Getting older is a reason to celebrate

Throughout Ballarat there are more than 50 events and activities on the calendar as part of the statewide festival.

Ballarat Western Croquet Club will hold come and try croquet sessions from 9.15am to 1pm every Tuesday and Friday during October.

The club plays the social version of croquet, golf croquet, which club secretary Jenny Leviston said is easy to pick up.

“You can pick it up straight away, but you get better at it the more you play. It’s a very strategic and tactical game and there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye,” she said.

The club has run come and try days during previous Seniors Festivals, but decided to extend it throughout the entire month to let club members take part in other festival events.

“During the Seniors Festival we all like to be out and about doing stuff because there’s so much on, so we decided to extend the come and try days through the whole Senior’s Festival.”

Croquet along with tennis, table tennis, dancercise classes, and cycling are among the more active events taking their place in the Seniors Festival schedule.

For those looking for more entertainment than exertion, on October 12, senior Beatles fans can get their groove on at the Rubber Soul Beatles Tribute at Housey Housey in Armstrong St.

The band has recreated the look and sound of The Beatles with a mix of original enthusiasm, excitement and spirit of the songs. 

Films, festivals and fairs will also stretch the entertainment budget as most Seniors Festival events are free.

Taking a more serious look at some of the issues facing seniors is the Platinum Driving road safety awareness program designed for older road users. At Ballarat North Neighbourhood House at 10.30am on October 19, RACV and Victoria Police will present road safety information to help older community members stay safe on the road.

For the full program of Ballarat events visit ballarat.vic.gov.au