Radio Solent will be hosting a special live broadcast of a community event, inspired by a lonely pensioner, Bill Palmer. The local radio station will be getting together with the local charities to host the free community event for this Christmas, on 9th December, as “The Big Christmas Cuppa”, to be hosted at the Southampton Guildhall (O2 Guildhall). The free event is open to all and guests will get to enjoy mince pie and a cuppa with Alex Dyke and Katie Martin, the presentators. Activities at the event include a physical M.O.T. for above 60s, an afternoon tea dance and also meeting of many local charities and services. They include The Silver Line, Hampshire Fire Services and Age UK.
The inspiration for the event came when a 95 year old pensioner, Bill Palmer, a listener to BBC studios, participated in ‘Love later in life’, a phone-in show, where he chatted to other listeners. He told of his loneliness and his loved one in a care home. Bill’s story made the national headlines. The radio station hopes to attract older people, in an effort to fight loneliness and isolation of people in the area. Free tickets are available for the programme by calling on 023-80631311 to the BBC Radio Solent. Or call on 023-80632601 for the box-office at O2 Guildhall.
