Join us for a conversation with Chi Onwurah MP (Central Newcastle) and Shadow Minister for Science, Research and Digital on Friday 24 February 11.00 am – 12.30 pm (doors open at 10.30 am) at Brunswick Methodist Church (by Fenwick’s) on pros and cons of going digital. Before entering Parliament, Chi Onwurah was a professional engineer, a career she talks about on The Life Scientific BBC Radio 4 - The Life Scientific - The Life Scientific: Chi Onwurah. After the conversation, there will also be an opportunity to hear about the city's support available to help you get online and learn new skills. What do you think? What kinds of technology make your life easier? What do you want to learn more about? When does technology create barriers for you? We’d like you to join our conversation whether you hate or love it.
You can register on Eventbrite at https://tinyurl.com/53be844d ☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Project ICE
We’ll be starting Project ICE sessions again this Wednesday 25th January until the 22nd of March and we'll be in our usual room 208 of the Squires Building at Northumbria University at the City Centre Campus on Sandyford Road from 2pm to 4pm.
For further information please contact ice.volunteering.project@gmail.com or info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Older Voices the Radio Show of the Elders Council
The next show will be on Sunday, 5 February, and will focus on Valentine's Day, surely Newcastle's most famous love story will feature - involving climbing out of a window! Steve will present this show.
No guests have been named yet but they are working to have a city guide and a historian to talk all about love.
The Radio Team want to remind you that they are going weekly this month and the following programme will broadcast on 12 February when the theme will be The Elders Council with the very first Chair, Bob Weiner, our Patron, John Grundy, and our Executive Officer, Barbara Douglas all having a voice.
There are a number of ways to listen
to Older Voices, the radio show of the Elders Council:
1. Live on 102.5FM Nova Radio North East
2. www.novaradio.co.uk/novalive
3. http://radio.garden/listen/nova-radio-north-east-102-5fm/Jro9kwRK
You can listen to the latest episode here
Newcastle City Council budget consultation
Members of the Elders Council Board met officers of Newcastle City Council to discuss the budget proposals. Following the meeting, the Board prepared a written response to the budget consultation which is now available on our website here
Elders Council Meeting with Pam Smith, Chief Executive,
Newcastle City Council
Members of the Elders Council Board and Chair of the Age Friendly Group, Rose Gilroy, held a meeting with Pam Smith, Chief Executive of Newcastle City Council. We presented the work of the Elders Council and the Age Friendly Newcastle group and discussed ways in which we can achieve greater impact by working together more closely.
Farrell Centre Opening – Saturday 11 February 2023
In the Winter edition of our Magazine, there is a short article about the Farrell Centre. This exciting new Centre is opening on 11 February 2023. Put the date in your diary and go along to find out all about it. About the Farrell Centre - Farrell Centre | Newcastle upon Tyne
Older Voices at the Later Life Audio and Radio Co-operative
(LLARC) AGM
Steve Whitley presented the work of Older Voices at the LLARC AGM. It’s always inspiring to hear about the excellent work of our radio group
and how much fun they have!
We also heard about the range of interesting podcasts being produced by the LLARC team which are available on LLARCooperative's Shows | Mixcloud
Sharing our work with the UK Network of Age-Friendly Communities
On 12 January, Barbara gave a presentation on ourDoorbellsproject to the UK Network of Age-Friendly Communities which is a network of over 50 cities, towns and districts in the UK committed to becoming age-friendly. We are hoping that some of theseareas will be interested in a UK tour of the Doorbells performance we produced with Skimstone Arts. Watch this space! You can read the report of the Doorbells project on our website https://www.elderscouncil.org.uk
Meet me at the Theatre?
Would you like to come to the theatre with a small group of Elders Council members? We will be going to ‘Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light’ Tiny Fragments of Beautiful Light | Alphabetti (alphabettitheatre.co.uk) on Saturday 4 February 2023 at 1.00 pm. You pay what you feel at the end of the performance, but please let us know if you would like to come
so that we can reserve seats.
☎ phone: 0191 208 2701
or email info@elderscouncil.org.uk
Facebook and Twitter
We are working at putting more posts on our social media, it's a good place to find out about what's happening
Interests and Activities
The Brunswick Club - a date for your diary
The Brunswick Club are to hold their 60th Anniversary meeting on Tuesday 14 March, when the speaker will be David Faulkner, a former Leader of Newcastle City Council. He is to present an illustrated talk entitled "Three American Visitors to Newcastle" in which he will cover the visits of Martin Luther King, Jimmy Carter, and Muhammed Ali. The meeting will be open to visitors.
The club meets at 10.30 am every Tuesday at Brunswick Methodist Church Hall all retired people are welcome to come and meet
and hear some interesting speakers.
The Tuneless Choir meets on Fridays at 2 pm every fortnight the next meeting is on 28 January.
They meet in the downstairs hall in the Brunswick Methodist Church
Brunswick Place, Newcastle Upon Tyne, NE1 7BJ
They are keen for those who feel they cannot sing to go along and join the Tuneless throng! They pride themselves on creating a friendly space free from judgement. Here's the web address where you can find out more. https://tinyurl.com/mspx4xju
Sister Shack's Flea Handmade & Vinyl Market
Sunday 29 January, 12 pm-5 pm, The Old Coal Yard, Elizabeth St, NE6 1JS.
Join Sister Shack and The Old Coal Yard in supporting local LGBTQIA+ stall holders who will be selling an array of thrift and handmade items. There will be records, clothing, books, jewellery, cakes, homeware and much more.
Entry is free.
Vinnies' Pop-up Market
This is every Tuesday from 26 January and it starts at 12.30 there's a range of stalls and definitely a cafe! St Vincent's also has an activity programme with something on each day of the week and it includes The Art of Watercolour; Film Club and a Men's Pie and Poetry Club.
The activity programme is free and it's open to all.
More information if you need it here:
☎ phone: 0191 261 6027
or email: stvincentsnewcastle@svp.org.uk
The NewBridge Project Gallery space
Saturday 28 January from 12 pm – 5 pm To celebrate Part Two of Shieldfield Home, we’re hosting a special day of talks and tours around the works on display in the gallery – all made by people who live and work in Shieldfield!
They will also sit down and share a community meal in their warm
communal area. Sounds like a good place to visit. https://thenewbridgeproject.com/events/shieldfield-home-open-saturday/
Tuneless Choir Newcastle Leader and Manager
The choir is on the hunt for a new Choir Leader and Manager (previously this has been two people although it can be the same person). If you, or someone you know, would be willing to take over either
email newcastle@tunelesschoir.com
l☎ phone: 07852 70 6521
Further information can be found at https://www.tunelesschoir.com/start-a-tuneless-choir/
Club a'Gogo
Club a'Gogo have lots planned for 2023 so keep your diary free for their monthly Club a'Gogo and ARCADIA alternative night events. They will also be doing regular Vintage & Vinyl fairs and .... a NEW event- they will be laying on a monthly Rock & Roll night! https://www.clubagogo.co.uk/events
Byker Wellbeing Group
This is a group for adults in Byker, they meet on Wednesdays from 10 -1 pm
at the Chevron, Byker Wall, NE6 1RP
There are plenty of things on offer all worth trying out - Crafts, skills, walks, refreshments
☎ phone: 07895 582 516
or email:jennie@foundationfutures.org.uk
Jesmond Community Library
The weather will get warmer. nights are getting lighter - so good to see a few new events in the pipeline
The Book Club meets every 2nd Wednesday of the month,
the next meeting is on 8 February in the library. ☎ phone: 0191 281 2385
website address:http://www.jesmondlibrary.org.ukThe Lit and Phil
The Lit and Phil (literary and philosophical) are offering a programme of free events in conjunction with Northumbria University.
They all start at 6 pm in the Lit and Phil building. Here are some intriguing titles to catch your interest. How about 'The shape of snow' this is on 24 January or 'Gardens under the ocean' or maybe 'Sex, art and death' something for everyone. Try one of the talks and give your brain a workout! The link takes you to the map showing just where the Lit and Phil is,
other information can be found too. https://www.litandphil.org.uk/contact-us/how-to-find-us/Valentine Evening Social with Search
This is on Monday 13 February from 6 - 9 pm at the Carnegie Building, Atkinson Road NE4 8XS. There will be live music with a rockabilly band as well as food and fun. Costs £3 and you do need to book.
☎ phone: 0191 273 7443
The Vikings are Coming - courtesy of St James Heritage and Environment Group
Join them for a talk by John Sadler about the Viking invasion and occupation of Northumberland on Friday 3 February at 10.00 am at the West End Library.
In June 793 the Vikings arrived in Northumberland, destroying the monastic community on Lindisfarne, the sacred realm of Aidan and Cuthbert. The Viking Age had begun. Book your place email by contacting stjamesbenwell@gmail.com
Love to sing?
Tony Huzzard, your singer/soloist for the NHS, has two choirs
you may be interested in joining: Tuesday: Gosforth Community Choir from 10.30 am – 12.30 pm
at the Church Hall opposite South Gosforth Metro Wednesday: Newbiggin Hall Singers from 10.30 am – 12.00 noon
at St. Wilfrid’s Church, Newbiggin Hall
They are both very friendly choirs.
Contact Tony Huzzard at 07936316257 or email huzzardtony@gmail.com
Volunteering, Research and Consultations
Lands End to John O'Groats Virtual Challenge
Can you run, walk or cycle the length of the UK in 2023? Join our Virtual Lands End to John O'Groats challenge to support people living with Dementia. Do it alone or do it as part of a team. Record your miles as you go along and watch your progress on our virtual map. Create your fundraising page and know that with every mile, and every penny, you are improving the lives of people who are so often lonely, socially isolated, and misunderstood.
Whether you are a regular runner, a Sunday stroller, a keen cyclist or an occasional rider, you can make a difference. Mobility Scooters and Wheelchairs count too -
however you choose to travel, do it for Dementia in 2023. Register Here
Sexual Health Services
We hear anecdotally that there aren't any sexual health services
specifically for older people in the city.
Newcastle City Council is currently reviewing the clinical sexual health services within Newcastle upon Tyne. Here's an opportunity to tell them about this omission Please give them your views! You can find out more about this here: Newcastle Sexual Health Services (Clinical) Consultation 2023
Silverline Memories seeking trustees
Silverline Memories provides “places to go and things to do” for people with a diagnosis of Dementia and their families. They believe that people with Dementia should be supported to live as full and active a life as possible, for as long as possible. They provide the opportunities, help and support, to do so. They work with families for as long as they are needed.
They are looking for people to join their Board of Trustees. Could it be you? Contact sandra@silverlinememories.com for more information.
Help with research into Perceptions of Ageing
A student at the University of Derby MSc Psychology programme is looking for participants for a study that examines self-perceptions of ageing in relation to the Covid-19 pandemic. Taking part involves an interview which may last between 30-60 minutes that will take place online via Teams, at a time to suit you. You do not need to have a Teams account to take part. You must be aged 65 years and over, are fluent in English and live in the United Kingdom. If you are interested in taking part, please click on the link below for more information:
They would like people to watch the video and provide some feedback by answering some short questions. The video is just over 2 minutes long. This feedback will help them to evaluate the project and also provide them with information that could help them design future work like this. https://tinyurl.com/3pct9z89
Transport North East is consulting on its Active Travel Strategy. There are a number of ways you can contribute – via a survey; online consultation sessions or by going along to a drop-in. Full details are available on their website North East Active Travel Strategy Public Consultation - Transport North East
What happens as we die?
Most of us have never seen anyone die. Few have any idea what to expect as death approaches, and most have unrealistic fears about it. Kathryn Mannix wants to change that. Listen to her TED talk here What happens as we die? | Kathryn Mannix | TEDxNewcastle - YouTube
HM Land Registry Property Alert
Sign up for HM Land Registry's free Property Alert service to help protect your property from fraud. You can look at what they are offering by clicking the link. https://tinyurl.com/5dv2f9fm
Here's the integrated Care bulletin for 20 January
