First International Christmas Golden Age Fair proves popular

Cllr Sam Clark, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder responsible for health and leisure and Golden Age team leader at the event.

The fair at the Rosmini Centre, Wisbech, on Wednesday, December 14, was the first to make information, advice and support available in a range of languages including English, Lithuanian, Russian, Romanian, Latvian, Bulgarian and Polish.

Held quarterly at locations across the district, Golden Age Fairs are dedicated to helping over 60s find out what support, services and benefits are available to them.

Just over 100 people attended Wednesday's event.

Pupils from Wisbech's Elm Road Primary School added to the festive cheer with a performance of Christmas carols. Mince pies, hot drinks and other refreshments were also provided to visitors.

Around 30 agencies attended the event to provide information, help and support. Organisations represented included those that provide community transport, care, health and wellbeing services, crime prevention advice, exercise classes, lifelong learning, benefits advice, support with specific issues such as vision impairment and much more.

There was also a pop-up vaccination clinic offering eligible residents flu and COVID-19 vaccinations.

Mrs Annette Houghton, Rosmini Centre project coordinator, said: "Because we are a centre for the whole community of Fenland it's just fantastic to host the first International Golden Age Fair.

"Sometimes people just don't realise what is on offer and events like this highlight and promote it."

Cllr Sam Clark, Fenland District Council's Portfolio Holder responsible for health and leisure and Golden Age team leader, said: "We have a very diverse community in Wisbech and Fenland and it's wonderful for us to come together for this event.

"It's an opportunity for all of our residents to discover the hugely wide range of support and services available to them and how to access them."

The Golden Age Fairs concept was founded by the late Cllr Mac Cotterell MBE, who died aged 81, in 2013.

Cllr Cotterell's wife Marjorie (Madge) attended Wednesday's fair.

Marjorie (Madge) Cotterell, wife of Golden Age Fair founder Mac Cotterell, attended.

Mrs Cotterell said: "It's lovely to be here today and see that the work of helping the older citizens of the area that he invested so much effort into is still being done so well."

Headteacher Christopher Venables said: "We were delighted to be asked to get involved with the Golden Age event.

"The children thoroughly enjoyed themselves and they have been grateful for the opportunity to celebrate the season's festivities in such an exciting way. We look forward to engaging with other community events in the future."

Details of the next Golden Age Fair will be finalised in the New Year.

Highlights from the day and interviews with those who made the event possible can be found on our YouTube channel.

Article date: December 2022