Forum seeks members as interest drops
A disappointing turnout at the last meeting of the Arran Elderly Forum (AEF) has led to concern from a ‘perturbed’ committee at the sudden drop in interest.
‘It is a bit sad for us and I hope it will be a wakeup call for our members and older people generally,’ said chairwoman Helen Kerr after only six people turned up at the April meeting of the forum.
The committee is also concerned that, despite a mailing list of almost 50 people, only 23 people have so far signed up for a conducted bus tour round Arran with Iain Hendry as guide, who has extensive knowledge of the island.
The opportunity for a free bus tour from 10.45am to 3pm on Wednesday May 31 is still available for anyone that is interested. The forum will be responsible for the bus cost and lunch is at each person’s expense or a packed lunch can be taken along. For those arriving with cars and people with a disability, the bus will pick them up at the Ormidale Pavilion at 10.20am promptly and those who come in by public transport will be picked up at the pier. The coach will wait until the public buses have all arrived.
The forum describes the outing as: ‘A chance to socialise, learn things you never knew about the island you live on and have a not-too-long day out.’
It particularly wants to invite people who stay alone or who are not fit to have a long day off the island.
Other over 55s and their carers may enlist too. If anyone falls into this category or knows of someone on the island who would like to go on this trip please contact Jean Strachan on 600911 or email jean.strachan2011@btinternet.com.
The forum is an informed body receiving regular reports from the local community council and North Ayrshire Council about things pertinent to older people such as the toilet closures, the new pier and integrated health and social services. It affords the opportunity to ask questions and make comments and if the forum feels there is an issue that needs to be addressed it will correspond with the relevant bodies.
From time to time there are speakers who address specific issues of concern.
The latest speaker was giving advice on warding off scams and there were several comments from those who attended saying they enjoyed the meeting.
The next meeting will be on Wednesday May 17 at the Ormidale Pavilion where interested parties are encouraged to join everyone for a pre-meeting coffee or tea at 10.40am.