Melksham Seniors new year message

Melksham Seniors 55+ group has a wide range of exciting plans for the year ahead.

“Happy New Year to all Melksham Seniors; this year we are planning even more great events for your enjoyment,” says Brian Warwick, chair of the group. “Following on from the huge success of our Christmas party, in spite of many people suffering from winter colds and the flu bug, our new activities event at the Forest Community Centre on 5th January was a great success, and members are now looking forward to the 2nd February event at the same venue.

“These events are a joint partnership between Melksham 55+ Seniors Forum and our other key organisations, including the Forest Community Hall Committee, Melksham Community Transport,  Wiltshire Age UK, Sing N Smile Group and Selwood Housing, all supporting our own Seniors Forum and local communities to facilitate inspiring social activities that enrich lives, reduce isolation and loneliness and promote active participation.

“We want older people who may be marginalised and isolated to become active citizens taking part in their local community and most of all, having fun. Our joint philosophy is that people 55+ have a right to rich and fulfilling life experiences and have an active place in society. We are helping to provide a mechanism for older people to get involved and to take responsibility/lead developments within their local community, and at the same time improve their own lifestyle and health and well-being.

“Research has shown that strong social networks, involvement in local communities, having a role within society and undertaking physical or creative activities are a shield against the challenges of ageing.

“We want to deliver a strong message that engaging people within their local community helps them to meet new people, learn new skills, develop new friendships and generates resilience to face difficult times.

“Working in partnership with other agencies we desire to also undertake outreach work in the form of:

• Befriending,  life improvement skills. engagement, fun activities, essential health and well-being development opportunities that help to keep us young and active.

• Acting as a catalyst within our community of a Seniors structure which uses our own skills and those of volunteers in supporting ourselves and isolated older people to attend a wide range of fun and culture activities, as well as extended learning in respect of technology to keep up with our grandchildren and improve our communication skills. From this small beginning we shall be reaching out into our community for new ideas and opportunities to improve the quality of life for seniors rather than leaving it to others to provide for us.

“Our ageing society is a challenge for us all and what ever we achieve today will eventually benefit us all in the community as we reach the various stages of late life. Life is not over when you retire, it can be the opportunity to reach out and find new friends and social life skills that brings fun and enjoyment in a way you never expected, so do come along and become a part of our Seniors active community.

“On Monday 19th January we have our next film matinee at the assembly hall, once again with a really outstanding winner of a string of Academy Awards.  This month we shall be showing the epic masterpiece that traces the life of that most revered man, Gandhi.

“The film ‘Gandhi’ has been acclaimed as one of the most outstanding films of all times, and Ben Kingsley’s performance and Richard Attenborough’s filming of this epic is described as absolutely “Sublime”.

“The doors will open at 1.00pm and the film will start earlier than normal at 1.30pm with an interval for refreshment around 3.00 pm. We look forward to your continued support.”