Four day event begins to celebrate later life in Norfolk

CNS string quartet playing at the Celebrating Age event at the Forum. Photo: Bill Smith (Image: Archant © 2014)

Norfolk Celebrates Age was launched in Norwich, which included music from local schoolchildren and a display of one of the county's finest knitted creations.

The four day event, which aims to challenge the stigma surrounding the ageing process, will run at the Forum until Thursday and includes a range of help and support for older people.

Students from City of Norwich School and Greshams School played music and set up games for people to play during the Norfolk Celebrates Age launch.

Staff from Norfolk Libraries service were also on hand to help people with their digital dilemmas and an impressive knitted pergola, created by the Friends of John Grooms Court in Norwich, was also on display.

Former BBC Look East presenter Carol Bundock, who officially opened Norfolk Celebrates Age, said: 'It is a great opportunity to make the most of the next part of our lives. A lot of friends say they do not like getting old, but what is the alternative? I certainly intend to celebrate the rest of my life.'

Yesterday also saw the launch of a competition to celebrate the best initiatives that bring schoolchildren and older people together in local communities. The East of England Co-Op has put up a £5,000 prize fund for the competition.

Christian Bone, from the retailer, said: 'We are delighted to be involved in this competition to get young people and older people working together to come up with new and interesting ways to break down stereotypes.'

The free event also includes free lunchtime talks on promoting health and fitness in older age and workshops about dementia.

For more information, visit http://norfolkcelebratesage.wordpress.com