With splendid weather reaching 32 degrees on the day, residents were able to relax in the sunshine or join in at their leisure to activities such as: line dancing, African dancing and drumming, complementary therapy, games of dominoes, seated exercises, Tai chi, arts and crafts and the very brave signed up to have their caricatures drawn. The day also boasted a live Elvis-impersonator, senior choir, folk singer, jazz band and performances from both Vietnamese Fan Dancers and Tamil Dancers.
As well as the organised activities, residents could access information and services from a variety of organisations that provide services for older people. Free health checks were available to everyone, courtesy of Peabody Wellbeing Wagon and Lewisham PCT, and a smoothie bike was on hand to promote healthy eating and quell the thirst of all the attendees on that hot, summer day!
Cllr Peggy Fitzsimmons who attended the day, commented: “I was delighted to see so many older people at the event having a good time and enjoying themselves. What with low pensions, the current economic situation and other adverse conditions, older people get a pretty raw deal on the whole, and that’s why this sort of event is so important, providing some welcome respite and fun.”
The event ended with an awards ceremony in recognition of the commitment, achievements and contribution older people have made to the community.The award categories and winners were: Best Community Project For Older People, Just Older Youth (J.O.Y.); Good Neighbour, Sue Thompson from Fairfields in Catford; Volunteer Of The Year, Daisy Cooke from Commodore Court in Deptford; Outstanding Lifetime Achievement, Nell Pearce from Honor Oak in Brockley.
Nell Pearce said, “thanks for a great day on Friday. Myself and my pensioners had a great time. Also its nice to be rewarded for something I have enjoyed doing all these years”.
The event was sponsored by the Brockley Ward Assembly, Lewisham Homes and Lewisham Tenants Fund (LTF) with entertainment and activities organised by Deptford’s community arts organisation, Madcap Coalition.
