Celebrating older people in the community
Older people were given the opportunity to take up new community-based activities, including dancing, bowling and volunteering, at St Albans’ Older People’s Day event.
More than 370 people attended the event at the Alban Arena on Wednesday 11 October.
They decorated bags and mugs, played chess, had a go at knitting, and tried their hand at bowls with the Harperbury Bowls Club.
They were also treated to an exercise demonstration, music from the University of the Third Age Ukulele band and a photographic exhibition celebrating life in older age.
Students from the Art, Fashion and Design Department at Oaklands College were asked to create the exhibition for the event. They were inspired by this year’s theme: “Stepping into the Future: Tapping the Talents, Contributions and Participation of Older Persons in Society”.
Various organisations took stands at the event providing information on activities, local services and sources of support. These included Mind in Mid Herts, the Alzheimer’s Society, Citizen’s Advice, the Talking Newspaper for the Blind and St Albans and District Foodbank. Some, like Shopmobility and St Albans CVS, were hoping to recruit new volunteers, tapping into older people’s skills and knowledge.
Hertfordshire Constabulary and Hertfordshire Fire and Rescue Service also gave safety talks to the many visitors.
The Older People’s Day event was organised by St Albans City and District Council. Co-inciding with Local Democracy Week, District Councillors were on hand to discuss local issues. The Deputy Mayor of the City and District of St Albans, Cllr Jamie Day, also talked to guests about his ceremonial duties.
After touring the stands, guests were able to enjoy a break with free tea, coffee and cake provided by Herts Belles, St Albans Women’s Institute.
Cllr Brian Ellis, Housing and Inclusion Portfolio Holder for St Albans City and District Council, said: “This annual event is aimed at encouraging older people to embrace life by getting involved in community-based activities, hobbies and volunteering opportunities. I was glad to see so many people coming along to the event to try out new activities and to get advice and support, where needed. Older people have lots of skills and knowledge that can also be put to great use volunteering for local charities and support groups. They are valuable members of our community and need to be celebrated.”
Councillor contact:
Cllr Brian Ellis, Housing and Inclusion Portfolio Holder for St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01582 767621
Email: cllr.b.ellis@stalbans.gov.uk
Contact for the media:
Amanda Wilkinson, Senior Communications Officer
St Albans City and District Council
Tel: 01727 819317
Email: amanda.wilkinson@stalbans.gov.uk
www.stalbans.gov.uk
Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/StAlbansCouncil
Photos:
Credit - Stephanie Belton
