THIS is the 14th year of the York 50+ Festival, presented by YOPA, the York Older People’s Assembly with the motto of “Action on Ageing”.

Running from September 21 to October 7, the festival is preceded by a series of information fairs, the second taking place at the Spurriergate Centre and St Sampson’s Centre today until 3pm; the last at The Gateway Centre, Acomb, on Friday from 10am to 1pm.

“Every page of the 54-page programme is brimming with events and new opportunities, some you may have heard of and enjoyed in the past and some that you can enjoy for the rest of the year,” says Sue Lister MBE, who coordinated the annual event for 12 years.

“What tickles your fancy? Singing with the Vocal Flourish Community Choir or weaving the light fantastic with Scottish country dancing? Fishing? Bowling? Laughing? Walking? An exploration of your digestive health? Ayurvedic herbs? Resolving pain through the mind body connection?

“What more can you find? Well, Friday’s information fair offers advice, info, chats, friendly consultations, refreshments and places you can get all your questions answered.”

Sue wants to focus on those “who can’t easily get to any of these events – people who are ageing at home alone without the support of children”. She started a monthly group, AWOC York, in January 2016 as part of the national initiative Ageing Without Children, whose website has more information at awoc.org.

“I have more than 100 people on my circulation list and a dozen or more meet regularly at the Cross Keys pub on Goodramgate on the second Wednesday of each month,” says Sue, who can be contacted on 01904 488870.

York Press:

Passionate support: Sue Lister is urging backing for York 50+ Festival

Sue’s determination to spread the word about people ageing without children nearby to lend a hand in time of need, allied to her passion for the 50+ Festival, has led to the Real People Theatre Company’s 19th production, No Kidding? Directed by Sue, who is the company’s artistic director, the play can be seen at the Priory Street Centre, York, on October 6 from 2pm to 4pm in a revival after its premiere during York International Women’s Week in March.

“It features ten scenes exploring the experience of being on your own: on Sundays and holidays; at the mercy of scammers; distraught when taken into hospital and there’s nobody at home to look after the cat; the grief of childlessness; the hidden sadness when your children have moved away; the broodiness of men who will never be fathers…and more – including tap dancing!” says Sue. “After each scene, the issue is discussed with the audience. It’s a time to find ways of coping and moving on.”

She is urging those with an elderly neighbour to “call in with a 50+ Festival programme and ask if they’d like a lift to an event that catches their eye”.

“If York wants this festival to continue, people need to step forward and offer to help with the programme, the displays, the publicity, phoning and the distribution. It’s a job worth doing and worth doing well,” adds Sue.

The programme is available from libraries and community centres and in city-centre outlets. “You can also find it on the YOPA website at yorkassembly.org.uk/y1/festival and reach the team at yopa.festival@gmail.com,” says Sue.

Meanwhile, she wants to draw further attention to the needs of those ageing without children. “The subject is relevant to every community around the country. There will be people in this situation in your street, in your village, in your town or city. Is it time to start an AWOC group near you?” she asks, advising those interested to visit awoc.org.