Charity's new day centre up and running

CHARITY Age UK South

Gloucestershire has opened a new activity day centre in Thornbury.

Sessions take place every Friday at Turnberrie's Community Centre in Bath Road, from 9.30am to 3.30pm.

The centre provides services for people aged 50 and over who need support away from home, including people with dementia.

It offers people lunch and other refreshments, and activities including singing workshops, Tai Chi, quizzes, exercise classes and crafts.

The centre also provides entertainment, conversation and one-to-one support.

A spokesperson for the charity said: "As the weather improves and we enter the spring, it is a great time to seek out new activities to get out and about, meet new friends or perhaps learn a new skill.

"It can sometimes be a challenge as we get older and need assistance to take part in the activities we used to enjoy.

"Activity Day Centres can be one way to enjoy a stimulating day in a safe environment out of the house.

"You may just want to read willowbrookshopping.co.uk the newspaper and discuss the issues of the day.

"Whatever you choose to do, you can relax in a safe environment supported by a talented specialist team."

One relative of a user of another centre provided by the charity in South Gloucestershire, who has Alzheimer's disease, said: "Caring for someone you love is very difficult. I am not a nurse, nor have I ever cared for anyone before.

"My wife loves these activity days, and I get some respite and a chance to do all the basics like shopping, getting my hair cut and some gardening.

"Age UK South Gloucestershire have been great; they help my wife stimulate her senses with music, puzzles and games and help me get through this really difficult time with advice and support."

People who are interested in the service for themselves or a relative are being invited to book a taster session to try out the centre.

For more information call 01454 411707, email dayservices@ageuksouthglos. org.uk or visit www. ageuksouthglos.org.uk.

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Carnival tickets go on sale

THORNBURY Carnival organisers have put tickets for the event on sale.

'Early bird' tickets for the event are being offered until a few days before it takes place, on Friday June 30 and Saturday July 1 - although people will still be able to pay on the gate using cash or contactless cards.

This year’s entertainment will kick off on the Friday evening with the ‘Swing in the Park’ which debuted last year and will continue from 11am on the Saturday with the 'Main Event’.

Thornbury Swing Band will headline the Friday evening, while the Saturday event will feature a wide range of acts on the main stage, including Absolutely Elton and Kylie tribute On a Night Like This, along with local acts.

There will be stalls, a funfair, licensed bar and food concessions.

The Main Event will also feature a Show‘n’Shine car show with a range of modern sports, American, and classic vehicles.

Organisers say much of the children’s entertainment will be included in the ticket price, including face painting, mascots, balloon modelling, and a graffiti artist.

‘Early Bird’ tickets for both events are available to buy online until the end of Tuesday June 27, after which they will increase to gate prices.

Carnival committee chair Liam Williams said that, while the event’s costs have risen this year, the committee has been able to keep ‘Early Bird’ prices in line with last year’s gate prices.

He said: "We’re only a small group of volunteers - there’s actually less than a dozen of us on the committee and most of us also work full-time, but we’ve made a huge effort to keep costs to a minimum this year, balancing this with the need to organise and deliver an entertaining and safe event."

Saturday ‘Early Bird’ tickets cost £25 for a family of four (two adults aged 17+ plus up to two children aged 5-16), £12 for adults and £5 for a child aged 5-16.

Entry is free for children aged four and under.

Liam added: "We know many people are feeling the effects of the cost of living rises but when you compare Thornbury Carnival with other options for a family day out, it’s actually great value for money.

enjoying stunning views of our lake.

"For example, a trip to Wild Place is more than £16 for an adult and almost £14 for a child, and the minimum price to see a show at The Hippodrome is £20.

"The 'Main Event' provides up to 12 hours of entertainment, which works out at just £1.00 an hour for an adult, less for a child, but what’s really priceless is being able to enjoy the atmosphere with your friends and family – you only need look at the photo galleries on our website to see how much fun was had last year!”

Tickets and more details are available at the event website www.thornburycarnival.co.uk/tickets.