The Warm and Toasty Club is a unique life-affirming intergenerational community group working in music, arts and history with people over 50 and in supporting young emerging music artists. We are based in Colchester, Essex. A good way to see our latest work is via our Facebook page.
NEWS UPDATE
In-person Memory Afternoons until the end of 2024 below
Below are the dates for in-person Mmeory Afternoons in early 2024
“The Warm & Toasty Club, has done so much good work for the people of Colchester, I see the joy and happiness of all that attend the group. I Know first-hand of the good it has done for me, I am more confident, and happier than I have ever been, can't praise the group enough, thank you so much Johnno for all you have done for us, xx
“I love coming it makes me happy it makes me forget all the things that is going on in my life it takes my stress away, bless you all”
“Friday’s shows have helped my depression, I so look forward to Friday’s xx”
“Johnno, you have put so so much effort into this show, it's brilliant, you have a fabulous personality and I think you are doing an amazing job. Well done and Thank You”.
“I love your shows, I feel it is like a pill that makes you better, xx”
"You should be proud of what you do, my cousin watched for the first time today and he is autistic and finds everyday life challenging - my aunt said she hasn't seen him laugh that much at your antics in a long time. I think this is a real testament to what the toasty club brings to people”.
"Warm and toasty Fridays are brilliant, cheers people up, just what the doctor ordered - everyone here for each other - Thank you xxxx"
“Thank you, National Lottery, for the funding it is great to see everyone to keep us going during lockdown. It helps us feel we are socialising even though it is only virtual. especially as some of us are able to interact with you. It definitely helps my sanity”.
“Warm and Toasty Club has been one of those few treats during the pandemic. Its leisurely style, topical content and occasional silliness are just what many of us needed and the mix of presenters adds to the entertainment. Great just to dip in when time allows. Thank you!”
"Great afternoon as usual, the place to come to if you need a bit of a lift, it's a real good tonic xxx"
"Fantastic afternoon, didn't want it to end, thank you Warm and Toasty, xxx"
“When one gets old one get used to the fact that you become almost invisible and for people just to notice you and listen to you without their eyes glazing over is unusual and to have someone like you come in and not only want to listen but cherish what we are saying is special to us”
"I've had 2 strokes and a brain haemorrhage and the warm and toasty club has given me my sparkle again,I've got naughty again.I now remember so much thanks to you".
"I sat outside during the break on the 2nd visit and said to my friend, listen to that-everyone was laughing and to hear everyone chatting and laughing was so good"
"We love it, it lifts our spirits high"
'You gave us friendship and our group of residents got together because of you"
"Every Friday is a surprise, its exciting to wonder what we will talk about, what entertainment we will have"
"Its made me feel well, I can even jump and skip now"
"Its opened my eyes and changed my life completely, I've never been so happy"
"Thanks to you, meeting all these new people has done me the power of good"
"There's never a dull moment, you feel alive"
"I'm now taking less tablets thanks to you"
"I think it’s fantastic and has helped me no end. The work you do has improved my memory and confidence, you’ve revived me a lot, I would like to go to more”
Staff “As a Visiting Officer here I can see the benefits our tenants are getting from these ‘get togethers’ it’s a really positive afternoon for them and they appear to love it”.
“Yes, I noticed a difference in the tenants, tenants are really wanting to come out and meet up and share their memories, time and interests with other people, its creating friendships. Even our quieter tenants seem to relax and enjoy their time there, even if they just want to watch and listen, no one pushes them to speak if they don’t want to”.
"There has been a clear improvement in the members general wellbeing as mentioned previously they are engaged and upbeat the positive effect goes on for days after, Members are always looking forward to the next session."
Participants family
"Thank you so much for these wonderful clips of my mum!! What a fantastic memory for us all to keep , we are very grateful for everything you have done to keep these memories alive.The work you do with the elderly is truly remarkable, and I know my mum thoroughly enjoyed her time with you and for making her feel so special at the afternoon showing. I do hope she continues to go along to the Warm & Toasty club, you bring joy to so many!!"
Audience Feedback
“Brilliant initiative. Inclusive fun. Not much else spans the generations so well. Long may it reign”
"I love love love the warm and toasty club and after joining the gang in May I was delighted to bring along several more friends along yesterday who have also become devotees.. A delightfully random mix of acts, a fantastic way to spend a Sunday afternoon. Look forward to seeing you next year. Good luck with your tour of the local retirement homes. God bless xx”
"Brilliant concept .... Embodies the spirit of love , fun and families that transcends generations .. Thank you so much for a brilliant , funny warm .... And toasty afternoon well done to everyone involved .. Showcase artistes were fab 😍 highly recommended ".
"What a lovely afternoon at The Warm and Toasty Club today...it’s a very special place with a charming atmosphere. I hope to come back soon!"
“Thank you for giving mine and my sister a great time after a bad year and loss of our sister. Loved it. I love the fact she loved it as I am deep in my music and is something I can now enjoy with my mum” “Another fantastic show this afternoon with some great artists and a beautiful documentary of Doris. Thank you Johnno and all the W and T team .... The show will be missed at the Arts Centre. Great to hear it will be out there in the community in the meantime and also back at the Arts centre next year ”. “Already, given my five star review, highly recommended x”
“Praise well deserved , you have created something very special with W and T club x”
“We love biscuit of the month.We love Warm and Toasty Club - Full Stop” .
“Really special afternoon - felt more a part of Colchester community than I've ever felt in 11 years since moving here! Definitely will be at the next one in August.”
“Brilliant concept .... Embodies the spirit of love , fun and families that transcends generations .. Thank you so much for a brilliant , funny warm .... And toasty afternoon well done to everyone involved .. Showcase artistes were fab ,highly recommended”
“I love W and T. For the voice it gives to our elders to share their lives and their memories. In doing so and showcasing the social histories at the live show alongside some excellent artists, history, tea, toast, biscuits ... well what happens next is that their memories become part of our memories. Oh, and the putting together of the memories to lyrics and song .... well that had me crying ...... the tracks are so moving and like the memories shared listening to them leaves you happy and sad in a rich tapestry of life kind of way. X keep up the good work W and T we ❤ you x”