IT has been a rather busy period over March and April for the Melksham & District Seniors 55+Forum, with a number of activities.
They report, “We had an excellent turnout for the March film “Mandela” Then on the 20th March some of our members attended an excellent conference in Bristol, to give their views on the need for improved housing choice for the elderly in both the private and public sector.
“That was followed by our public meeting on the 9th April with the Leader of Wiltshire Council. On this occasion, we were rather disappointed with the turnout, with only 35 seniors attending. However, the discussions were very lively and interesting and there was a call for the national retailers and banks in Melksham to take a much higher active profile in supporting the town’s floral displays in the Britain in Bloom contest to help make it an even greater success than 2013, when we did so well.
“It was pointed out that the efforts of that loyal band of volunteers that so often do so much to clean up and dress the town in a wonderful display of floral decorations, so ably supported by the town council and smaller retailers, not only helped to cheer us all up, but also brought more business into our local economy.
“It is therefore important that the national retailers and financial institutions in our community, also make every effort this year to do their part in making Melksham in Bloom an even greater success. We also want to see more of our shops following their neighbours’ good example by ensuring their own premises have wonderful displays of hanging flowers.
“There was a very strong call for the people to throw down a challenge to national retailers and financial institutions to be more positive in the way they support our local community, they can start by ensuring that their own buildings are also appropriately dressed for the occasion. There was also concern expressed about the proliferation of “A” boards and a call made for Wiltshire Council to take action about the obstructions they are causing.
“Several of our members also attended the conference of the South West Seniors Network when Wiltshire hosted delegates from across the whole of the South West region, held in Chippenham on the 10th April (details of which are reported separately). Then on Monday the 14th over 100 local seniors joined in the Wiltshire Pledge with a Fun Sing Along supported by ‘The Sing’n Smile Club” followed by the showing of the film “Philomena.’
“Our next event is on Monday the 19th May at the Assembly Hall at 1.00pm, when we shall again have a Fun Sing Along with the ‘The Sing’n Smile Club.” This will be followed by the showing of the really excellent film “Saving Mr Banks” with Tom Hanks and Emma Thompson. We look forward to your support.”
Brian Warwick
Melksham Seniors Co-ordinator
