Successful year for Melksham Seniors’ forum

MELKSHAM Seniors’ 55+ forum held their Annual General Meeting at the Assembly Hall on 21st September.

Brian Warwick gave the chair’s annual report stating that the Senior Forum had again had another very successful year.

“During the year the Forum has held a series of consultations and public meetings relative to the campus and the General Election,” he said. “We have also supported the Shed Club and made a further donation of £200 to the Shed Club, enabling them to become an independent self constituted organisation.

“The Seniors have also launched the Monday Activity Club, thanks to the hard work of Terri Welch and Ann Hartley, along with support from Sue Stone and other individuals. It is now developing into a well supported and most enjoyable afternoon activity and further growth is being planned.

“It was pleasing to see many new members also joining in and having a really good fun afternoon at this event, which takes place on the first Monday of the month at the Forest Community Centre at 1.30pm. We hope to see more Melksham Seniors coming along each month. Community transport can be ordered via Melksham Tourist Information Centre by booking that transport no later than the last Thursday in the month.

“We are delighted to welcome three new members onto our executive committee and they will be helping to decide upon our winter programme when we meet next week.

Concerns

“We have also elected Mr Chris Pickett as the Older People’s & Care Champion for Melksham who will be working very closely with the Area Board and your Forum to improve the quality of life for us all. Chris is well know for his excellent work in founding Melksham Shed Club and as the church warden at St Andrew’s; the conformation of his appointment will go before the next Area Board meeting.

“The AGM also discussed their concerns at the proposed Government cuts in financial support to care, as being proposed for the Government’s November Financial Review.

“Forums like our own across England are joining with major charities calling upon the Government to rethink about cuts in care. We are therefore petitioning the Government and saying very strongly listen to our views “Don’t Cut Care.” For older people should be able to live well, not just survive, and the right care and support can help them do this.

“We shall also remind our MPs that ferocious cuts to home care and community services – like meals on wheels, home carers, and day centre care – mean that many older people are forced to sacrifice their dignity because they can’t get the support they need.

“Please let your MP know your views. We are calling on the Government to invest in care for older people and for older people’s voices to be heard. This is not a political slanted campaign – it makes common sense to invest in good care as during their lifetime, most citizens will need some form of good care. The resolution was carried without dissent with a further rider calling upon Wiltshire MPs to support this petition.

Christmas Party & film

“Our thanks also to Medvivo who provides a local careline and telecare support service and sponsored our recent event and are supporting some of the entertainment for the Christmas Party which will take place on the 21st December again at the Assembly Hall.

“To guarantee yourself a ticket for this event you must register in person at the next film show on Wednesday 28th October or the film show on Monday the 16th November after which the attendance list will close, so don’t be disappointed come along to our next film show.

“We have had to move the October film show to Wednesday 28th October, then from November and throughout 2016 our Film Club will again meet on the third Monday in the month.

“That film show on Wednesday the 28th October, is the hilarious film with Helen Mirren “The Hundred Foot Journey.” It is a story centred on an Indian family who moves to France and opens a restaurant across the street from a Michelin-starred French restaurant. Doors open at 1.15pm.

“Finally you will be hearing in the media about the Highways consultation to close public toilets in Wiltshire. The Seniors would love to hear more wider views from the public as to how we improve our community and local infrastructure without county funding. The columns of Melksham News are a good starting place, alternatively we would be prepared to host a public meeting.”

Thank yous

Brian said a big thank you to the very hard work of a small band of volunteers and the generous assistance provided by Mihomecare, Melksham Council, Selwood Housing, Melksham Community Transport, the Assembly Hall and Forest Community Centre.

“Once again we had an incredibly successful Christmas Party attended this time by 235 Seniors,” he added. “This could not have happened without the support of the above mentioned organisations, volunteers and many of the town retailers who generously supported the seniors.”

Brian made a point of especially mentioning the excellent support the Forum has received from Jean Harris, their treasurer who will shortly be standing down and will be greatly missed. He also thanked and named other key volunteers.

“Remember the Senior Forum 55+ is run by seniors for seniors for your enjoyment and to help im- prove our quality of life, so let’s have your support.

“Please contact me for further information: email: brian.warwick@mac.com tel. 01225 792959.”