In response to various letters and feedback about the York 50+ Festival, I am happy to put the idea into my own words.

And that's all it started as - an idea. If other cities can hold 50+ festivals, why can't York have a go too?

I brought the idea to the York Older People's Assembly and it was greeted with enthusiasm.

All we had to do was to spread the word to groups across the city and in surrounding communities, they would schedule something between September 24 and October 2, tell us the details to put in the programme, and presto, we would have a festival to enjoy.

People are organising their own events and sharing what they enjoy doing with others.

There may be performances, there may be workshops, there may be groups offering taster sessions. Businesses may think of their own ways of becoming involved.

The more people and organisations we talked to, the more wanted to join in.

Well, why not?

If you are a member of a cycling club, doing contra or belly dancing classes, knitting clothes for kids who need them, painting, making model boats or engines or taking part in the uncountable activities that are happening around York, why shouldn't you have an open session during the week of the Festival and share your interest with others?

A wide variety of groups, theatres, leisure centres, libraries and community centres all want to participate. We have only just started and the idea is spreading.

We can look forward to celebrating a week of diverse experiences, enjoying what we already know, exploring new interests, and sharing our skills and passion with people of all ages.

The festival is a way of focusing on the positive. Why not make the most of it?

Sue Lister,

Curlew Glebe,

Dunnington,

York.

Updated: 09:49 Saturday, June 04, 2005