Burns Night
This is our biggest event of the year, and it didn’t disappoint, in fact I think that this was probably our best one so far.
We had a capacity attendance of people who had obviously come out to enjoy themselves. The evening started with the piper, Simon, welcoming guests with his music as they entered the hall and everyone taking their seats for the dinner. The haggis was piped around the hall and then Laura, our Vice-Chairman, read the ode “To a Haggis” by Robbie Burns. We then toast the haggis, everyone standing and drinking their dram of whiskey.
Convention finished, out came the three-course meal, beautifully prepared by the committee and helpers, which, from the feedback I had, was enjoyed immensely by everyone there. Simon played music between courses, and everything was cleared away ready for the dancing.
Sarah and her band, Rock ‘n Reel, then started the ceilidh which is very much like country dancing, well that’s what we did anyway, and the enthusiastic ones joined in and bounced around the hall, not always in the right direction!
Halfway through the evening we enjoyed Heads and Tails, a knockout event governed by the toss of a coin which was hilarious and run by Alan and Richard who have done this many times before, followed by the raffle and then on to more dancing. The evening goes so quickly, and the excitement is palpable. The day is a lot of hard work but so worthwhile.
I am pleased to say that we raised approx. £1500 during the evening, which is a great start to our 2025 fundraising efforts.
This year’s events
We realise that our events are very popular, and we have planned a lot of events again this year, so you need to keep an eye on our website and check out this magazine for the dates and type of event.
Please only contact us once we have announced the date and the point of contact for a particular event.
All events must be first come – first serve for us to reach the widest group of attendees. We are sorry if you have already missed out on 3B’s in March which has already sold out but keep an eye out for more as we start planning and announcing them.
Smoke and fire detectors
Did you know that there is a free check by the fire service for anyone over 65 to replace/install smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors? If you or any of your neighbours/family are interested the link is below.
https://www.dwfire.org.uk/safe-and-well-visits/what-is-safe-and-well/
Tai Chi classes
The Tai-Chi classes continue to run weekly (term time only) at 1.30pm on Thursdays at the Millennium Hall. Come along and enjoy the benefits of this gentle exercise. Apparently one of the best exercises for Parkinsons Disease is said to be Tai Chi. Anyone is welcome to join the group. There is a FREE taster session for all first timers. New members will have to fill in a health form at the first lesson. Cost is £7.00 per session. If you have any questions, please contact GRAHAM on 07950 510420.
Qualifying residents
Are you 65 or over and live in the Purton Area? Do you know who your street warden is? We try to maintain an up-to-date list of the ‘qualifying’ residents but it’s not always possible to keep up with all the changes. If you answer ‘yes’ to the two questions but have never received any communication from Purton & District Age Concern please contact Georgina, our secretary, to find out what services we offer and who the street warden is for your patch. Email: secretary@purtonageconcern.com or call 07966 222967.
Minibus
If you need to use the Purton & District Age Concern transport for surgery appointments or to go on one of our shopping trips, and are over 60 years of age, then please contact Hazel on 01793 770862 as usual.
Peter Berry
Chairman