South Gloucestershire Council

Published: 27/09/2012

The event is for anyone aged 50 and over who would like to have a free health check or discover new activities in their area. It takes place on Thursday 4 October between 11am and 3pm at The Park Centre in Kingswood, opposite the Civic Centre.

Health professionals will be on hand to give advice and information on a range of topics including healthy eating, staying active and how to keep warm and well in the winter.

Free sessions which need to be booked in advance include blood pressure testing, therapeutic massage, toe nail cutting, eye screening and sessions on gentle exercises you can do in the comfort of your own armchair. Call 01454 863632 to book ahead.

Organiser Denise Swain said: “Staying independent, active and as healthy as we can is important as we get older and the health day provides an opportunity to discover new activities taking place on your doorstep and advice about things like healthy eating. The day is about making your life more comfortable.”

Avon Fire & Rescue Service will also be on hand offering fire safety advice and home safety visits, while Age UK will be running a pension clinic. And from T’ai Chi to tracing your family history online, staff from South Gloucestershire Council’s libraries will be on hand to take you through a packed programme of autumn events at a library near you.

Information will also be available about a range of council and partner services including ExtraCare housing schemes, trading standards advice on avoiding rogue traders, the handy van scheme for small repairs to your property, mental health awareness and falls prevention advice.

Other events for the over 50s at Discover Festival include ‘Get Connected’ where people can find out what services, support and activities are available in South Gloucestershire.

The Downend Connect project launches on Wednesday 17 October at Badminton Gardens, Beaufort Road from 10am to 2pm. This is a new project working with older people interested in volunteering and activities to stop them feeling isolated.

And on Thursday 18 October, a new friendship club opens at Staple Hill Methodist Church, 131 High Street, from 9.30am to 1pm where you can take part in cake decorating or gentle exercise. Call 01454 868267 for more information.

Other events this week include:

Tuesday 2 October 5.45 – 6.45pm
Patchway Library
Dragon Tang Soo Do and personal safety session

Tang soo do is a traditional Korean martial art which teaches self-defence and fighting. Join us for a free taster session. Whether you want to train for fitness and health or simply want to find a hobby, this may be for you! Wear trainers and comfortable clothes. Find out more at www.dtsd.co.uk  Local PCSOs will also be present to offer tips on personal safety.

Wednesday 3 October 7.30 – 9.30pm
Thornbury Library
Word of Mouth – A celebration of spoken and written word

An evening of poetry and monologues written by members of Thornbury Writers Circle to create an engaging celebration of the spoken and written word. Stir your enthusiasm for poetry, dialogue, reading and writing with like-minded locals! Tickets £2.60

Thursday 4 October 10.30am – 12.30pm
Wick Village Hall car park on A420, BS30 5RG
Wick Heritage Walk

Discover the hidden valley in Wick, which was once home to an ochre producing factory – making fine dyes to bring colour to the world. The site has many tales to tell – walk with Mollie Ward, Chair of the Friends group and find out more.

Saturday 6 October 1 – 5pm
Winterbourne Library
Fibres From Around the World

A display of spinning, weaving, crochet and knitting with fibres from around the world.

For further information about the Discover Festival, go to www.southglos.gov.uk/discover or email discover@southglos.gov.uk