Christine Grahame MSP hosted a reception on behalf of the Scottish Older People’s Assembly to celebrate the contribution of older adults to Scotland's democracy. Around 75 constituents attended, with 15 organisations holding stalls providing information about their activities and concerns. Ceilidh music was played by the “HLI Ceilidh Band". Chair Tom Berney, other Committee members and politicians addressed the company. Tom covered SOPA recent activities, including recent campaign issues. Minister Jean Freeman spoke about the productive work the Government had been doing with SOPA which she hopes will continue. Sandra White MSP referred to SOPA's important Secretariat role for the Cross Party Group on Older People, Age and Ageing. (Next meeting - 26 April, 5.30 -7.30, jointly with Cross Party Group on Mental Health.) LGTBI spokesperson Tim Puntis mentioned that Scotland had been voted the best country for LGTBI people but there still was a way to go to remove barrieries to full acceptance and inclusion.
Centre picture: 'Grey Matters' Helensburgh and Lomond, Rob Snodgrass and colleagues with Christine Grahame MSP. GM won the Age Scotland Award for Campaigning and Influencing.
Pictures clockwise from top left -
1 - National Federation of Occupational Pensioners, Alan Spinks and Learning in Later Life Association, Strathclyde University, John Parkhill and Diane Campbell.
2 - Soroptomists International, Christine Craig
3 - RNIB delegates, Gozie Joe Adigwa, Tony Young and Sandra Wilson
4 - Christine Grahame MSP welcoming constituents
5 - LGTBI Tim Puntis and Nicky Stones
6 - Sandra White MSP, convenor of the Cross Party Group on Older People, Age and Ageing addressing the company.
7 - Age Scotland, Richard Baker and Toni Giugliano
8 - Out of the Box, Ann Connor and Christine Ryder
