District Mayor thanks Positive Ageing Group for their service

For over 15 years, members of the Stratford Positive Ageing Group have been advocating for our senior community and creating opportunities for older people to celebrate, connect, and have fun.

This year, the Stratford Positive Ageing Group, made up of representatives from local organisations and Stratford District Council elected members, held their final meeting before disbanding.

While the group will no longer meet, the good times and work on behalf of our elder community will not stop. Positive Ageing events will continue to be delivered by Stratford District Council’s Community Development Team, and I know they look forward to welcoming everyone to their first event in 2024.

On behalf of our district, I would like to thank every person who has played a part in the group’s journey; from organising the forums with thought-provoking speakers, entertainment and laughs, to celebrating the popular International Day of the Older Persons, and working to ensure our older community has a voice on the issues that are important to them. Your work has made a big difference to people.

Thank you very much,
District Mayor
Neil Volzke

Farewell thoughts from Positive Ageing Group members

"The Stratford Positive Ageing Group has been a great link for groups representing our older community. By having a united voice they have been very successful in advocating for the senior citizens of the District." - John

"Stratford is a wonderful place to live, work, and retire. When the district was first settled by the early pioneers, we learnt that by working together, everyone benefits. Even as a young fellow on our Cardiff farm, I recall haymaking with locals ganging up to help one another. This spirit showed through in the Positive Ageing Group." - Barrie

“A highlight was the successful ‘Accessibility Expo’ with representatives and stalls from 14 organisations! The group also lobbied the TSB Bank regarding the closures of many of their branches around the mountain. We were assured that Stratford would be retained, and so far we still enjoy doing our banking in person. Our group was in constant conversation with fellow services in the Stratford community. Of course, the social scenes at Positive Ageing Group events were always welcomed. Every year we would celebrate the International Day of the Older Persons with light-hearted entertainment and games – BINGO was very popular and competitive!” - Gloria

"Lots of fond memories with seminars on a huge variety of events on things that affect the elderly. A visit from Winston Peters was a very notable event!" - Roger