Age Concern Hamilton celebrated 25 years 1986 - 2011 with a dazzling event at the Celebrating Age Centre.

The Mayor, Julie Hardaker, local MP's, past and present staff, Board members, volunteers and funders attended a cocktail evening to mark the occasion.

Guests mingled amongst an extensive photo gallery which included "Don't Wait 'Til You're Eighty Matey" calendar images and photos of past events, staff, board and volunteers as the band 'The Criptics' played in the background.  They enjoyed refreshments while sharing memories with each other.

The more formal part of the evening included a welcome by Gail; words from our Mayor Julie Hardaker; a visual presentation by Sylvie from Artmakers; memories of the early days by Evelyn Weir and the launch of our new website by Joanne & Andrew from DuoTone.

The Oldest surviving staff member, Elsie Ireland aged 90 years, was on hand to cut the cake with help from the Mayor. Elsie was one of the original staff when Age Concern was housed in a room at the back of Hamilton East Police Station.  Space was so short she had to sit in the bath with a board across it for her desk.

Elsie now lives in Cambridge with her daughter but maintains an active interest in Age Concern Hamilton.

To see more photos of this evening go to our photo gallery.  An outline of our history will be available soon to download.