Queen's Platinum Jubilee Celebration

Age UK Northumberland celebrates Queen's Platinum Jubilee at Woodhorn Museum

Over 100 older residents from across the region joined Age UK Northumberland at Woodhorn Museum on Wednesday 01 June for a very special event to mark the Queen's Platinum Jubilee.

The event, which took place in the Workshop Galleries at Woodhorn Museum, brought together people across Northumberland who have accessed support though the Age UK Northumberland Friendship Line and social groups to get together, chat, enjoy music from the Darling Dollies and most importantly meet with friends new and old.

Age UK Northumberland provided a vital lifeline for many older residents who were unable to leave the house or mix with friends and family during the pandemic. The charity’s friendship line matches local residents who are feeling lonely with a trained volunteer who will arrange a weekly chat.  The charity also runs regular clubs, events and classes for people that are able to socialise with others in person.

Wednesday’s event at Woodhorn Museum was the first time that many people had met in person after striking up friendships over the telephone or online during the pandemic.

Amy Whyte, Chief Executive of Age UK Northumberland said:

“This was a really special day for our clients, our volunteers and our team. Bringing together people who had chatted together for over two years or more and built up a strong relationship during very challenging times, really did illustrate why we do the work that we do.

We were proud and honored to have over 100 of our clients, volunteers and supporters at the event and we would like to thank the team at Woodhorn Museum for making it such a special occasion.

This event was a wonderful start to Volunteers’ Week and a great opportunity to thank our amazing volunteers for the outstanding work that they do supporting older people across the county.  We really could not achieve all that we do without their support and we are thoroughly grateful.”

Shirley, a health and wellbeing volunteer for Age UK Northumberland, taught exercise classes and made friendship calls during the coronavirus pandemic. She said:

“It was wonderful to meet face to face with the lady who I call, I know that supporting the Friendship Line makes a huge difference to her life and I really enjoy our chats together.”

Rowan Brown, Chief Executive of Museums Northumberland, said: “Lots of us experienced feelings of loneliness and isolation during the pandemic, but for many older people who were forced to self isolate, or spend time apart from friends and family, the experience of COVID-19 was particularly challenging.

“Thankfully, Age UK Northumberland was on hand to help hundreds of people across Northumberland spend quality time talking to local volunteers. That regular interaction can make a huge difference to the quality of people’s lives, and many older people really looked forward to their weekly call.

“It’s been a pleasure to host Age UK Northumberland, its volunteers, and all the people who benefit from the charity’s amazing work at Woodhorn Museum to celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee.”

Age UK Northumberland is the country's leading charity dedicated to helping everyone make the most of later life. It provides companionship, advice and support for older people who need it most. Age UK Northumberland is based in Ashington.

For more information about Age UK Northumberland, visit https://www.ageuk.org.uk/northumberland.

Woodhorn Museum is part of Northumberland’s museum service, Museums Northumberland, which cares for sites of historic interest and collections across the county.

Museums Northumberland comprises Woodhorn Museum in Ashington, Berwick Museum and Art Gallery, Hexham Old Gaol and Morpeth Chantry Bagpipe Museum.

For more information about Museums Northumberland, visit www.museumsnorthumberland.org.uk.