Gore’s Happy Wanderers, a group of seniors who take regular walks for social reasons, recently did their annual ‘‘three day away’’, last month in Central Otago.
Group member Jeanette Joyce said the group of 10, whose ages range from 60 to 80, did three river walks, a lake walk and visited three ‘‘delightful villages’’.
Isobel Agnew, who started the group in 2002, said their numbers had dwindled in recent years.
‘‘ We had a lot more going then,’’ she said.
‘‘We went to Stewart Island twice and we had over 50 [participants] both times.’’
When asked why the troupe’s numbers were lessening she said many had unfortunately died, but also a lot of people could not afford the trip’s expenses such as bus trips, as the cost of living was much more expensive now.
A $30 bus trip nowadays was a lot for those on a pension, she said.
What was free, however, was the group’s ‘‘town walks’’ they do every Tuesday, which encouraged senior members of the community to get out and enjoy some socialising.
‘‘We have a lot of fun,’’ Mrs Joyce said.
They meet at the old library building at 9.30am every Tuesday for their town walks and you can contact Jennie Ritchie on 027 778-3332 to get involved.
