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York Older People's Assembly |
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Welcome to the website for the York Older People's Assembly For details of the Assembly and of events and information for the over 50s, please click on the links to the left or contact us by post, telephone or email. News!
YOPA
10th Anniversary Dinner + Auction A splendid night! 58 people gathered at the Monkbar Hotel on Wednesday 24 April to celebrate the work of YOPA. The Lord Mayor, the Sheriff and the Lady Sheriff, leaders from the York Hospital and the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, together with business supporters and members and friends of YOPA. View photos of the evening here. Elly Fiorentini from BBC Radio York was the celebrity auctioneer and once more conducted a lively auction making sure that each of the 15 items donated by generous local businesses received bids matching its true worth. "Elly did us proud at the Auction of Promises at the Guildhall in 2011 and we were delighted to have her with us again. She managed to raise £600 for us and we are immensely grateful to those who donated and to those who bid" said Sue Lister who organised the evening. The highlight of the evening was a bidding battle between Hospital VIPs for the "Winter Minster" framed picture donated by York Digital Image which went under the hammer for £95! " View auction slide presentation here. The Monkbar proved to be a real find in terms of charity fundraising. The staff were so welcoming and so helpful - I would especially like to mention Nikki and Liz in the planning stages and Andrew and his team who looked after us during the evening. The 3-course dinner was very tasty, served with a smile and much enjoyed by everyone," said Sue. Sally Hutchinson, CEO of Age UK York, claimed the right to speak as the longest-serving member of YOPA. She was in at the beginning in 2002 and has seen board members come and go. She remembers the launch of YOPA as part of the Better Government for Older People initiative, the merger with the York Older People's Forum in 2005, the start of the York 50+ Festival in 2005, and the many campaigns YOPA has been involved in over the years.
Bob Towner, Vice Chair, spoke about the important role YOPA Board Members play in policy-making in the city. He pointed out that the voice of YOPA is respected as it submits suggestions and proposals, engages and consults, runs surveys and distributes information concerning issues such as the new NHS reforms, the Fairness Commission, how to meet lifelong housing needs, the essential nature of accessible, frequent and reliable public transport, how to make York an age-friendly city and a dementia-friendly city, how we can take responsibility for living a healthy lifestyle, in body and mind, and how best to survive in these times of austerity through neighbourliness, community cooperation and cohesion. The Lord Mayor Keith Hyman spoke about his time as Older People's Champion for the Council. He remembers being interviewed by members of the YOPA Board and was so relaxed, thinking he didn't stand a chance, that he gave a very good interview and was appointed! He followed Cllr Ruth Potter and felt that only by working together across political parties as we do can the good work of YOPA flourish. "It's all down to choices and if we don't like the choices being made for us, then we need to step in and do something about it," said Sue. "Long may our work continue." If you are over 50 and interested in learning more about the work of YOPA and perhaps becoming a member, browse this website or phone the office on 01904 634661 - Jean is there on Monday and Thursday mornings.
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working
for the 50+ in York 
