Double celebration as members of Wellingborough's Golden Years notch up 180 years between them

Kitty Neilan turned 90 last week and she had plenty to celebrate with grandaughter Meg Neilan and members of Golden Years, the group set up by Meg just over a year ago.

But Kitty wasn’t the only one celebrating as John Pacheco was also marking his 90th birthday.

Meg, who was among the winners at the Northants Telegraph’s Pride In Northamptonshire 2018 awards, said: “My nan, who many people know is the ambassador of Golden Years and the main inspiration behind my reasons and determination to set the group up, turned 90 last week.

“She’s the strongest and toughest woman I know but hasn’t been in the best of health recently.

“So it was even more special to be able to celebrate her 90th birthday with another member of golden Years, John, who also turned 90.

“We had a big party at Great Doddington Club where we were entertained by 2018 X-Factor contestant Jacqui and also honoured to be able to share the afternoon of celebrations with the mayor of Wellingborough.”

While getting into the party spirit, Wellingborough mayor Malcolm Ward was able to hear about the group, which is aimed at giving elderly people the chance to take part in a range of social groups and activities to reduce loneliness and isolation.

It runs a weekly friendship group as well as excursions and events each week for older people to participate in and enjoy new experiences.

Since the group’s launch, members have enjoyed an indoor skydive, cocktail making, a roller disco, supercar driving and hot lap experience at Rockingham Speedway, and a trip to Ascot.

Golden Years has more than 20 regular members, although there are more on the books who attend events during the year.

The age range is 65 up to 90, with most people in their late 70s or early 80s.

To read more about the group, click here