LISTEN TO ME

MEMORIES ARE MADE OF THIS

There’s nothing that takes us back in time like an old song, sitcom or film. Now they’re all in one place as Life Rooms teams up with programme maker Made in Manchester (MIM) to bring you Distinct Nostalgia, an audio site dedicated to great memories.

You can log on to one dedicated website to hear free interviews with stars, history, quizzes, drama and comedy. In between there’ll be messages on how to look after yourself while in isolation. Former EastEnders star Rani Singh and June Brown who played Dot Cotton are reunited after 30 years.

Remember the little girl in the café in Brief Encounter? Margaret Barton, who played the part, is now 93 and being interviewed about her memories. June Brown who played Dot Cotton in EastEnders is interviewed by former fellow cast member Rani Singh. Former Carry On and Coronation Street star Amanda Barrie recalls her role as a children’s TV presenter in the 1970s alongside Alan Rothwell who played Ken Barlow’s brother David.

Other stars supporting Distinct Nostalgia include Juliet Bravo’s Stephanie Turner, former Blue Peter star Tim Vincent, Carry On and former Bond girl Valerie Leon and Christopher Strauli, famous for his role in the 80s sitcom Only When I Laugh.

Ashley Byrne, Creative Director at MIM said: “Everyone loves a bit of nostalgia but they get frustrated at having to search for podcasts and maybe never finding what they want. We’re bringing lovely memories together in one place. Click on: distinctnostalgia.com and they’ll all be there.

TIP: Use this website to stimulate discussion with older family members or friends. Both listen and share your memories of those times: distinctnostalgia.com

Former Carry On and Corrie star Amanda Barrie remembers her time as a children’s TV presenter in the 1970s.

What a terrific idea producing programmes to keep our spirits up with nostalgic memories and positive thoughts in these dark times.

TAKING LIFE ROOMS INTO LIVING ROOMS

Tricia Byrne Life Rooms physical health learning facilitator

Life Rooms wellbeing centres may have closed their doors for now, but you can now enjoy free courses and activities – in your living room.

The teams there have created a programme of activities for you to watch and take part in on Life Rooms YouTube channel. Life Rooms chef Anthony Muldowney demonstrates his favourite dishes while Tricia Byrne will be helping us all to get physical.

There’s also advice from course tutors on looking after your mental wellbeing while you stay at home.

“These are really honest sessions, delivered by tutors who have lived experience of mental health issues” said head of recovery and integration Gary Thorpe. “One session by our tutor Tom reveals his own anxiety. As you watch it you think this is really powerful”.

Michael Crilly, Mersey Care head of social inclusion and participation said: “Our Life Rooms are beautiful buildings, but it’s the people who use them that make them what they are. We’ve worked hard to keep our communities and relationships going until we can welcome people back through our doors.”

Go to YouTube and search: Life Rooms Good morning! You don’t need Lycra to join in this fun workout with Tricia Byrne, just a baggy T - shirt and joggers is fine! (Read Tricia’s real life story on page 14).

Get your pinny on! Tune in to watch Life Rooms chef Anthony Muldowney show you how to cook anything from spring rolls to a Bolognese sauce – Mamma Mia! The recipe is on page 43.