SIR,

An enjoyable, interesting and well attended, two day Conference held by 'Speaking up for our Age', took place in Llandridnod, 10/11th March.

Monmouth 50+ forum had sent delegates to join with other forums throughout Wales. Various speakers, including speakers from Monmouth, spoke on access to information, advice and basic services, within their own areas.

We compared our transport, availability of public toilets, quality of pavements, seating, information technology, lifetime homes and participatory budgeting. In the workshops, frank exchanges, humour, information and lots of common sense encountered.

The Campaign "Towards Common Ground" was particularly welcomed, which contained issues previously mentioned. We expect because of 'The Older Peoples Strategy' of Monmouthshire County Council, acting on advice from Welsh Assembly,  Monmouthshire County Council will  take this campaign seriously. 

In view of our aging population, people wanted to see communities avoid having ageism "designed in" their environment. The second Phase of the Strategy for Older People, 2008 –2013, states that 'social inclusion' is the key element in the quality of life, health and wellbeing of older people.

Help the Aged Director, Ana Palazone, spoke of the forthcoming merger with Age Concern in Wales. We were given excellent addresses from Deputy Minister for Social Services, AM. Gwenda Thomas.

The AM was pleased with the increasing voluntary and valued membership of the forum's involvement with voice of real people. Ruth Marks, the Older People's Commissioner, recounted her first year in the job and future hopes.

Arnold  Woolley, Deputy Spokesperson, for Older People of Wales' Local Government Association usually speaks common sense. This occasion was no exception; neither was Tony Watts, Editor of 'Mature Times' with relatives in Monmouth!

Finally, Chairman, Prof John Williams, in summing up, gave his tributes to those present.

All in all, a very enjoyable time, with hopes and challenges for future generations.

 S G Gilbert

(Monmouth 50+ Forum)