‘Magnificent Melksham’ – 300 attend Seniors’ community day

MELKSHAM Seniors Forum’s recent ‘Community Day’ was hailed a triumph as over 300 local people turned out to find out what’s going on in their town.

The afternoon brought together groups, clubs and organisations from around the town for people to get a taste of what is available to people  over 55 years old in Melksham.

Organiser and chair of Melksham Seniors 55+ Forum, Brian Warwick said, “I was over the moon; the turn out and support was way beyond anything I expected. Unfortunately the venue was not large enough for the high turnout so we shall consider other more suitable venues for future events.

“That did, however, confirm that there is a growing need for closer community partnerships in Melksham for seniors and we shall now do our best to see that need is fulfilled.”

The afternoon showed the huge range of activities available to adults in the town, including sports, arts and crafts, DIY, music, dancing, and much more.

Vice-chair of the seniors’ forum, Martin Pain, reported on the day.

He wrote, “The community day was almost a tidal wave of enthusiasm – for the first 20 minutes it seemed that chaos would reign supreme but as luck or labour would have it the critical period settled into a bazaar-like atmosphere.

“Organised by The Melksham & District Forum 55+, over forty stall holders proudly displayed their ways and wares amid the hustle and bustle of the day.

“Live music from Melksham’s highly talented ukulele band beamed down from the Canberra gallery sometimes drowning out the market hubble and bubble below. Outside, the walking netball group played with vigour while the Tai Chi demonstrated to one side in a gentle but positive mode of exercise very applicable to the seniors’ needs.

“Upstairs there were various exhibits from sewing crafts to health and wellbeing displays, whilst the ground floor was packed with exhibitors covering the entire spectrum of Melksham society.

“If you were interested in woodwork or making ‘stuff’ you would drop by the Shed table for a chat, or cross the concourse to the model railway exhibit for a fun way to while away some hours that would otherwise invite boredom into your life or you would find a hobby to utilise your latent artistic talents.

“The various handicrafts and sports displays just go to prove that there is no such thing as being ‘past it’. There was something for every one of the over 300 hundred Melksham folk who made the effort to visit this unique expression of our Melksham, our community, our elder generation.

“One of the stand-out lessons of the day was the realisation that there is no excuse for anyone in Melksham and surrounding districts to complain about being bored or that there is nothing to do – there are 151 different local groups, clubs, societies, care organisations and associations – something for everyone.

“Even the Neighbourhood Plan people turned up to make sure that we are all included in planning our own future. I loved this day.

“Now it is time to reflect upon the hard work of all those citizens whose efforts made the day, from the two people who took on the hard task of directing the parking of 127 cars to the wonderful lady who ensured that the rather unwilling elevator finally did its job and the lady that managed the café.

“There were many unseen and unsung heroes like the guy who spent hours wiring the event for sound and power, to Sainsbury’s who provided the food, Britannia Marquee who provided that valuable asset free of charge, Melksham Community Transport and Sign Marketing that did a spectacular job on the venue signs just to mention a few.

“Indeed we are lucky to live in a town that gives so much to so many; a town that welcomes inclusion of all its citizens no matter who and ensures that none are left behind. This is indeed Magnificent Melksham – a role model for us all. Thank-you Melksham.”