Age UK West Sussex News
02/03/10
We now have our own facebook page, so if you are a member and would like to add us as a friend, click on this link:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/profile.php?id=100000821988040&ref=ts
Age Concern - Laburnum Centre New Service
06/07/09
At the Laburnum Centre we provide a Social Support Group, where people who are socially isolated / vulnerable and have lost their confidence, are able to meet new friends and take part in activities.
The Support Group runs on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10am - 3pm.
The group consists of people who have lost family members, been carers, been in hospital, have been socially isolated, or lack the confidence to attend the centre.
The aim of the group is to help individuals gain confidence, make friends and take part in activities that are provided within the centre.
Transport may be available either through Sammy Transport or Age Concern Transport if people have problems with mobility.
We run a structured plan when we will gain people's confidence and do activities within the small group to begin with, then once they feel comfortable we can then work together to take them to other activities.
Please contact Orlene Matthews or Colin Bradfield on 01243 827185 for further information or e-mail supportgroup@acwestsussex.org
Bognor Regis - 80th Anniversary
06/07/09
On 26th July Bognor Regis Town Council and Aldwick Parish Council will be holding a special event to mark the 80th Anniversary of the granting of the title 'Regis' to the town.
The addition to the name Bognor was bestowed on the town in 1929, in recognition of the part it had played in the recuperation of King George V following serious lung problems. The King and Queen Mary stayed at Craigweil House in Aldwick, for 13 weeks at the beginning of 1929, returning to Windsor on 15th May.
On 1st June 1929, Bognor was informed that the town had his Majesty's permission to add Regis to the name. This had to go to West Sussex County Council for approval and this was given on 26th July 1929, when the town became Bognor Regis.
To celebrate this anniversary, the Town Council, jointly with Aldwick Parish Council, will be hosting a 'Garden Party' at the Royal Norfolk Hotel on Sunday 26th July. The Town Mayor and Vice-Chairman of Aldwick Parish Council will be joined by 'the Royal Couple'. John Hawkins, who has often acted as Town Crier for the Town Council, will take on the role of the King George V and Queen Mary will be portrayed by Cllr Carol Wiseman, Chairman of Aldwick Parish Council.
Town Council Events Officer Sue Holmes said:
"In order to mark this special occasion we would like to invite to the Garden Party 20 local residents, born in the year 1929. They will be able to enjoy Afternoon Tea on the lawn of the Royal Norfolk Hotel and listen to a performance by two local classical musicians. We are therefore looking for 20 local residents who would like to take part in this event."
The Garden Party will be open to the public, who will be able to enjoy their own Afternoon Tea provided by the Royal Norfolk Hotel. Places can be reserved by contacting the Hotel directly.
If you were born in 1929, or know of someone who was, and would like to be part of this celebration, please contact Town Council Events Officer Sue Holmes on 01243 825535, email sueholmes@bognorregis.gov.uk.
Sue Holmes
Events Officer
Bognor Regis Town Council
Town Hall
Clarence Road
Bognor Regis
West Sussex PO21 1LD
Green-fingered students to the rescue!
17/06/09
Members of Durrington High School Gardening Club successfully turned around a neighbour's garden last month after a stroke had left her too weak to tend it.
Initiated by Worthing Neighbourhood Care Alliance as part of its intergenerational project, the 75-minute makeover took place during usual club time after school. The youngsters had no time to spare as they threw themselves into clearing weeds, scraping moss and trimming shrubs.
"In the end we cleared six bags of weeds and the garden was transformed", says Community Engagement Worker, Angie Bacon. "The elderly owner can now enjoy her garden without seeing dandelions and plantain weeds appearing over summer flowers."
"Working with Durrington High has been a real success and we're hoping that when Horticulture is on the curriculum in September, the students will be able to help the community in this way again".
The garden makeover joins a number of successful intergenerational projects organised by the WNCA. "Our aim with all these activities is to increase interaction between young people and the over 60s so that barriers can be broken down. All too often older people treat youngsters with suspicion.
It's only through increased contact that older people can become less wary of youngsters and young people can see that not all over 60s are grumpy and out-of-date!"