City celebrates Older People’s Day on October 1

UK Older People’s Day on Tuesday October 1 will be celebrated with a series of fun events commissioned by Brighton & Hove City Council.

It’s a chance for older people to enjoy all sorts of fun activities from concerts, singing and art events to zumba, croquet and the relatively new pastime of ‘walking football’ – organised by the Sussex FA.

The events are being organised by local charity Impact Initiatives and paid for by £10,000 from the council’s public health team.

The day culminates with the Brighton and Hove Older People’s Awards at The Grand Hotel, Brighton. Eight awards in a variety of categories are being sponsored by local businesses.

The chair of the council’s adult care and health committee, Councillor Rob Jarrett, said: “Being active and having fun is very important to people’s overall health, particularly as they get older.

“The series of events we’re backing will give hundreds of local older people the chance to try out new activities that could really improve their quality of life.”

Visit www.brighton-hove.gov.uk/olderpeoplesday2013 for further information about Older People’s Day activities in Brighton & Hove.

The full list of activities is as follows:

9.30am - 11.30am: Active for Life in Preston Park (by the Rotunda Café) A selection of activities for people aged 50+ to try out including Boccia, Zumba, Croquet and "Walking Football" delivered by Sussex FA. All rounded off with a well-earned cup of tea and biscuits. All welcome, no booking needed. Contact Julie Stacey on 01273 292729

10.45am - 11.45am: LUSH Ukulele Band: Treat yourself to a freshly made coffee and home-made cake whilst enjoying the sounds of the lively and inspiring LUSH Ukulele Band. St John’s Centre and Café, Palmeira Square, BN3 2FL. All welcome, no booking needed. Contact Nicki 01273 729603

11.30am - 12.00pm: Singing for Better Health in Pavilion Gardens. Simply enjoy the singing, join in or find out about the health benefits of singing. All welcome, no booking needed. Contact Udita on 07969 129992

1.15pm - 2.45pm: Singing for Better Health at St Richards Church, Hangleton. Enjoy a cup of tea and cake and see how singing can bring better health. All welcome, no booking needed. Contact Catherine on 01273 410858

11am - 3pm : A range of activities and buffet lunch at Somerset Day Centre, 62 St James St, Brighton, BN2 1PR. All over 55 welcome, no booking needed.

2 - 3pm: St John’s Singers at St Johns Centre, Palmeira Sq, BN3 2FL. Enjoy a relaxing hour with tea, homemade cake and enjoy the singing. All welcome, no booking needed.

2 - 4pm: Into the Blue. Hove Museum & Art Gallery, 19 New Church Road, Hove. Spend an afternoon exploring the colour Blue with Arts Facilitator Jonathan Quarterman and the Going to See Culture Together Group at Hove Museum & Art Gallery. Followed by refreshments and friendly chat. Booking required contact Clare at Fabrica on 01273 778646

5.30pm onwards: Fish and Chip Supper at New Larchwood Café Waldron Ave, Coldean BN1 9EZ. £1.00 transport may be available. Contact Steve or Anne on 01273 676416

The Brighton & Hove Older People’s Awards take place at The Grand Hotel, Brighton. There are 8 awards which are being sponsored by local businesses including The Argus, The Grand Hotel, Active for Life @ Newman Business Solutions.