Help celebrate the successes and stories of older residents and community groups in Newark and Sherwood

Newark & Sherwood Council’s idea is to promote the strength and resilience older people have shown throughout the pandemic across its district, as part of International Day of Older Persons, on Friday, October 1.

The day is aimed to raise awareness of issues affecting older people but this year it has also been important to reflect back over the last two years and how the pandemic has altered our community.

There are groups all over the district which are supporting older people to get back outdoors and socialising.

Groups like the Ollerton Outdoor Bowls Club and Rainworth Petanque Club have managed to stay strong through the pandemic and are always welcoming new members.

‘Connected’

Dukeries U3A is an over-50s community group which brings together older people to develop their interests and continue learning in a friendly and informal environment.

It has helped older residents stay connected through the pandemic

Leslye Henstock, Dukeries U3A chairman, said: “At first during lockdown, everything for the group stopped, but after three months we managed to teach all our members how to use zoom.

“This was great not only keeping them connected to our group but also keeping them connected to their families.”

There will be top prizes for the most inspirational community group as well as individual prizes. The winning community group entry will receive a £50 donation and the individual entry winner will receive a £25 voucher. The poem or story will also be shared on the District Council’s social media channels on International Day of Older Persons too.

To enter, submit a 200 words or less story or poem to [email protected] or post it to Community Relations Team, Castle House, Great North Road, NG24 1BY by 10am on Tuesday, September 28. You must also state if you are entering as an individual or as a community group.

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