This film is part of Free
Knees Up, Mother Brown
70 is definitely the new 20 in this heart-warming 1960s documentary portrait of the Darby and Joan Club for elderly Cockneys
Documentary 1964 12 mins
Overview
70 is definitely the new 20 in this heart-warming portrait of the Darby and Joan Club for elderly people in the Stepney Green area of east London. Sprightly septuagenarian Annie Wood heads to the club every Wednesday and Friday to meet her equally fun-loving friends, Lilly, Maud and Sarah - but not before downing a swift half in her local pub. All four women are surely worthy of 'national treasure' status.
The Darby and Joan Club was established to provide entertainment, social activities and support for Britain's elderly. The first club opened in Streatham, south London in 1942 and was staffed by the local Women's Voluntary Services (WVS). It was a successful and much-welcomed enterprise and many more clubs were opened across the UK.
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