An initiative which has provided support, advice and information to thousands of people in Fenland is marking its 20th anniversary this year. 

The Golden Age fairs were launched in 2003 by the late Councillor Mac Cotterell MBE and have since welcomed almost 7,000 visitors across the district. 

It is an idea organised by Fenland District Council [FDC] which brings together providers of care, financial assistance, health provision, social activities and other services to venues throughout the year. 

Cllr Sam Clark, FDC portfolio holder for health and Golden Age fairs, said: “The Golden Age events have helped thousands of people to access the support, advice, health care and financial assistance they are entitled to. 

“They’re a great legacy of Cllr Cotterell and his dedication to supporting people living in rural communities and the older people of Fenland.” 

Cambs Times: Partners and Golden Age committee members mark 20 years of the initiative, launched by the late Cllr Mac Cotterell MBE.Partners and Golden Age committee members mark 20 years of the initiative, launched by the late Cllr Mac Cotterell MBE. (Image: FDC)

Golden Age fairs are designed for older people and their family, carers and friends but anyone is welcome. 

The events are now branded 'Mac’s Golden Age' in memory of Cllr Cotterell who died aged 81 in 2013. 

Marjorie Cotterell, known as Madge, widow of Cllr Cotterell and former Elm parish councillor, said her late husband was “always so innovative.  

“He wouldn’t take any accolade for himself, he was most adamant that ‘it’s not me, it’s the team’.” 

Cambs Times: Cllr Mac Cotterell MBE, who died in 2013, launched the Golden Age fair initiative 20 years ago.Cllr Mac Cotterell MBE, who died in 2013, launched the Golden Age fair initiative 20 years ago. (Image: FDC)

Up to 2018, FDC reported more than £1 million had been identified in unclaimed benefits for people who attended the Golden Age events. 

Since 2014, a scheme to identify and replace dangerous and faulty electric blankets has seen 300 of these replaced with safe ones for free, while the old blankets are repaired and donated to animal charities. 

FDC found almost 1,000 health checks have also been carried out at Golden Age events between 2005 and 2015. 

READ MORE: Golden Age Fair returns to Wisbech later this month

Psychology student Alexia Franklin, of Wisbech, is an active volunteer with FDC’s street pride team and, while undertaking a degree attended her first Golden Age event last year. 

“You learn things about the area you don’t know; there’s always something you’re not aware of,” said Alexia, 69. 

“I came home with a lot of very useful connections and information about what support you can get as an older person.” 

Alexia added: “Many of the organisations at the event made it clear that if you find it difficult to complete the forms – which can be very daunting – they will help.” 

Cambs Times: From left: Cllr Sam Clark, Cllr Maureen Davis, Ash Godfrey and Cllr Will Sutton with a cake to mark 20 years of the Fenland Golden Age fairs.From left: Cllr Sam Clark, Cllr Maureen Davis, Ash Godfrey and Cllr Will Sutton with a cake to mark 20 years of the Fenland Golden Age fairs. (Image: FDC)

An anniversary event to mark 20 years of the Golden Age fairs is planned, as planning for the next event takes place. 

The next Golden Age fair, held quarterly every year, will be at Christchurch Community Centre, Upwell Road, Christchurch, PE14 9LL between 11am and 2pm on Friday, June 30. 

For more details, visit FDC’s Golden Age webpage.