## ANNUAL REPORT FOR AGE CONCERN 2018
## Charity No NIC103984
## "Drop In'
This year our numbers have fallen greatly. Friday is our best morning when an average of 8 ladies ‘drop in' for tea and a chat. Lack of numbers is due to illness and death. We have been trying to recruit new members but have only managed a few new ladies. Fun, laughter, reminiscing and catching up is part of our mornings and the ladies enjoy this. The social aspect is so vital to most them as they live on their own.
We did not have a Christmas meal this year due to so many other events the ladies had on leading up to Christmas. It was decided that we would go out for a meal in the New Year when it was much quieter and it was something to look forward to after the Christmas break.
Eight ladies enjoyed a holiday together on an Ulsterbus tour to Sligo. Without Age Concern, Larne these ladies would have not been on holiday. The friendships gained here is valuable to make plans for holidaying together.
We greatly appreciate the ladies who volunteer ona daily basis to provide a warm, clean environment and tea and biscuits to all who call. Without these volunteers Age Concern, Larne would not be able to operate.
It is with great sadness we report the death this year of our vice-chairperson Mrs Annie Shields. Annie gave many years service to our organisation and she will be very sadly missed.
We also report the resignation during year of Derek Turkington who gave up his position as a committee member due to ill health. We would like to thank him for his many years service and wish him a speedy recovery.
## Knitting Group
The knitting group numbers have also fallen throughout the year. The average weekly number is down to 8, again due to illness. The group meet for 2 hours every Tuesday afternoon. The ladies have knit baby cardigans, baby hats and blankets for sale to help fund the running of Age Concern Larne. They also knit for charity, this year again, knitting smoothie hats, also large bed blankets and dog blankets. Baby items are knitted to order when asked for by members of the public which helps with funding to buy wool, buttons and running costs. The ladies enjoy the social interaction and of course the cup of tea. They also gain tips and help with any knitting issues.
Thank you to the ladies who organise the afternoon, make the tea, and clear up. Two elderly ladies run this group and without them the group would not be available to others.
## Walking Group
Each Tuesday morning for most of the year there is a walk organised for anyone who wishes to attend. The Group Leader is Ann Harris who continues to dedicate time and effort into the weekly walks. Her work with the group is to be commended. Ann provides a varied and well planned route each week. Ann reports:
“T wish to give a big thank you to our Walk Leaders who have given their support and time in promoting Age Concern Walking Group. Walking for one’s health is very much the ‘in thing’ and we are all aware of the benefits of walking and keeping active. We are also grateful to all walkers who attend, befriend newcomers and encourage each other to build up an appropriate level of activity. We welcome anyone who looks forward to making wider social contacts, and get the opportunity of visiting parks, rive and sea walks and other places of interest. Even a gentle stroll is better than no walking. We welcomed two new members this year. On record this year we have 7 walking leaders and 16 registered walkers, most of whom try to attend each Tuesday where possible.”
This year 37 planned walks were arranged and completed.
- e 24 local walks — Inver River, Larne Promenade, Town Parks
- e 2 using own cars — Ballyclare and CrannyFalls
- e 10 using public transport to venue — Antrim, Ballycastle, Bangor, Whitehead, Botanic to towpath and gardens, Downshire — Carrickfergus (3 walks) and Central to Titanic
- e 1 using SACT minibus to venue — Monkstown — Whiteabbey, part of the Newtownabbey Way.
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