Britain’s Oldest Cheerleading Group Dazzles in First Public Show

A group of women from the Mayfield Retirement Village in Watford has made history by completing their first public performance as what they believe to be Britain’s oldest cheerleading squad. Known as the Mayfield Bells, the group consists of women aged between 70 and 87 years old, who are breaking stereotypes with their enthusiasm and energy.

The inspiration for this unique venture came from Marilyn Sylvester, who is set to turn 82 in January 2024. After watching the film Poms featuring Diane Keaton, which highlights retired women forming a cheerleading team, Sylvester felt compelled to create a similar group. “When the film finished, I just thought, you know what? We could do this. And we’re doing it,” she said.

On Saturday, dressed in festive black Santa hats and armed with pom-poms, the Mayfield Bells performed at the Harlequin Shopping Centre. The event, made possible by BBC Three Counties Radio, showcased the squad’s hard work over the past eight weeks of rehearsals. Initially, the women expressed concerns about whether anyone would attend their performance. However, their fears were unfounded as many shoppers paused to watch and record their routine on their phones.

Following the performance, Sylvester shared her overwhelming joy. “I was elated and very emotional with how it went,” she remarked. “Who would’ve thought from a soppy idea like that it would get so well known and people would want to see us? It might make us famous being in here.”

In a lighthearted moment, when asked about auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent, Sylvester quipped, “They’ve got terrible acts there so we’d fit in really well – we could even win it! We could!”

The Mayfield Bells not only aim to entertain but also hope to inspire others, proving that it is never too late to explore new hobbies and make lasting memories. The joy of performing together has served as a reminder of the power of laughter and community, which Sylvester believes is essential for everyone.