News
15/05/10
THE WOMAN'S WEEKLY LOUNGE - COME AND MEET THE TEAM
Do you have a knitting or stitching question? Would you like to join a craft make and take session, or watch a demonstration? Then come along to the Woman's Weekly Lounge at the heart of the show. You can meet the editor, Diane Kenwood, who will be pleased to hear your thoughts on the magazine, get some great subscription deals, buy the summer special issues and much more. Woman's Weekly staffers will be very much in evidence throughout the show - with the fashion editor giving a talk on the runway/performance stage about how to dress for your shape and the assistant features editor interviewing a make up artist who will be doing a makeup/makeover.
For any visitors who have been inspired by our short story competition, the Woman's Weekly fiction editor will be running a seminar called 'So you want to write?' to encourage and nurture new talent.
10/05/10
LET'S GET DANCING - ALL DAY!
After a great show last year, we are delighted that Philip Wylie of Holiday and Dance will be returning to run sessions and lead teach-ins on the dance floor. As an extra attraction, Philip has booked some Young Champions to appear "in cabaret" each day at approximately 12.20 and 2.15. Make sure of your comfy seat and enjoy their spectacular moves - and sequins! And make sure that you bring your dancing shoes, so you can join in the fun too!
05/05/10
GET ACTIVE-STAY ACTIVE-and a special appearance by THE GREEN GODDESS, DIANA MORAN
The Activity Zone will be offering a rolling programme of Pilates, Tai Chi and other types of exercise at the show. There is no fee - all sessions are free - just turn up and join in with whatever is going on at the time, or take a look at the posters that will be around the event to make sure that you get a slot in your preferred activity. Experts from the Pilates Foundation and the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain will be available to hand out information about classes in your area.
On the Saturday, Diana Moran, TV's Green Goddess, will be leading a couple of sessions and demonstrating how supple and lithe she still is. "Age is a challenge to the mind and the body" she has said. And she has risen to it, showing how age is not an excuse to put your feet up and let life pass you by. Diana will encourage visitors to join in with exercises from her DVD and you can also come and say hello to her at the Stannah stand - A10.
14/07/10
BSL SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETER on SATURDAY 17th JULY
If you require the services of a sign language interterpreter, then please visit The Retirement Show Stand B72 available on the Saturday only.
25/6/10
MEET THE EDITOR....at THE WOMAN's WEEKLY LOUNGE
When you are at the show, make time to come over to the Woman's Weekly Lounge where you can chat with Diane Kenwood, the editor and other members of the editorial team. They will be very happy to hear your opinions on the magazine. Chocolate and comfy chairs on offer! A great subscriptions deal and special issues will also be available here.
There will be knitting experts on hand too - to answer questions and encourage, and a chance to join in a make and take card session.
The Woman's Weekly team will also be on the Performance Stage on Friday with a presentation on how to dress for your shape - and examples of clothes. Turn up early to get a ringside view: the show starts at 14:45 on the Friday.
25/6/10
New GREEN CUISINE
We had previously billed Christina Tilbury of Cordon Vert to appear with us. However, cookery demonstrations at The Retirement Show are a moveable feast and we are now excited to promote Eddie Shepherd, voted Vegetarian Chef of the Future 2009! Eddie is definitely the Heston Blumenthal of the green world, with a highly original take on vegetarian food that will challenge any preconceptions you might have.
Eddie will be taking to the stage in the Rangemaster Cookery Theatre on Friday 16th July - with two shows, starting at 10.45 and then at 12.00. Passionate and enthusiastic, he is undoubtedly a big TV star of the future - make sure you are one of the ones who can say you saw him first!
18/6/10
LAUNCH of an exciting NEW Magazine..........
New for this year's London show is our glossy showguide
magazine. In a new A4 format, the magazine is
packed full of interesting features, will include
the winning entry of our short story competition,
and also contains all details and information
about the show - so you can keep it for reference.
18/6/10
SHORT MAT BOWLS - THE BOWLS DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE
This popular activity was introduced to many at the first Retirement Show in London in 2007. It was a great success, and very popular with the visitors. A much shorter version of the bowls you see on TV, it is an ideal sport to play when room is limited. The English Short Mat Bowls Association is working with the Bowls Alliance to promote the playing of short mat bowls to all ages across the country.
Come along to stand A8 and try out the short mat for yourself !
16/6/10
LATEST AND BREAKING NEWS FROM THE MOTORZONE
On show for the first time at The Retirement Show we are delighted to have on display examples of some of the finest cars ever made. The Motorzone will showcase a Daimler Dart and a Hillman Minx both owned by members of the Surrey Classic Vehicle Club along with a Ferrari Lusso 250, Porsche 911 Rs and a Maserati 3500.
Visitors will also be able to enjoy the thrill of racing cars on the Scaleextric track which is being brought along by Slot 32 click here to visit their website.
01/06/10
LAUGHTER FOR HEALTH AND HAPPINESS with Kit Hammond STAPely
“If I hadn’t laughed, I wouldn’t have survived.” says Kit Hammond Stapely. She claims that the keen sense of fun, which had got her into trouble all her life, helped to float her over some of the toughest patches of her battle with a cancer death sentence. Today, well again, she is the author of It Could Be Verse and teaches groups and individuals about the vital importance of playfulness, fun and laughter in the holistic approach to health and happiness. For more information on Laughter workshops visit www.miraclesdohappen.org.uk
10/05/10
LET'S GET DANCING - ALL DAY!
After a great show last year, we are delighted that Philip Wylie of Holiday and Dance will be returning to run sessions and lead teach-ins on the dance floor. As an extra attraction, Philip has booked some Young Champions to appear "in cabaret" each day at approximately 12.20 and 2.15. Make sure of your comfy seat and enjoy their spectacular moves - and sequins! And make sure that you bring your dancing shoes, so you can join in the fun too!
05/05/10
GET ACTIVE-STAY ACTIVE-and a special appearance by THE GREEN GODDESS, DIANA MORAN
The Activity Zone will be offering a rolling programme of Pilates, Tai Chi and other types of exercise at the show. There is no fee - all sessions are free - just turn up and join in with whatever is going on at the time, or take a look at the posters that will be around the event to make sure that you get a slot in your preferred activity. Experts from the Pilates Foundation and the Tai Chi Union of Great Britain will be available to hand out information about classes in your area.
On the Saturday, Diana Moran, TV's Green Goddess, will be leading a couple of sessions and demonstrating how supple and lithe she still is. "Age is a challenge to the mind and the body" she has said. And she has risen to it, showing how age is not an excuse to put your feet up and let life pass you by. Diana will encourage visitors to join in with exercises from her DVD and you can also come and say hello to her at the Stannah stand - A10.
01/05/10
Free cloakroom at the retirement show
Visitors to this years Retirement Show will be able to leave any purchases in the cloakroom for free and carry on enjoying the show. This service is courtesy of the show sponsor Prudential and let's hope that there is no need to use it for umbrellas and raincoats!!
The cloakroom is located on the lower level on the right after you enter the Grand Hall at Olympia. Please call if assistance is required for the stairs.
30/04/2010
SWEET, SWEET Music - Thameside Harmony Chorus
Thameside Harmony Chorus have about 35 ladies who sing in the barbershop style –and perform a wide repertoire of songs – lively jazzy numbers, soulful ballads old and new. They perform in close harmony arrangements without any accompaniment – they are their own orchestra!
They rehearse every Wednesday evening in Hampton, Middlesex, under the inspiration of their Musical Director, Phillip Ward. Although they have a wide age range between 15 to 75 some are now retired and know that singing keeps them young in spirit! They perform at many different venue and for many different occasions: birthdays, weddings, festivals, corporate events, carol singing at their local railway station at Christmas, at residential care homes, day centres and hospices and for private parties.
This summer, as well as singing for The Retirement Show in Kensington Olympia, Thameside Harmony are also singing at Brinsworth House (the home for retired variety artistes), the local Society for the Blind and Age Concern. The funds they raise enable them to provide members with the music and the stage costumes they need and to support local charities. They have recently run short courses such as “Ladies In Harmony” and their new members are delighted to find that an inability to read music is not important to Thameside Harmony – just to be able to hold a tune, as they learn by ear from MP3’s, tapes and CDs.
They find that the experience of singing with friends to entertain others, improves performance and provides so much friendship and emotional support, through the music, which would be hard to equal in any other hobby, which they hope transmits to the audiences. Come along and enjoy their performance –,mid afternoon on the Performance Stage on the Saturday of the show.
For more information, visit their website at www.thamesideharmony.co.uk
25/4/2010
Music to your ears
We are delighted to feature again Dave Loew of Safari in Classics fame, with his fabulous electric cello. Dave’s music is emotive, relaxing and ideal for ‘chilling out’. So he will be in place close to the Orchard Café on both days of the show for visitors to enjoy his soothing sounds over a drink or a meal.
Dave has two great loves in his life! ‘Gladys’, his lifelong companion, is an Italian master ‘cello, but for these live Retirement Show appearances ‘Kylie’, his racy, electric cello will be at his side. Not only a ‘cellist, but a self-made entrepreneur too, Dave hails from a colourful and eccentric show business family that spans the last century back to Victorian Musical Theatre.
His distinct music brand SAFARI IN CLASSICS is now enjoying its 10th year with the latest release (album 4) "Dave Loew At The Movies" released last December. Enjoy Dave’s passionate music and unique interpretations of great classic melodies from film and theatre epics such as Gladiator, Dances With Wolves and Cats, to classical favourites such as Pachelbel`s Canon.
19/04/2010
SAVVY Woman
Sarah Pennells is the founder and editor of SavvyWoman.co.uk, a money website for women. Sarah is often used as a personal finance expert by BBC Breakfast, Working Lunch and the BBC News Channel. Before launching SavvyWoman, Sarah worked as a freelance personal finance reporter for newspapers and magazines and covered consumer and personal finance stories for BBC1’s Saturday Breakfast programme. She has also written three books on money and relationships, green and ethical money and divorce and finance
SavvyWoman is a finance website aimed at women who want more from their money. The site is packed with information and tips on how to make your money go further, with over 150 articles, budgeting tools and calculators, best buys and a panel of experts to answer your questions on a range of money subjects including pensions, savings, divorce and debt.
30/03/2010
PAINT A PICTURE
After successful shows in London and Glasgow 2009 and most recently in Manchester 2010 we are delighted SAA - the society for all artists will be running watercolour masterclasses with around 15 people each hour creating an original piece which will be mounted for them to take home. The SAA will be offering a special deal at The Retirement Show including membership at a reduced price. If you are already an experienced artist and would like to buy quality art materials online, take a look at their website which is www.saa.co.uk.
23/03/2010
CLIMB THE LATERLIFE.com.Climbing WALL
For the more adventurous visitor we are delighted to be adding a new attraction to this years show. Please come dressed in the appropriate attire, trousers and comfortable footwear and try your hand at climbing this exciting feature.
11/09/09
Dates confirmed for 2010
The dates for The Retirement Show at London Olympia 2010 have been confirmed. The show will be taking place on Friday 16 - Saturday 17th July. The continuing success of the exhibition has ensured that it will be returning to this prestigious venue in London's Kensington area again for the 4th year running.
We look forward to seeing you there!
20/07/09
An Amazing show!
The Retirement Show at London’s Olympia on 17 and 18 July was a fantastic event, enjoyed by thousands of attendees from around the country. Exhibitors were kept extremely busy by a constant stream of interested visitors.
Visitors to the show (from as far as Truro, Lincoln and North Wales) enjoyed the huge variety of features, including gardening, health tests, all-day dancing, T'ai chi, yoga, Pilates, cookery demonstrations, art and craft, fashion, choral singing, seminars and much, much more.
You can see photos from the show here and you can see an amazing video of the construction and take-down of the show here. The full show video (High resolution (60Mb) or medium resolution (20Mb)) is now available - can you spot yourself?
The next Retirement Show in London will take place at Olympia on 16-17 July 2010 - see you there!
09/07/09
Accessibility for deaf visitors
The sign language interpretation information for deaf visitors to The Retirement Show has been finalised and four sessions each day will have a dedicated sign language interpreter to allow deaf visitors to the show to fully take part.
The interpreter will also be available between these sessions to assist visitors in any way they may need. Please come to The Retirement Show stand - B38 - for futher information.
Full details of the interpreted programme are available on the Venue Information page.
05/07/09
The retirement show features on goodbye 9 to 5! television show
Television show Goodbye 9 to 5 is featuring The Retirement Show on it's latest series of programmes. The programme which is shown three times a week on Freesat (402) and Sky channels (166) is a magazine style programme where viewers can have their own say.
This fortnight's episode features a preview of The Retirement Show, where you can find out about some of the events and features that will be taking place at the show. You can also see what is happening by looking at the Programme page of The Retirement Show website.
Have a look at the Goodbye 9 to 5 website and see a clips of the episode which first airs tonight.
Each episode is show three times a week on Mondays., Wednesdays and Fridays at 6pm for two weeks. The 4th edition of the show, which will feature excerpts from the actual show, will first be aired on Monday 22nd July.
27/06/09
Valerie Singleton, Blue Peter Legend, promotes life-long learning
Valerie Singleton OBE legendary BBC presenter of Blue Peter, Nationwide (where she was the first presenter of their consumer programming) The Money Programme and Radio 4's PM. In recent years, she has devoted much of her working time to newspaper journalism and her leisure to learning - she loves nothing better than taking a course and is enthusiastic about the benefits of life long learning. Now 70 she enjoys her free time but sees no reason to stop working and has even set up a new online company, with others, to find practical ways to help retirees. Her attitude to computers is simple. 'If it does something to improve my life then I want it, but I am not interested in toys for boys'.
Valerie can be seen talking about The Retirement Show on the Discount Age website.
11/06/09
Just a Little Run Around the World - How about 20,000 miles?
On Saturday 18th July at 14.10, Rosie Swale Pope will be setting up her tent in the Prudential Seminar Theatre and giving the audience a taste of what life was like for her on her epic run around the world.
Rosie started her five year journey to help with her grief following the death of her beloved husband and to raise money in memory of him. Along the way she encountered 3 packs of wolves, a naked man with a gun and temperatures of -62 degrees C as well as being knocked over by a bus in Siberia! Rosie has an incredible story to tell in the most inspiring way and will touch everyone's heart. She will speak of how her grief and loneliness turned into something positive and how ordinary life is even more special than running around the world. The most important message is that whereas ill health, poverty and obligations might pose limits, age is no barrier to achieving anything!
After her talk, Rosie will be signing copies of her book, and you will have a chance to meet and talk to this amazing woman.
01/06/09
A Holiday for both carers and dependants needing assistance
People in later life often need assistance with day to day living and feel getting away for a break is just far to complicated for them. MHA is a charity providing care homes, housing and support services for older people throughout Britain and they are offering the chance for people of all abilities to win a weekend break at Auchlochan retirement village set in spectacular surroundings in Lanarkshire.
Whatever your care needs, nursing or personal care, experienced and friendly staff will be on hand to assist and ensure you have a delightful weekend. If you are more independent that is equally fine, there is plenty of activities to help you enjoy the wonderful surroundings.
All visitors to the Olympia Retirement Show are welcome to enter the unique MHA competition (on stand A25) which will allow both carers and the individuals they look after to make the most of the services provided by MHA at Auchlochan. The winning entry will choose the timing for their weekend at the discretion of the management.
21/05/09
Ladies in Harmony
We are delighted to announced the appearance of the Thameside Harmony Chorus - a ladies' chorus of close harmony singing in 'barbershop' style, a capella. The chorus numbers approximately 40 voices, with ages ranging from 22 to 80+. The chorus rehearses weekly in Hampton, Middlesex, and performs at many locations to the west of London, including fundraisers for charities such as the Shooting Star Hospice.
Their repertoire includes songs by the Beatles, ballads and barbershop favourites such as Under the Boardwalk, Java Jive and Alexander's Ragtime Band. Come along, relax and enjoy - just on the Saturday afternoon though.
09/05/09
Free cloakroom at the retirement show
Visitors to this years Retirement Show will be able to leave any purchases in the cloakroom for free and carry on enjoying the show. This service is courtesy of the show sponsor Prudential and let's hope that there is no need to use it for umbrellas and raincoats!!
The cloakroom is located on the lower level on the right after you enter the Grand Hall at Olympia. Please call if assistance is required for the stairs.
25/04/09
New park home zone launched at the retirement show in london olympia 2009
The Retirement Show at London Olympia 2009 sees the launch of the Park and Holiday Home Zone. Most people dream of owning a holiday home and here you will be able to get information from holiday lodge manufacturers and view a range of UK holiday parks.
Increasingly people are choosing to swap their traditional bricks and mortar homes for residential park home living. This can release substantial amounts of equity to help financially in later life. In the Park and Holiday Home Zone you can visit residential park home manufacturers and find out about a range of parks througout the country.
If you are unsure about what park home living is all about our seminar sessions will help to explain this and answer any legal or financial questions you may have about buying, owning and living in a park or holiday home. These will be taking place in the Prudential seminar theatre.
10/04/09
The world’s oldest and most famous stamp dealers are coming to the Retirement Show
Stanley Gibbons is the name in stamp collecting and they have been in business for over 150 years and their experience and expertise is unrivalled.
They will be offering a free valuation service exclusively for The Retirement Show and their appraisers will be at the show on both days to value your collection. If you have something that you would like valued, the experts will be happy to look at Stamps, Collections, Postal History items and Stamp Reference Books. Maybe you have a fortune sitting in your collection!
However, if your collection is too large or bulky to bring to the show, Stanley Gibbons can arrange for it to be collected by Parcel Force from your home or you are welcome to pop into their world famous shop on the Strand. Our appraisers are available between 9am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday and there is no need to make an appointment.
For further information please contact visit the Stanley Gibbons stand at The Retirement Show - D40.
29/03/09
New Leisure Lodge Launched at The Retirement Show
Tingdene Homes will be launching a new Leisure Lodge at the Retirement Show 09, The Woodland Lodge.
Leisure Lodge homes are becoming increasingly popular for those that want to own a bolt hole in the country or by the coast to go to with friends and family and relax and enjoy a new lifestyle. Lodges are also popular with investors where good yields are available in the holiday buy to let market. Either way Tingdene offer a range of lodges to suit the lifestyle and pocket. Further details can be found at www.tingdene.co.uk or phone Tingdene on 0845 6836597 for a full colour brochure.
The leisure lodge has 3 bedrooms with sleeping for 6 adults and features include an open plan living area/ kitchen, wall mounted LCD TV in the lounge, fully furnished using the latest trends in furniture design, bathroom with shower, separate en-suite and also an optional decking area.
You can view the leisure lodge on the Camping and Caravanning Club stand.
15/03/09
New Flavours of the Eastern World with Angela Malik in The Rangemaster Cookery Theatre
Angela has a passion for food, and for the past three years has been running Asian cookery classes at Gaynes Hall in Cambridgeshire. So popular are these classes that she is about to open her second school in Acton, West London, within the next few months. Those of you who have experienced one of her cookery classes will know that she inspires and motivates. By demystifying flavours she shares her ideas for everyday suppers or special meals in every demonstration. Angela creates delicious meals that encompass all five senses: touch, taste, smell, sight and hearing and she will expand your cooking confidence with easy, healthy recipes and tips and demonstrate good technique.
We are delighted to feature Angela on the first day of our show, Friday 17th July, where she will be appearing in The Rangemaster Cookery Theatre in the two early slots: 11.00 to 11.45 and 12.30-13.15. One demonstration will feature Thai food and the other, Indian. Make sure you arrive early to reserve your place.
To find out more about Angela Malik about the show, and for further details of her exciting cookery courses, visit her website at www.angelamalik.co.uk or email angela@angelamalik.co.uk.
4/03/09
Craniosacral therapy
Craniosacral therapists will be answering questions and giving free sample sessions in the Health Zone at this year’s Retirement Show.
We all know someone with a health problem where no treatment seems to help. Some conditions can ruin people’s quality of life and are often difficult to treat or even diagnose. Craniosacral Therapy (CST) is effective for many of these ailments. Craniosacral Therapy owes its popularity to the effectiveness of its gentle approach. CST has been developed from discoveries about the body’s physiology which show that all cells in the body express rhythmic movements which are fundamental to life.
Craniosacral therapists are trained to feel this subtle motion in the body. Using their hands to follow these movements the therapist provides an opportunity for the client’s body to let go of restrictions. The resulting changes can help both physically and psychologically – in managing and reducing symptoms as well as reducing stress and increasing wellbeing. Development of these discoveries over the years has evolved and refined the therapy into the unique style of deep listening which it is today.
Craniosacral Therapy is particularly useful as a preventive healthcare approach. CST is often beneficial for conditions that don’t respond well to conventional medicine as well as for fragile or acutely painful states, after an operation or accident, during pregnancy, and for young babies and the elderly. By supporting the body’s own self-healing processes Craniosacral Therapy may aid people with any condition as well as coping generally with life’s ups and downs.
If you are interested in finding out more please visit the therapists in the Health Zone at The Retirement Soow or you can contact them at The Craniosacral Therapy Association, Monomark House, 27 Old Gloucester St, London WC1N 3XX, 07000 784735, info@craniosacral.co.uk, www.craniosacral.co.uk.
23/02/09
Holiday and dance take to the floor
Specially for The Retirement Show, Philip Wylie of Holiday & Dance will be presenting 'Dancing For All'. During the morning and afternoon dance sessions there will be opportunities to join in the dancing, take part in special Learn To sessions - maybe Tango or Cha Cha - and enjoy watching Young Dance Stars in Demonstration Cabaret. Friendly and fun involvement for all.
Holiday and Dance arrange a wide range of dance holidays including short social dancing holidays and breaks, festivals and dance holidays overseas. Join Improvers and Learn to Dance sessions or more intensive workshops. Choose a special Learn to Dance Holiday if you've never danced before, or take in a week long Festival with social dancing, competitions, master classes and gala night demonstrations by world class dance champions. Have a look at the Holiday and Dance website to see what they have to interest you.
11/02/09
new craft zone
The organisers of The Retirement Show have responded to feedback from visitors to previous shows and are proud to introduce the Craft Zone for the 2009 London show. Visitors looking for new hobbies and interests will be able to join in taster sessions (for a small fee), to talk to the experts, discuss ideas and pick up new items for crafts and hobbies that they already enjoy.
Come along and see if you can find something that you would like to take up, or join in a session and give it a try!
29/01/09
Leiths to Appear in the rangemaster cookery theatre
Leith's, the celebrated London cookery school for both professional and amateur cooks, will be demonstrating a two to three course seasonal summer menu from one of their best-selling cookery books, either Leith's Simple Cookery (the latest book) or the famous Leith's Cookery Bible. Come and enjoy the show and pick up some fresh ideas in their two shows, on Friday 17th July from 14.00 to 14.45 and 15.30 to 16.15.
For further inspiration, maybe as a gift for a friend or loved one, why not check out their list of courses. Information can be found at www.leiths.com and a whole host of courses is available over the summer, from champagne tasting, to confident cooking classes. There are also one day workshops to brush up and improve technique as well as try out some exotic new cuisines. Their new book Leith's Simple Cookey Bible is out now, with a 40% saving on the cover price at Amazon.co.uk.
17/01/09
Prudential Seminar Theatre Programme Announced
The programme of talks and presentations that will be taking place in the Prudential Seminar Theatre for The Retirement Show 2009 has been announced. Take a look at the Programme page for more details.
9/01/09
London show announces new activity zone
The organisers of The Retirement Show are pleased to announce a new Activity Zone at the show. Featuring gentle movement and exercise sessions visitors are invited to join in and try a new activity. Pilates is a low impact exercise which focuses on building the body's core strength and improves flexibility, stamina and alignment and is great exercise for anyone, including those over 50. Yoga can be used to help with fitness, toning, health issues and simply relaxing. Whether you have back pain, headaches, arthritis, stiff joints, or just want to get fit, there is something for everyone, regardless of age or fitness. The soft flowing movements, controlled breathing and visualisation will work on both body and mind and rejuvenate the soul. Tai Chi uses slow, flowing movements to help bring about a state of mental calm and clarity whilst helping to increase fitness and improve mental and physical health.
Sessions of each activity will be held throughout the day, whilst the instructors will be available in-between their sessions to talk to visitors and give advice.
21/11/08
London Retirement Show features in specialist Caravan and park home Magazine
The Retirement Show in London has featured in the November 2008 issue of Caravan Industry and Park Operator Magazine. Download a pdf of the article (by industry freelancer Liz King) here.
10/09/08
Dates Confirmed for 2009
The dates for The Retirement Show 2009 at London Olympia have been confirmed. The show will be taking place on 17-18th July 2009 in the Grand Hall. The show organisers are already looking at increasing the size of the show to accommodate the number of visitors and exhibitors who want to attend. Keep looking at The Retirement Show website for details of which companies will be exhibiting and the planned programme for the two days. You can be sure that each day with be packed with plenty for everyone to do.
25/07/08
Blood Pressure Association tests record numbers
The Blood Pressure Association tested nearly 1000 visitors to The Retirement Show last weekend. Mark Hooley, the Marketing and Projects Manager for the Blood Pressure Association said "We managed to test the blood pressure of a huge 939 people over the two days. I'm sure a lot of people will be visiting their GPs in the next few weeks and making important lifestyle changes. All our volunteer nurses worked extremely hard and enjoyed testing so many people." He continued "We were so busy I didn't get a chance to look round, but everyone I spoke to really enjoyed the show!".
Blood Pressure testing was just one of the free health checks available at the show, as well as eyesight and hearing testing, provided by several of the exhibitors.
19/07/08
London Retirement show 'a huge success'
The second Retirement Show in London took place on Friday 18 and Saturday 19 July at London Olympia's Grand Hall. Around 8000 visitors came to the show, making it the world's largest event for those who are retired, semi-retired or who aspire to retire.
The show - sponsored by Prudential - included around 150 exhibitors, as well as a performance stage with belly-dancing and excerpts from the West End stage, all day have-a-go dancing and tai chi, live cookery demonstations with Alex Mackay from Ready Steady Cook!, gardening with famous horticulturalist Roddy Llewellyn, and a live catwalk fashion show featuring mature models and clothes from sponsor Kaleidoscope. Two seminar theatres covered health matters, finance and property, as well as hobbies, making the most of your retirement and even how to organise your own funeral. The show also included indoor bowls, painting classes and free blood pressure and hearing checks.
Colin Roy nearly stole the show with his Nat King Cole performances on the Presentation Stage. The Nettlebed Volunteers got into the spirit of the show and donned stunning outfits - all of which came from Sue Ryder Cancer charity shops. The 'real-life' models who took part in the Kaleidoscope Fashion Show presented the latest designs from this years collection, and celebrated 25 years of Kaleidoscope.
The seminars and presentation rooms were full to overflowing with visitors interested in the topics being discussed - gardening was as popular as ever, despite having two sessions each day.
Ladies lined up to be given make-up advice by the experts from Peter Jones' beauty department, while many others took to the dancefloor to join in the sessions which took place all day.
It was such a great day and there was so much
to do that some people even came back again on
the second day - what better reccommendation than
that?!
The show web site is at www.the-Retirement-Show.com.
Show director Dr Robert McCaffrey commented “Visitors and exhibitors had a fantastic couple of days, and many people have told us that they are looking forward to next year's show already.”
Download post-show press release
Download Show video (High Resolution - 29Mb) (Low Resolution - 13Mb) (Quicktime Movies)
16/7/07
The Retirement Show in 2008
Following the success of the UK’s first-ever Retirement Show, in July 2007 at London Olympia, the organisers have announced that the show will be repeated in London in 2008, but will also take place in Manchester and Glasgow as well. "Our research shows that visitors generally travelled for up to two hours to get to the show (although some did come from as far as Truro, Harrogate and North Wales). The audience for the show is therefore regionally-based, and we are very confident indeed that the show can be repeated in Manchester, London and Glasgow in 2008, with each show attracting a different cohort of visitors," commented show director Dr Robert McCaffrey. "We have received a lot of interest in all three shows, and we expect to take our first bookings for the shows in the near future."
THE WOMAN'S WEEKLY LOUNGE - COME AND MEET THE TEAM
Do you have a knitting or stitching question? Would you like to join a craft make and take session, or watch a demonstration?
LET'S GET DANCING - ALL DAY!
After a great show last year, we are delighted that Philip Wylie of Holiday and Dance will be returning to run sessions and lead teach-ins on the dance floor.
GET ACTIVE-STAY ACTIVE-and a special appearance by THE GREEN GODDESS, DIANA MORAN
The Activity Zone will be offering a rolling programme of Pilates, Tai Chi and other types of exercise at the show.
