HUNDREDS flocked to the Farnham Maltings’ second festival of retirement - just days after the venue received a £60,000-plus funding boost for its next arts and health project.

The Maltings’ second ‘refreshers’ fair looked to build on the breakaway success of last year’s inaugural event, and again featured a range of clubs, societies and organisations for those who are retired or approaching retirement, all within the Farnham area.

According to the Maltings, its own Sound Vault community radio project “received a lot of interest”, while other exhibitors ranged from the Farnham Geological Society to the Farnham and District Ramblers, as well as charities such as the Farnham Lions and Age UK.

The Maltings’ new resident dance company, Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures & Re:Bourne, also ran two short introduction dance workshops in the cellar bar.

And another new initiative, the Farnham Area Timebank, introduced a nationwide scheme where members can earn ‘time credits’ by doing small jobs for others, which they can then ‘bank’ and look for something they would like someone to do for them.

The refreshers’ fair is part of the Maltings’ Arts & Health project, launched last year to build on the success of its ‘Arts & Elders’ programme, established in 2013 to ensure older people have the opportunity to engage with the arts.

From Chaos Choir for new parents to Take Care for dementia carers, Meet Me at the Maltings social crafting and Making Keepsake Boxes preserving memories, the Arts & Health programme is continually evolving.

And with the support of a £62,338 grant from the Arts Council, the Maltings’ next project aims to put older people in the creative driving seat.

‘My Shout’ will bring older people together with professional artists – including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures - to develop four new art works across theatre, dance, film and sculpture that celebrate long lives.

This has the ambition to challenge ageism, overcome assumptions around growing old and encourage greater inclusivity.

Gavin Stride, Maltings director, said: “We are delighted to be granted this support from Arts Council England. It enables us to push on with our commitment to provide a full programme of regular cultural events and workshops for the older members of our community.

“We look forward to working with our many resident arts and crafts specialists including Matthew Bourne’s New Adventures and Re:Bourne Dance Company to expand the inclusivity of the Arts & Health programme.”

Hedley Swain, area director, South East, Arts Council England, added: “Arts and culture are there for everyone, whether you are young, old or anything in between. Creativity can have such an important influence on many aspects of our lives, including our wellbeing.

“We’re delighted to be able to support Farnham Malting’s ‘My Shout’, not just for the opportunities to engage with the arts, but also for the fact that it will be another voice that supports greater inclusivity for older people – particularly those at risk of isolation.”