The UBU Volunteering Executive Committee ran the event this year with over 30 student volunteers who prepared a three-course dinner for the guests and provided entertainment in the form of a brass quintet, Zero East Ceilidh band, Le Roc dance society and volunteers from Jazzhands – a student group who visit older peoples’ homes to sing.
Guests were from local residential homes and community groups, including Carlton Mansions in Clifton and Trinity Day Care in Hotwells.
Marilyn Mockridge, the Activities Manager for Carlton Mansions, said: “Our residents had a fantastic time at the dinner dance, they really enjoyed talking to the students and hearing all about their studies. In particular our residents loved the Ceilidh band and have been asking for them to come and perform at the home soon.”
The dinner dance is an annual event which provides a good opportunity for students to share the company of older people from across Bristol.
Alice Peck, Elected Officer for Community said: "The dinner dance was organised by students in the Volunteering exec and once again demonstrates their hard work, enthusiasm and altruism in reaching out to senior residents of the Bristol community. Their careful planning meant a really successful evening with delicious home-made food with live music and many a chance to chat and dance. It was a very fitting final event for this year's Volunteering exec to round off a brilliant year."
UBU Volunteering gets students involved with the wider Bristol community, building positive relationships and meeting local volunteering requirements in a variety of areas, through both long-term projects and one-off events.
For more information about UBU Volunteering, contact Jemma Harford on jemma.harford@bristol.ac.uk or (0117) 954 5768.