Open Meeting held on 29th June 2011 is a great success ...
On Wednesday the 29th of June I found myself attending my first ever Open Meeting of the Exeter Branch of the Senior Council for Devon at the Cricket Club in Exeter. I profess to feeling a fraud as I felt neither senior nor adequately prepared to carry out my role as a rather grand-sounding Publicity Officer. The event was well attended and there was no shortage of a friendly welcome. The Guest Speaker was to be Martin Rogers of Age UK, but he unfortunately couldn't attend so was represented by Corin Bayley the Development Officer for Age UK, Exeter.
Corin started by explaining the ethos behind the name change to Age UK which was to give a strong National Profile, supporting members and raising funds to provide a broader range of services. They hoped to benefit from funding and grants available, giving a change of image and removing stereotypes, and operating locally and in National campaigns. She went on to explain some of the services available and the problems they were already addressing such as backup when returning from hospital and problems living within the basic pension confines. Age UK also felt that better shared practices were required and a need to pre-empt problems that were having an impact on living standards. A clearer definition was also required between Care and nursing requirements. The floor was then opened to a lively Question and Answer session, covering nursing care at home to poor interest on savings. Many people agreed that we needed a closer working relationship with Age UK and other organisations representing the over 50's,enabling us to work together to find solutions to the problems affecting so many members of our population.
I then spent some time with a group of amateur actors called "Pastime Players" who live in and around Exeter. They perform 'Rationing to Rock and Roll', recounting memories for men and women in the 1950s. It is designed to appeal to everyone but in particular the play helps to stimulate memories and after the show the audience are then invited to share their own memories. For further information on "Pastime Players" call Jan on 01392 206429 or e-mail info@pastimeplayers.co.uk. We were then treated to an hour's entertainment from "The Heavenly Choir" who are a group of eight singers led by Cynthia Keats. The meeting was followed by a buffet.
Some of our members will be manning a stand at the Heavitree Community Association Fete on Monday the 29th August 12 to 5pm at the Heavitree Pleasure Ground. We would love to see you so come along and have a chat.
Sue Stokes
Publicity Officer
Exeter Branch
