150 local residents packed into the grand Banqueting Suite at the Civic Hall this week, for the annual Inner South Leeds Older People’s gathering.
The event opened with an address from Cllr Patrick Davey, who pointed out that there are 11,000 older people in Inner South Leeds, and stressed that communities need to recognise the contributions and achievements of this age-group as much as care for them.
This was followed by popular taster workshops in dance, aerobics, and more; music with a local Chinese choir, and up-and-coming pianist Jacob Savage; a rigorous general knowledge quiz (see sample questions below); and lots of opportunities to chat!
One of those attending, Mojuda Khatun, commented:
“It’s just good to get together, do something positive like the dancing, and have a chit-chat. I’ve been quite isolated since my husband passed away, but the Kushy Nanas (meaning Happy Grandma’s) group has been great, and also events like this. Being at home alone can drive you bonkers.”
Another attendee, Wendy Carey, added:
“There are some good things happened locally, but organisations do need to talk and coordinate activities more: too many things clash in a given week, then there are other days when nothing’s happening. It’d be great to change that.”
Over lunch, people sunk their teeth into a Yorkshire-themed quiz – featuring the following questions… Which Yorkshire city is the oldest in the UK, with a charter dating back to 886; what cheese do they famously make in the village of Hawes; and in which Yorkshire church is Robin Hood thought to be buried? (Answers below.)
The event was hosted by the Inner South Community Committee – for more info on them, or to stay in touch, visit their Facebook page, contact the Communities Team at the Dewsbury Road One Stop Centre on (0113) 395 1581, or contact your local councillors.
Quiz answers: Ripon is the oldest UK city; they make Wensleydale cheese in Hawes; and Robin Hood is thought to be buried in Kirkless Priory near Brighouse.
