Older Bournemouth residents recreate classic album covers

It's to help BCP Council mark International Day of Older People

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 4th Oct 2024

Five of Bournemouth's older residents have been recreating iconic album covers as part of a campaign to challenge stereotypes of aging.

BCP Council and the local Age Friendly Communities Network are marking the United Nations International Day of Older People - with new takes on records by David Bowie, Adele, Taylor Swift and Madonna.

8\2 year old retired nurse Anne Blendell features - wearing blue latex gloves and a nurse’s hat to recreate a Blink-182 cover.

Anne Blendell became a model for the campaign, raising awareness of older people's issues

Keith Martin, aged 83; 76 year old Teresa Clarke; Maureen Capper, aged 80; and 85 year old Pat Shepherd also took part.

Cllr Sandra Moore, Portfolio Holder for Communities and Partnerships at BCP Council said:

“It is so important we celebrate the integral role older people play in our communities and neighbourhoods; as workers, carers, volunteers, activists and community connectors. Often, these vital contributions are overlooked or limited by ageism and other societal and physical barriers.

“The vintage idols display not only challenges some of the stereotypes of older people, but propels our senior population into the spotlight. My thanks go to our vintage idols for their support, Louise Ahren for her stunning photography, and to the Christchurch Community Partnership who helped find willing volunteers to have their photos taken for this project.”

Photographer Louise Ahren got her own Dad involved, to take on David Bowie

The public will be able to view the photos in venues across the BCP area this October, including various libraries, Hengistbury Head Visitors Centre, Kinson Community Centre and Access Wellbeing Hub in The Dolphin Centre, Poole.

The campaign comes as the Council celebrates 25 Age Friendly Ambassadors starting their roles this year - they aim to provide age friendly training and communications, while raising awareness of issues affecting our older population.

Adele's famous photo is recreated by 76 year old Teresa Clarke

Kelly Deane, Director of Housing and Communities at BCP Council, said:

“There is a lot of great work happening across the BCP area to improve the lives of older residents, and the council is committed to making our community a better place to live in.

“This year the World Health Organisation accepted Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole into their Global Network of Age Friendly Cities and Communities. This means that alongside gaining and sharing best practice locally and nationally, we can now be part of the international network.”

Pat Shepherd becomes Taylor Swift for the campaign

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