Forum aiming to double numbers (From South Wales Guardian)

Forum aiming to double numbers

9:40am Wednesday 15th July 2009

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CARMARTHENSHIRE’S 50+ champion Kevin Madge has set an ambitious target to double the current membership of the thousand-strong 50+ Forum. Cllr Madge has started a busy programme of visiting older people’s organisations throughout the county to promote the forum and encourage new members to join. The forum asks members to contribute their views by sending out surveys three times a year, together with a newsletter. The 50+ Forum steering group recently held its second meeting when members discussed the council’s kerbside recycling scheme and public toilets, including improving publicity on how to obtain radar keys for disabled toilets. Members offered to help publicise the scheme in their communities and were keen to find out what happened to food waste collected for recycling. “I am thrilled with the progress made with the 50+ Forum,” said Cllr Madge. “Over the last 18 months membership has increased steadily. “We’re now seeing Carmarthenshire County Council and partners knocking at the forum’s door to have their questions included in our regular surveys. “The next stage for us is to increase forum membership so that even more people can have their say and benefit from the informative newsletter we produce.” Cllr Madge is touring clubs for people aged 50 and over and recently visited Ammanford OAP group, where he talked about the benefits of joining up. He said: “I am passionate about getting out into the community and talking with people 50 and over. “There is such an un-tapped source of experience and knowledge out there and part of my role is to celebrate and encourage recognition of the contribution those 50-plus make.”

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