A MUSIC teacher has opened a studio in Blaenavon after running classes over Zoom throughout lockdown. The Shining Stars Music Academy studio in Broad Street, opened by singer and music teacher Rebecca Osmond, will offer singing sessions as well as hosting piano and guitar lessons, drama sessions, music and movement for toddlers, and art classes. Ms Osmond currently works for Age Connects Torfaen to provide music therapy for young-onset dementia, and said she hopes to be able to hold a similar class at the Blaenavon studio. “Since I began teaching four years ago, starting from home and renting different spaces, it’s always been the dream to have a studio in one place with my name above the door,” she said.
“Since I began teaching four years ago, starting from home and renting different spaces, it’s always been the dream to have a studio in one place with my name above the door,” she said. “I’d been searching, and viewed a few properties, but was too nervous to take the plunge. The pandemic was the drive for me to take this leap, to find a little shop in the centre of town. “As many as 80 per cent of my pupils are Blaenavon residents - children and adults. Not only will this new studio be offering singing sessions, but I’m now also able to open the doors to many more classes.
The funding allowed them to buy ingredients to continue to provide home cooked meals and buy containers to ensure the food remained hot, as well as covering delivery costs. Emma Wootten, development co-ordinator for Age Connects Torfaen, said: “Before the pandemic hit, our lunch club would attract up to 200 local over-50s each week, providing them with a hot meal in social surroundings. “Of course, by the end of March all that changed, and we needed to adapt so that all those who benefitted from our services could continue to do so. Chef Jade Davies preparing meals to be distributed across the area. Picture: Age Connects Torfaen.
LEAH POWELL looks at the work of Age Connects Torfaen during the pandemic as part of our We’re in it Together campaign. AGE Connects Wales is a social enterprise, made up of six independent organisations, which includes Age Connects Torfaen. The aim of all Age Connects branches is to provide people in Wales aged 50+ with the support and services needed to live healthy, active, independent lives. Age Connects Torfaen has been operating for 30 years under the leadership of Angela Reed. Emma Wootten, the branch’s development coordinator officer, said: “Our aim is to help older people remain independent, safe and secure, and to offer support for their families and carers.