Help is at hand in the open air

Age UK staged the event at the promenade bandstand to raise awareness of a range of subjects for elderly people.

One of them was the importance of exercise. Eileen Rogers, a healthy lifestyle team inclusion advisor for the charity, led her first al fresco sitting exercise session.

Five people took part and gave their hands, arms, feet and legs a gentle workout. One of them was Pamela Ryan, 84, of Pagham.

She attends Eileen’s more conventional classes which attract some 60 people a week. “They are marvellous. I see Eileen once a week, and I have a chat and do some exercises.

“I feel generally better. I can move my hands better, I speak better and I have some companionship.”

The event, however, suffered from blustery and cold weather to keep down the numbers who took part to about 30.

Those who went along found information about healthy eating, food safety and the Careline service.