80s pop legend steps in to help village pensioners

The former 1980s singing legend has backed a campaign to reopen a pub in the village of Haddenham near Thame.

He is supporting villagers in their bid to raise £750,000 to reopen the Rose & Thistle.

READ MORE: 80s singing legend backs village pub bid

In June last year, Tony Hadley’s former bandmate Martin Kemp also showed his willingness to help a community cause when he visited Chawley Grove Care Home in Cumnor, near Oxford, with miniature pony Poppy from Dinky Ponies in tow.

Mr Kemp was the bassist in new romantic band Spandau Ballet and is also well known for his role as Steve Owen in EastEnders.

He was also a contestant in the jungle in the 25th series of ITV’s I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! last year and was the sixth celebrity to be ‘eliminated’.

Martin Kemp visits Chawley Grove care home (Image: Contributed)

According to the Cumnor care home, the former Spandau star ‘couldn’t resist the chance to swing by’ to meet residents after ‘becoming a fan’ of Poppy via Instagram.

In 2023, owner Sarah Woodland’s Instagram video of Poppy meeting resident Connie went viral worldwide and resulted in her being interviewed on American television. 

Residents and staff were amazed when Mr Kemp and his wife Shirlie, who found fame with partner Pepsi as Wham’s backing singers, turned up to say hello.

Martin and Shirlie Kemp visiting Chawley Grove care home (Image: Contributed)

But Mr Kemp said he was the one who was ‘wowed’ after meeting Poppy and starstruck residents, as well as getting a tour of the care home. 

According to the care home, Mr Kemp said: “The home is lovely and has a great vibe.

“I love the fact you have a bar and a cinema, it’s amazing.”

Having followed Poppy’s adventures via Dinky Ponies’ social media accounts, Mr and Mrs Kemp spoke of how “amazed” they were that residents get to enjoy such experiences in the comfort of their care home.

Mrs Kemp added: “I have really enjoyed spending time with your residents, and having a pony in the home for everyone to meet is incredible.”

According to Chawley Grove’s wellbeing coach, Danni Hudson, the fantastic visit left everyone on a high.

Martin Kemp visits Chawley Grove care home (Image: Contributed)

Ms Hudson said at the time: “We were absolutely thrilled to welcome Martin and Shirlie to Chawley Grove.

“It was incredibly special to have them here whilst Poppy was spending time with residents so they could see just how much everyone benefits when Sarah brings her in.

“We were very proud to show off our lovely care home – and it was fantastic that Martin and Shirlie were so impressed by everything we have to offer.

“It meant the world for our residents to chat with them and for them to see that to us, our residents are VIPs too.”

Martin and Shirlie Kemp have been married for 38 years. They wed in St Lucia in 1988.