An Inspiring Letter to The Press

We felt inspired to send this letter to, in this case, The Guardian newspaper (as we had a copy handy at the time). 

We haven't been made aware that has been published, but we live in hope.

In the meantime, here is what we wrote:

"Our Patron, the actor Frank Williams, "The Reverend" from Dad's Army (right) has recently commented on the sad passing of Clive Dunn and Bill Pertwee. Allow us then to reflect on the fact that Frank is still determinedly acting in his 80's and we are grateful that he is supporting our message that the elderly are still as wonderful as their younger fellows.  

Meanwhile, the older people's Rock group, The Zimmers, have proved they are older, but no wiser, in appearing live in a festival in Warrington. 

Finally, son of Orpington, author of The Fall and Rise of Reginald Perrin, David Nobbs, is even now completing a new novel, aged 78, and will talk about his Lifetime In Comedy in his birthplace on 11 June - https://www.facebook.com/events/534332539938431/. None of these got where they are today by settling for an enfeebled old age and they should inspire us all."

Welcome to the Veneratio Charity Blog

Frank Williams at our launch event

Welcome to readers of this blog from Bethany, founder of the new charity Veneratio, which is working to help better integrate older people with society.

By “integrate” we mean simply helping people who have reached what used to be the retirement age of 60 to have more opportunities and more respect from other age groups than is sometimes currently the case.  We believe:

-  That older people, including those who have problems with their health and mobility, are just as valuable and interesting as their younger selves;

-  That older people can be given or create for themselves more opportunities to do positive things with other people of all ages;

-  That it is terrible that many older and retired people are lonely and isolated.  We intend to do all that we can to help them have more things to do and to be able to enjoy the company of others more often;
 
-  That older people can help younger people to realise their dreams and succeed in their lives and careers and that getting the two together is a must.

We launched in October 2011 and are based in Biggin Hill in Kent.  We were honoured to have at our launch the actor Frank Williams, formerly The Reverend from the Dad’s Army TV show.  We are now even more honoured that he is our Patron. 

As 2012 begins, we have delivered a number of local events for elderly people and I have been out and about in homes and hospitals talking with local older people.  

My colleague Darren has been interviewing a local lady of 88 years of age, Sylvia, about her experiences which include her fathers grocery business which was using horse and cart when she was a young girl; working in RAF transport taking WWII bomber crew to and from their aircraft; and later running a catering business and meeting some rich and famous people.  Her memories will appear in this blog at a later date.  Finally (for now) on Saturday 25th February at the Priory School in Orpington, between 1 and 4pm, we will have our first Age Exchange event, held in partnership with the  Bromley Community Engagement Forum, to entertain and engage both local young and older people, and where we have professional musicians aged 20 and 74 years old playing.

We have much to look forward to.  We’re determined to make a difference.  If you would like to get in touch, to help us or donate some money to help us do more, visit our website www.veneratio.org.uk

Bethany Russell, Founder, Veneratio