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On 1st May 2025, Age Alive proudly hosted a momentous celebration to honour the outstanding legacy of Roy Grant BEM, our former Chair, as he stepped down from his leadership role. This special occasion also marked Roy’s 83rd birthday—an additional reason to celebrate a truly remarkable individual.
Held at the Riverfront in Newport, the event brought together community members, family members, supporters, and friends of the charity to pay tribute to Roy’s unwavering dedication and the transformative impact he has had on Age Alive and the wider community. Under his guidance, the charity has grown in reach, purpose, and spirit, making a real difference in the lives of older people across the region.
The evening was filled with vibrant entertainment, featuring the Age Alive choir, dance performances, poetry readings, live music, and DJ sets from an array of talented local artists. Guests enjoyed delicious cultural cuisine and a beautiful birthday cake to mark the double celebration.
Roy was presented with heartfelt gifts and keepsakes to commemorate both his retirement and birthday. Several distinguished guest speakers delivered moving tributes, highlighting Roy’s many achievements and his tireless commitment to community wellbeing.
This unforgettable celebration marked the end of a joyful era with Roy at the helm. His leadership, compassion, and vision will continue to inspire us as we move forward. We thank Roy for everything he has done—and we will cherish the memories of this special day for years to come.
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund
“It Will Never Work” was Age Alive’s ambitious heritage project, echoing the early doubts faced by Black and Ethnic Minority communities. With generous funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the project powerfully documented the 10-year journey of Age Alive and celebrated the lives and contributions of its Asian and BEM members in South East Wales.
“It Will Never Work” Documentary & Book
A full-colour, 212-page bilingual (English/Welsh) publication chronicling the founding, impact, and legacy of Age Alive, available in print and digitally on People’s Collection Wales.
Silent Voices Booklet
Featuring the personal stories of 33 Asian Age Alive members, this A4 booklet was published in English, Welsh, and Urdu—giving voice to those rarely heard and now preserved for future generations.
Public Exhibition
Both books were featured in a major exhibition at The Riverfront Theatre, with professionally printed display boards, visuals, and member portraits. The exhibition remains available for public viewing and educational use.
Book Cover Competition
Local school students designed the cover for Silent Voices, with winners recognised at a celebration event—encouraging youth participation in heritage work.
Translation & Legacy
All major outputs were translated into Welsh and Urdu, ensuring wider community engagement. Digital versions are freely accessible online.
The project has created a lasting archive of BEM voices in Wales, preserved online and in community spaces, with plans to distribute materials to schools across Newport.
10-Year Celebration Event
Held on 10 July 2024 at The Riverfront Theatre, with over 300 attendees, the event featured cultural food, DJ entertainment, various performances, an awards ceremony, and media coverage in the South Wales Argus.
As part of the awards ceremony, special recognition
was also given to community legends such as Vernesta Cyril OBE and Rev. Lester Freckleton. The group members in attendance who volunteered to support the smooth running of the event, were on hand to assist and make the event remarkably memorable. Guest Presenters & Speakers including The Mayor of Newport, High Sheriff of Gwent, The Elected Leader of Newport Council, PCC Commissioner and more.
This project has proven that “it will never work” was never true—community, culture, and commitment made it a powerful reality.
For more details or to access the digital archive, visit People’s Collection Wales.
We received a Magic Little Grant through the partnership between Local giving and Postcode Community Trust. Postcode Community Trust is a grant-giving charity funded by players of People’s Postcode Lottery. Local giving is the UK’s leading membership and support network for local charities and community groups. Our project received £500 for our Leave It at The Door project due to start in June 2022. This project will provide informative, fun and interactive sessions aimed at reducing isolation and loneliness, bringing people together and building confidence.
If you would like to apply for your own grant, or if you would like to know more about Magic Little Grants, Local Giving or the Postcode Community Trust, please follow these links:
Magic Little Grants: www.localgiving.org/magic-little-grants/
Postcode Community Trust: www.postcodecommunitytrust.org.uk
Local Giving: www.localgiving.org
This project started in 2021 just as we were coming out of lockdown. Funded by ICF, it aims to encourage older people to get outside, enjoy the fresh air and meet new people. This helps to improve people’s physical and mental wellbeing as well as help reduce isolation and loneliness. For more information, please see the activities page.
Age Alive is a registered charity which aims to provide activities and opportunities in particular, but not exclusively for, BME 50+ people in Newport, Wales.
Age Alive is a charity
registered in England &
Wales (1172561)
Registered in 2017