A speech by The Duchess of Cornwall to mark 60 years of Age Concern Wiltshire, RAF Lyneham

I am delighted to be here with you all today at this very special party to celebrate Age Concern Wiltshire’s 60th birthday. Sixty is quite a milestone in anyone’s life, as those of us who have already reached it know only too well.

Since the charity was established in 1949, thousands of older people in Wiltshire have benefitted from its many services, ranging from home support to luncheon and “technology” clubs – and even toe nail cutting, which I am very impressed by. Moreover, as families continue to spread further apart, many older people experience increasing loneliness and isolation, so that Age Concern’s services truly are a lifeline and just as much in demand as they were sixty years ago.

I know my husband, as Patron of the newly created Age UK, would wish to join me in paying a special tribute to all the volunteers and staff who work so hard to improve the lives of many older people in Wiltshire – and to thank everyone who has supported this 60th anniversary celebration.

As a new chapter begins, with the merging of Age Concern and Help the Aged, I am sure you will all rise to the challenges ahead and I wish you the very best for the next sixty years. Thank you very much for inviting me here today, I will go back and tell my husband that he has missed a very good party.