PEOPLE aged over 60 living in the Fordingbridge area are being invited to join a new theatre project.

Professional company Forest Forge is working with the Fordingbridge Nursing Aids Trust to create a new theatre production looking at the lives of older people in and around the town.

The production will be called Views from the Bridge, and aims to celebrate the town and the people who have lived and worked there.

In the early research phase of the project, Forest Forge is hosting a series of coffee mornings and events over the next few months and they want to meet people.

Community theatre officer Lisa Halpin said: “We are researching for a new play based on the lives of older people in Fordingbridge, looking at their lives and the way they have chosen to live them in this town.

“We want to talk to everyone – those people born and bred here or those who have moved here more recently. The play will explore growing up in Fordingbridge, falling in love, starting families, working and getting older in the town.”

The finished play will also deal with the issue of falls among the elderly.

A spokesman said: “One in three people over the age of 65 will have had an experience of falling, an event which can have a profound effect on people’s lives and independence, particularly if they live alone.

“It can be a troubling time for those affected, but there are lots of things that can be done to overcome the difficulties associated with falling and help people get back on their feet, and Forest Forge wants to use this project to address these issues.”

Ms Halpin added: “We hope the project will bring people together, help them make new friends and feel more confident at a time in their lives when falling or the fear of falling can lead to fear, isolation and loneliness.”

The project begins with two coffee mornings at the Avonway Community Centre, on Monday, February 18 and Monday, February 25, from 10am to 11am. No need to book.

If you can’t make it but would like to contribute contact Ms Halpin on 01425 470188.