Fun Packed Event Celebrates Older People's Day 2018
Older Peoples Day
READING will be celebrating National Older People's Day this October with a free fun packed event on Monday 1st October, highlighting the contribution older people make to the Reading community.
The free event at the Broad Street Mall runs from 10 am to 3 pm on Monday 1st October. The focus of this year’s day is ‘bringing people together’ - connecting people from diverse cultures and background to other communities and to local services. The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Debs Edwards, will welcome everyone at 10 am. This will be followed by a host of free entertainment including; choir and dance performances, art and crafts, creative writing workshops and Tai Chi taster sessions. There will be stalls offering information and advice on a wide variety of services from over 40 local organisations. People can take part in a raffle on the day, with a chance to win one of four free massage/posture assessment appointments as a prize. Weather permitting, people can join a relaxed hour-long guided history walk around Reading Abbey Ruins, starting at 12pm. Places can be booked via Reading Museum’s stall on the day of the event.Lead Councillor for Adult Social Care, Cllr Tony Jones, said:
“Older People's Day is a lovely chance to celebrate later life and the huge contribution older people make to our communities. This wonderful free event aims to celebrate these achievements and I’d encourage people to come along and join us on 1st October. “There will be an opportunity to try a variety of interesting taster sessions – ranging from creative writing to Tai Chi, promoting continued activity and fitness in later life. For those with an interest in history, there is a guided walk of the Abbey Ruins on offer. Please spread the word, invite your friends and anyone you know who might benefit.” The event is organised by local organisations in partnership with Reading Council and members of the Older People's Working Group, with support from Age UK Berkshire, Age UK Reading and the Broad Street Mall (as venue hosts). For more information call 0118 937 2383 or email opwg@reading.gov.uk Organisations supporting the event with information stalls include: Age UK Berkshire and Age UK Reading, Reading Museum, Healthwatch Reading, Oddfellows, Reading Job Centre, British Red Cross, REMAP Berkshire, Carers Hub and My Care, My Home. Other activities and events for older people taking place later in the month include introductory choir sessions with the Moving on Choir on 29th October and with the Tea & Jam Ukulele Club on 1st November. Contact Readipop for more information: 0118 938 7156 or email office@readipop.co.ukENDS
Notes for Editors:
Photo opportunity
with The Mayor of Reading, Cllr Tony Jones, Reading’s Lead Member for Adult Social Care and event organisers at 10am in the Broad Street Mall. UK Older People’s Day is on 1st October every year to coincide with the UN International Day of Older Persons. The main aim for the day is to be a celebration of the achievements and contributions that older people make to our society and the economy. Older People’s Day supports the campaign to challenge negative attitudes and outdated stereotypes.