Alta Age Expo

New Rotary Club kicks off with

popular Exhibition

The newly formed Angmering South Downs Rotary Club only received its official Charter in April but has already sponsored its first major event.  

 ‘Alta Age Expo’ was an information and advice outreach directed towards more senior citizens.    As many older people become less able to cope, modern life also seems to become more complex and challenging as the pace of change seems to accelerate.     Alta Age Expo was designed to make local residents more aware of the range of advice, information, support and well-being agencies available in their area to provide the necessary help and support.

 The event took place in Rustington in the St Peter and Paul Church Hall, an ideal location close to the centre of Rustington on Saturday 14^th May.       Worthing Town Crier, Bob Smytherman opened the event in his own inimitable rousing style, whilst West Sussex Fire Service stationed a Fire Engine outside the Exhibition entrance.

 The 20 exhibitors set up colourful, attractive stands to offer advice and information.   These included:   the U3A,  Citizens Advice, Age UK,  Voluntary Action Arun and Chichester, Warwick Barker (solicitors), Sussex Police, Woods Travel, Carewise (Care Fees Specialist), the Samaritans, Sussex Police Force, True Call, Rustington Wellbeing Centre, Rustington Platinum Club, The Fire Service, Littlehampton Croquet Club and the Worthing Women’s Institute.         

 There was a lot to see and learn about.     Advice was available on a wide range of financial, legal and welfare issues such as care costs, protection from scams, personal security and home safety.     There was also a wide choice of information on well-being, leisure and volunteering opportunities to help improve the quality of life of the retired.

 Rotarians were on hand to help.    The refreshment bar with a mouth watering display of home baked cakes was highly popular.   The Co-op store in Ferring was generous in donating supplies for all the teas, coffee and milk and an anonymous young donor also generously supplied fruit squash for the event.

 Event Organiser, Rotarian David Chapman said,   ‘There has been a lot of positive feed back for the event.   Visitors leaving the exhibition commented with effusive appreciation on how interesting and useful the event had been for them, whilst the exhibitors were pleased with the interest shown and the numbers of people they were able to assist.   Exhibitors, many who had not participated in such an event since the outset of the pandemic, found it a very useful networking exercise.  There was a constant buzz of conversation and activity throughout the day, creating a lively atmosphere.’

Club President, Jeremy Flasket commented,  ‘This event was far more successful than we expected.  It was a terrific team effort by Angmering and South Downs Rotary Club members and demonstrates how Rotary can make a significant contribution to support the community.’

The new club is continuing with plans to mark the Royal Jubilee as well as other future social and charitable activities.