Pictures: Mayor 'thrilled' with Older People's Lunch success

The Mayor's Older People's Lunch was hosted in partnership with retirement living company Platinum Skies and took place in Salisbury Guildhall on Thursday, September 7.

Guests enjoyed a free two-course lunch served by Charter 1227 and prominent figures gave talks, including mayor of Salisbury councillor Atiqul Hoque, deputy lord lieutenant Phil Harding and Salisbury MP John Glen. 

Managing director Mark Edwards, at Platinum Skies, spoke about how there is often still a social stigma to overcome that later life needn’t mean stopping, and there’s still an awful lot to enjoy.

He went on to highlight the difference that older people can make in volunteering and supporting charities and organisations.

Older People's Champion Irene Kohler. (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

£320 was raised through donations and a prize raffle which went towards Cllr Hoque's chosen charities - the Salisbury Hospice, Salisbury Rotary Club, Wilton Rotary Club and Riding for the Disabled.

The 762nd mayor of Salisbury created the event to champion the difference that older people make to the lives of their fellow Salisbury residents.

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Cllr Hoque said he was "thrilled to see so many people in one room together for such a momentous occasion" and hoped it was the first of many events to champion the work of older people.

He added: “I always said that if I became mayor one day, I would host a lunch for older people as I was taught to respect my elders from a young age and it’s important for them to be recognised for the contribution they make.

"It was lovely to see the smiles on our guests’ faces throughout the day.”

Mayor Atiqul Hoque with guests. (Image: Spencer Mulholland)

The event, held a day before the first anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, was marked by deputy lord lieutenant of Wiltshire Phil Harding.

He highlighted the Queen's dedicated service until her passing at 96, showcasing the ultimate example of impactful contributions people can make in later life.

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Platinum Skies owns and operates the Chapters over-55s community off Wilton Road.

Community director Laura Warwick said: “It was a fantastic day and such an honour to be part of such a wonderful event, which offered so many reasons to celebrate the work that older people do in and around Salisbury.

"The invited guests included some of our homeowners who have fundraised and supported Salisbury’s residents in a host of way and they thoroughly enjoyed the event.”