by John Baron
Bramley Elderly Action members and volunteers have celebrated the 30th anniversary of the lifeline organisation.
A day-long celebration tied in with BEA’s annual general meeting saw the community celebrate in style.
Since 2004 the charity, based at Bramley Community Centre and Bramley Lawn, has supported around 4,000 people over the age of 60.
This includes affordable social opportunities which help people get out of their homes and make new friends.
At the AGM members and volunteers John and Kath Warr picked up their long-time member award for 20 years of service.
“Someone asked me: What makes you happy about being with BEA?” John said. “The answer is easy and it’s one word: ‘company’.
“When you’re sat in the house on your own BEA gets you out and mixing with people your own age. We’ve met people we haven’t seen for years and it is lovely. We get to swap photos of grand kids.
“You see people’s faces at coffee mornings, they are all smiling and happy.”
John and Kath both enjoy trips out to the seaside and elsewhere.
Kath, who has had a wide variety of volunteering roles with BEA, said: “They can help with anything. If you need help with filling in forms or anything like that, or you need advice, the staff are always there. If you’re infirm they can come and pick you up. I don’t know what we’d do without them.”
Bramley Elderly Action’s CEO Lee Ingham said the day of celebration had gone well.
He added: “It was brilliant to see the Lord Mayor awarding Bill Rollinson MBE and Sheila Mahon for their contribution to the impact that Bramley Elderly Action has made over the past 30 years.
“It is probably safe to say that without Bill and Sheila, there would not be a Bramley Elderly Action.”
BEA supports older people living in Bramley, Swinnow and parts of Stanningley. With help from volunteers, it offers 16 weekly activities, trips, help using technology and general information.
More details from BEA on 0113 236 1644.
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