In September, Sir Michael Palin presented a stimulating and insightful evening’s entertainment, mixing anecdotes from his celebrated comedy career and world travels. Back at Cecil Sharp House for the first time since rehearsing for the Monty Python shows at the O2 in 2014, Sir Michael is a proud supporter of Age UK Camden, and this exclusive sell-out event helped to raise funds for its continuing work.
Sir Michael Palin said: “Being an elderly resident of Camden myself, I know how difficult and disorienting life can be as you get older. The modern world is changing so fast, it’s sometimes difficult to keep up. Age UK Camden is there to help all of us who want to make sense of things, sort out problems and make sure that life can get better as you get older… I’ll be looking back on my life with affection and disbelief. Did I really do all these things, see all these places?”
To coincide with the talk at Cecil Sharp House and to support Age UK Camden, Sir Michael gave an exclusive interview to his TV producer daughter, Rachel Palin, about the joys and challenges of getting older.
In it, he talks about how he relies on his children to help him navigate and keep up with modern technology, why he feels Google doesn’t have all the answers and that there is much to learn from older generations, and how being curious and embracing humour are key to keeping energetic and engaged with the world as one ages. He also shares anecdotes from meeting older communities and wise characters, such as the Dalai Lama, on his travels to 98 countries, and offers insights into the 1971 Monty Python ‘Hell’s Grannies’ sketch.
The full interview can viewed at www.ageukcamden.org.uk.
All monies raised from the evening at Cecil Sharp House went to Age UK Camden, which this year has already supported more than 4,000 older people ‒ 14% of Camden’s over-65s. Among its services, it provides include information and advice, counselling and care navigation, befriending (including a specialist dementia befriending service) and digital inclusion, as well as running positive living centres in Hampstead and Kings Cross.
Mary Burd, Chair of Age UK Camden, said “We want to continue providing support to those who are already using our services, but also reach out and help even more people.”
There are two easy ways to donate to Age UK Camden:
- online at www.ageukcamden.org.uk
- texting AUCP10 (to donate £10) or AUCP20 (to donate £20) to 70460 ‒ texts will cost the donation amount plus one standard network rate message.
Image by Lulu Kyriacou.
