Arnold Golden Eagles ( a sub-group of )Arnold Local Area has been established since 2001 as a result of a number of consultations that took place with groups, organisations and the residents of Arnold.

The group is a collection of very active over 50's from a varied background within the community who are interested in the present and future well-being of the residents and who meet on a regular basis
to identify issues that affect older citizens with a view to influencing positive outcomes.

The aims of the group are :-

1) To encourage and support existing active groups for the older citizens of the area.

2) To form effective liaison with voluntary and statutory organisations
which are of benefit to older citizens and refer on.

3) To be the means whereby the concerns of older citizens are heard and acted upon.

4) To act as the older citizens' collective voice on the Local Area Forum.

5) To ensure that two-way communication with older citizens in the area is efficient and they are informed about what is happening.

6) To ensure that older citizens are aware of the best means of finding help
and information when assistance is needed. 

The group is now well established and has focused on a number of issues with
successful outcomes during 2003.

During previous consultations it was recognised that there was a shortage of exercise
courses in Arnold for those older people who were suffering from restrictive movements, recovering from major injury/surgery, in need of directive exercise etc.

Existing classes tended to be for the fully fit and the very active individual and not suitable for the less able in Arnold. The LAF membership gave a grant to the group to set up a gentle exercise class at St. Timothy's church which was so successful that enquiries were received for another class ,in a more central part of Arnold.
Anyone interested in joining the group is more than welcome and can be assured of a fun time with some healthy exercise.

Early in 2003  the group processed an information document designed for older people to access the telephone number of emergency services and other care, health, transport, policing, advice and information as well as disability service organisations. It took the form of a large print folded card that could be placed in a handy position on the Mantel piece, cabinet/sideboard etc. This was printed locally and distributed throughout Arnold to all the areas where older citizens lived.

Speakers are invited periodically to attend the group and talk about issues of a topical
nature affecting older people. These talks can lead the group to explore other areas of concern and to refer on to statutory / other authorities.

The conference was extremely well attended with opening addresses by MP Vernon Coaker and Councillor John Stocks-Chair of Arnold Local Area Forum.

Evaluation of the day was conducted at the closing of the conference and the feedback will be used to process new initiatives this year.

Thanks go to the very able Chair of the group Alan Langton and to the Treasurer Jack Sulley ( a man with the money) as well as the enthusiastic core of the group who have supported the Golden Eagles throughout its existence. Thanks also must go to Nottinghamshire County Council, to Arnold LAF and to Gedling BC for their finance, support and accommodation.

2006 will be a busy time and therefore new members are welcome to come along to the
group meetings held every 6 weeks or so at Gedling Borough Council offices on a Friday morning between 10.00 and 11.30 a.m.