Melksham Seniors’ 55+ Forum update: Films, tea party, activities & more…

“We are hoping for a good turn out this Thursday Afternoon (30th June) for our Community Day event supported by 30 local organisations. It has been well publicised and there is more information in this edition of the Melksham News,” says chair of Melksham Seniors’ 55+ Forum. 

“The recent weeks have been a very busy period of activities for our Seniors Group as you will have read in back copies of this paper, and in spite of public sector cuts in noon rants and spiralling expenditure we have still been able to increase our range of activities and also help many of our own peer group suffering from loneliness.

“We are also looking for an enthusiastic administrator/organiser to support the work we do. Good IT skills would be a great asset plus a flair to persuade more older people to participate in the forum’s activities.

“Much of the gratitude for our success goes to the small groups of dedicated people who unselfishly give up their precious time to help enhance the quality of life of others, we are always looking for more volunteers.

“What a fantastic party Tea Party we had last week, to celebrate the Queen’s 90th birthday. Over 70 seniors plus volunteers enjoyed a wonderful afternoon of fun and merriment as well as a good tuck in.

“Our activity club still meets on the 1st Monday of the month at the Forest Community Centre at 13.30pm and is now well established and is increasing it’s range of activities.  In addition we now hold a regular business meeting during the last week in the month at which we have the opportunity to discuss key issues facing older people in our community.

“On Thursday, July 28th our local MP Michelle Donelan will be our speaker and will update us on her first year as an MP and answer any questions.  Michelle will be speaking at 2pm at the Canberra Centre in Spa Road.

“The Film Club has had a series of excellent films and have lined up some really great films that should suit all tastes in the coming months.  On Monday 18th July it will be Dad’s Army and on 15th August we are inviting grandparents to bring along young family members (over 8 years old) to join us to watch Paddington.

“Our 3rd Monday in the month at the pictures is now becoming a regular monthly event for Melksham pensioners. They enjoy the social atmosphere and company of others and the Assembly Hall staff help to make it a happy occasion.  Again a small band of volunteers are at the heart of this successful monthly event looking after the refreshments etc. I’m sure they would appreciate offers of help with some of the small tasks.

“In the coming weeks and months we shall be increasing our range of activities and also providing  an active voice for local seniors to communicate their views on local and national issues that are important to them.  These will include liaising with the Area Board, the Local Authority, NHS, Healthwatch and others in the Public Sector along with those businesses commissioned to provide services for older people but so often fail to consult.

“Melksham’s Senior Forum’s ethos is to strive to enhance and improve  the quality of life for older people in our community.”