Rye and Battle residents are invited to join in with Older People’s Day 2013

The national event is designed to celebrate the contributions and achievements of older people and in East Sussex this year’s theme is ‘joining in’.

Supported by East Sussex County Council and with an events programme booklet now available from libraries or for download, many of the events have been organised by the county’s network of Seniors’ Forums as well as community groups and local organisations such as Hope G (Hastings Older People’s Ethnic Group) and Age UK.

Kate Davies, chair of the East Sussex Seniors Association, (ESSA), said: “This year’s theme is joining in and that’s what we want to encourage, as many people to get involved as possible.

“You don’t have to be a member of an organisation or already involved in a local group; for many events you can just turn up. It is a great opportunity to get involved and make some new friends.

“There is something on offer for everyone, whether you want to get active, enjoy the countryside or just meet up for a cup of tea and a chat.”

There are a variety of events on offer in the area and across the rest of the county and many are free of charge.

In the Battle and Rye area, people can find out what goes on at Battle Age Concern Social Club at their open morning, or spend an afternoon at Saxonwood Care Home sharing inspirational stories with school pupils, or join in workshops with musicians, poets and script writers for a major reminiscence project being hosted at the Activities, Respite, Rehabilitation Care Centre in Ferry Road, Rye.

Cllr Bill Bentley, ESCC’s cabinet member for adult social care and older people’s champion, said: “We are delighted to be supporting this annual event. Older People’s Day is all about celebrating older people and there is a wide range of events to mark the occasion, such as learning how to cook a healthy meal for one, line dancing at a country and western day or enjoying a relaxing afternoon tea.

“Why not get out and about, see what your area has to offer, try new things and make some new friends?”

A programme of events is available from libraries, via www.eastsussex.gov.uk/olderpeoplesday or call 01273 481565.