OLDER people charity, Age UK Solihull, celebrated its 40th anniversary last week, along with the Mayor and Mayoress of Solihull, and some of its other supporters.
The Mayor, Councillor Ken Meeson, and Mayoress, Mrs Annette Meeson, joined Age UK Solihull staff, Trustees, other volunteers and corporate supporters for a small celebration at the charity’s head office at The Core, Solihull Library, on Friday March 31.
The Mayor proposed a toast to the charity, commending them for everything that they have done for older Solihull residents since they were established in 1983.
Although Age UK Solihull is a brand partner to the national Age UK charity, it is a completely independent, local charity that purely serves residents of the Solihull borough, and all funds raised for Age UK Solihull stay in Solihull.
The Mayor cut the charity’s birthday cake, made and donated by Cakes by Adele Solihull, and guests then had the chance to mingle and look at old photographs, newsletters and reports from the last 40 years.
A raffle was also run, with prizes including an overnight stay for two at Resorts World’s Genting Hotel, afternoon tea for two at the Crowne Plaza Solihull, and a Heston Blumenthal Easter Egg donated by Waitrose.
Coun Meeson, said: “The charity has done some fantastic work over the past 40 years, and that work is increasing as Solihull has an older than average population, and issues like the coronavirus pandemic and the cost of living crisis have exacerbated problems faced in later life.
Anne Hastings, Age UK Solihull’s chief executive officer, added: “Our vision is a world where older people flourish, and our mission is to improve the lives of all older people in the borough of Solihull.
“We do this through a wide range of services and support and while some of these have changed over the years, what hasn’t changed is the amazing dedication of our staff and volunteer teams to making life better for older and vulnerable people in the community.”
