A Trip to the Beach

Please note: this post is 124 months old and The Cares Family is no longer operational. This post is shared for information only

With the sun sadly setting on Camden Beach, we're reflecting on our visit to The Roundhouse, with the Kentish Town Social Club.

The bright lights of London have called many of us from cities, towns and villages all over the world. Energetic and exciting, there’s always something to do - a craze to join in with or a new experience to embrace. The pace is relentless, leaving many, in this transient community, making the most of the Capital in their twenties and thirties, before moving on to quieter pastures.

It’s easy to forget that many of our older neighbours have lived here all their lives, amongst that fast pace, watching their borough completely transform around them: different roads, shops, cultures, ages and social classes. For many their home seems suddenly unrecognisable, as the younger generations give their community a complete makeover. While it can be greatly beneficial for the borough, it can leave older neighbours feeling isolated, lonely and wondering where they fit.

Our family of volunteers work to bridge that gap, and succeed every week by socialising, sharing skills and experiencing London with older neighbours across Camden and Islington.

When Camden’s legendary arts venue, The Roundhouse, announced plans to create Camden Beach - a rooftop oasis complete with bars, ping pong and an abundance of sand, we knew it would appeal the city’s young professionals and thought it a great opportunity to introduce them to Camden’s longest-serving residents.

Fifteen older neighbours, from our regular Wednesday Social Club in Kentish Town, signed up to experience the beach, and with the fantastic support of at The Roundhouse, it proved an incredible day.

Ranging from 64 to 92 years old, the group relaxed in the glorious sunshine, sharing the unique experience with all ages from their community, and beyond.

“It’s amazing, like a real beach. I’ve never met so many people in one day!” Albert, 89.

Laura, 92, was completely overwhelmed “I’ve lived here all my life and never seen anything like it!”

May, 87, is our Ping Pong champion and headed straight to the table. After demonstrating her skills against our volunteers, she was challenged by two children to a game! Ingrid, a regular volunteer with the club, loved cheerleading May from the side-lines “She lights up when she gets on that table. She looks younger than ever, with a sparkle in her eyes”

Before leaving, we were treated to a VIP tour of the remarkable venue, lucky enough to experience a sound check which had the group demonstrating some moves!

Cathy, 88, realised “I knew someone who worked here 60 years ago. When it was a dustcloud, not like now!” Thoroughly impressed by the venue, volunteers and older neighbours enthused about their visit all the way home, having shared a great London experience not to be forgotten.