Shropshire Day for Older People - 8 and 22 October

Shropshire County Council Community Services and a host of public and voluntary organisations are holding two events in celebration of UK Day for Older People.

The Shropshire Day for Older People events will be hosted at the Shrewsbury Sports Village on Wednesday 8 October and at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms on Wednesday 22 October. Both events will run from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

Following last year's successful day, this year's theme is 'Full of Life' and celebrates later life and the huge contribution older people make to their communities. Both venues will be packed with entertainment and activities.

The 'Full of Energy' event at Shrewsbury will host the 50+ Sports and Fitness club run by the Sports Village. Activities include bowling, badmington, table tennis, cycling, climbing and many more. There will also be an opportunity for people to try out belly dancing or extend classes if you fancy something less energetic.

The 'Full of Knowledge' event at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms with include local history lectures, reading group taster sessions, followed by an afternoon matinee of the documentary film 'Housewives' Choice'. This fascinating archive film explores the lives of British housewives from the 20s to the 50s through documentaries, cinemagazines, propaganda films and adverts of the time.

All activities are free of charge.

Councillor Barbara Craig, Cabinet member for community services said: “Everyone has a parent or grandparent, colleague or friend who they look to for advice and to learn from - this year’s older people’s events are about acknowledging and valuing the enormous contribution of older people within their families and their communities. We hope both days will provide a positive and stimulating experience for all who attend.”

Stalls from over 20 services and organsiations offering information, advice and a variety of other activities will be available on both days, including carer support services, benefits advice, safety in the home and library services for older people.

Councillor Stuart West, Older Person’s Champion for Shropshire said: “The Full of Life events will provide an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of older people living in Shropshire and give others the opportunity to try their hands at new activities. We offer a warm welcome and invite older people, their families, carers and friends to come along and join in the wide range of activities, to socialise, have fun and enjoy the day.”

Free tea, coffee and biscuits will be also be available and will be served by Councillors Barbara Craig and Stuart West.

A free bus service will run from the Shrewsbury bus station every half hour starting from 9.30am. The Mayfair Community Centre at Church Stretton will also be running bus services to the Ludlow Assembly Rooms.

For more information about these events contact Community Services on 01743 253881 or visit www.shropshire.gov.uk.

30 September 2008