Pounding the waves

New Forest District Council is asking the over 50s to grow old disgracefully and find out about all the exciting activities available right on their doorstep.

The council is inviting people to Young at Heart, a free festival for the over 50s. The festival takes place on Saturday 8 October from 10am to 6pm at Applemore health and leisure centre, Dibden.

Organised in association with Esso Exxon Mobil, the festival will include staged  performances such as singing, dancing and accordion playing as well as many opportunities to ‘have a go’ at activities such as line dancing, sequence dancing, Pilates, over 50s aerobics and alternative therapies.

Forest Friendly Farming will be on hand to sell a range of delicious produce while House of Colour will demonstrate how colour can boost your image. Feet will tap to the big band sounds of Swing Unlimited and there will be a chance to find out more about a range of activities, such as watercolour painting, crafts, model engineering and sports.

Many local organisations will be on hand to provide advice on health, disability, caring and other issues and people coming along to the event are invited to dress up in the styles of the 40s, 50 and 60s, with prizes for the best outfits.

Everyone who attends will also be given a free prize draw ticket to win a fabulous meal for two at one of the new local produce dinners at the Montagu Arms in Beaulieu, prepared by award winning chef and cookery writer Shaun Hill.  

Among the organisations represented at Young at Heart will be University of the Third Age; Totton College; Forest Forge Theatre Company; Totton and District Three Score Club; Esso Exxon Mobil; Age Concern; Tools for Self Reliance; Carers Together; Club Hampshire; Community First New Forest; Exbury Gardens; St Barbe Museum; NFDC;  Alzheimers’ Society; Hampshire and IOW Wildlife Trust; New Forest PCT Quitters service; New Forest Lions Club; The Rotary organisation; Solent Dolphins; New Forest Disability Information Service; New Forest Soaps; and Test Valley Nursery.

“We held a very successful youth festival last year and now it’s time to let the older generation have some fun,” said NFDC leader Cllr Mel Kendal.

“There are many voluntary and community organisations offering valuable services in the New Forest and many exciting activities available. This event gives everyone a chance to find out more about them. Being older doesn’t mean that you have to wind down. There are so many opportunities to get out and meet people, try something new, develop new interests, get fit and have fun. We hope many people will get together with their friends and have an enjoyable and informative day out at Young at Heart.”