of members affiliated with the building, and the building itself is very impressive. I have passed it so many times, both when walking and through the window of a 185 or 171 bus, but, as they say, the only way to really know what goes on there is to take a look inside.

They tell me that future events will include a celebration of the 80th anniversary of the D Day landings on June 4th 2024 and the July premier of ‘Codger Productions’, their film club’s latest premier release in July. I can’t wait…

I salute an old building that, in a very vibrant way, offers so much to modern oldies while celebrating an event only a few years younger than me! 

EC, Forest Hill

EC shares a Stanstead Lodge link or two…

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