International Day of Older Persons celebrated in Stratford

Betty and her granddaughter Nova Davies, 7.

The International Day of Older Persons was celebrated in Stratford last week, and people of all ages got together to celebrate both the day, and the older people in their lives.

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The event, which was attended by over 70 people, was organised by the Stratford Positive Aging Group. Chairwoman Gloria Webby says the group holds three forums and a celebration for the event each year.

"The forums are all about education and entertainment targeted at our senior members of the community. The celebration for the International Day of Older Persons is all about having fun."

Pianist Jack Moser and The Slacks band member Scott Armstrong.

Gloria says it's important to celebrate the day.

"Any celebration is important for our senior citizens. Celebrations like these are great as senior citizens miss out on a lot of things as they grow older."

The Dance Project, 17-year-old self-taught pianist Jack Moser and The Slacks band member Scott Armstrong performed at the event, which took place at the Stratford War Memorial Centre.

The Dance Project performed at the celebration.

Marie Peters says she enjoyed the music.

"They're great and talented. It's great for us to get out of the house and do something fun."

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Marie says this is the first time she has attended a celebration for the International Day of Older Persons.

"We'll definitely come back next year. It's great the older people can celebrate with the younger generation."

Marie Peters and Bella-Moon Peters, 9.

Betty Davies attended the celebration with her granddaughter Nova Davies, 7.

"It's important to celebrate. The elderly and younger generation love each other and it's great they could celebrate together. We came to last year's celebration as well."

Nova says she enjoyed the rock painting activity.

"It's something we can do together which was really nice. I liked celebrating with my nana."

Sienna Taunt, 7, with her nana Jill Rawlinson.

Sienna Taunt, 7, and her nana Jill Rawlinson attended the celebration for the first time.

"It's great to celebrate with Sienna."

Sienna says it was great to spend time with her nana.

"I really liked the music and the rock painting."

Stratford mayor Neil Volzke was guest speaker at the event. He says he spoke about the Long Term Plan and the importance of having your say.

"During the month of October councillors will be out and about at various meetings to give people opportunities to provide early feedback on our Long Term Plan."

Neil says it is important to celebrate the day.

"It's great to be celebrating the International Day of Older Persons and acknowledging the contribution many of them make to our community organisations."