End of the road for Senior Citizens Party

An annual party for senior citizens has held its last event after its organiser said falling numbers and rising costs were making it too hard to continue.

Alan Crowe introduced the event in 2009, and since then he has welcomed a number of celebrities to the town to entertain decent crowds every January.

But there’s been a reality check over the last two years with a sharp drop in numbers meaning more fundraising has been required to break even.

“This was the last one,” popular local entertainer, Alan, told us. “Although numbers were up a bit this year as we opened it up to others, last year (2018) we only had 66 people compared to 127 in 2017, and I didn’t want the party to continue with numbers falling each year.

“Also, although the party goers paid £8.50 for a ticket, in real terms the cost per head was £40, with the balance made up by fund raising, begging favours etc. and it is this that would need to increase to maintain the calibre of event but it is harder to raise money these days with coffee mornings and the like not being as popular as they once were.”

However, the event went out with a bang. Last week’s bash attracted close to 100 revellers with the Peter Gill Trio joined by all-round variety entertainer Gordon Cree who had travelled down from Scotland.

Comedy impressionist Adam Daye brought a host of popular characters alive during his set and, having appeared at the party four years ago, comedian Freddie Parrot Face Davies called in as he was in North Wales visiting friends.

The star of the show was Anita Harris, a true national treasure who, apart from performing her set, mixed with the audience during afternoon tea posing for photographs and signing autographs. Party goers were also given a complimentary copy of her CD.

“I would like to thank everyone who attended, in particular the volunteers who help out behind the scenes not only on the day but in the build-up to the event,” said Alan. “I get all the thanks and praise but without them I just couldn't do it.”

PICTURE: Alan pictured with last week's special guests Freddie Parrot Face Davies and Anita Harris.