Thank You for Making 80 Years in the Making a Resounding Success

As the final chapter of our 80 Years in the Making exhibition closes, we are overwhelmed by the warmth, enthusiasm, and community spirit that filled The Forum from August 4th to 7th.

Dan Skipper, Age UK Norwich CEO said: "What a celebration, not just marking 80 years of Age UK Norwich - but a powerful story of a partnerships with the city.  Norfolk has one of the oldest demographic profiles in the country – therefore our response must be proportionate to the scale of that challenge. I hope our exhibition helped people imagine Norwich as a national leader in positive, healthy ageing –  that is the future we want to build. By investing in Age UK Norwich, and by partnering with us, you will be driving real change – for older people, for families, and for the city and county."

From a packed and enthusiastic launch to a week of meaningful conversation and heartfelt connection, the response has been nothing short of inspiring. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to:

• Aviva, Home Instead Norwich, and Hatch Brenner Solicitors, whose generous sponsorship underpinned the entire event and enabled us to think big.

• Image Experiential and CIM Signs, whose creative design and execution brought the exhibition to life, transforming archives and stories into an immersive experience.

• The Forum, for hosting us in such a welcoming and vibrant space.

Our heartfelt thanks also go to our exceptional speakers and partners, whose contributions shaped the week’s energy and impact:
Age UK (both the national team and CEO Paul Farmer); GaitSmart; Centre for Ageing Better; Home Instead Norwich; Dragon Hall Society; Barclays; Konnect Bus; John Gordon‑Saker and the History of Brands; Reflex Theatre; and Hatch Brenner, as well as former CEO Brenda Arthur your voices and perspectives were integral to the conversation.

To all local change‑makers, volunteers, advocates, and community members who joined us on opening day and throughout the week: thank you.

You reaffirmed that in Norwich, local doesn't mean small it means bold.

Our exhibition began with a powerful launch, a full house and an engaged audience set the tone for a week that combined nostalgia with forward thinking. Visitors explored archive photographs, loved ones’ stories, and the evolution of Age UK Norwich since our founding in 1945. They took part in talks, digital inclusion sessions, health advice, Age Friendly Norwich feedback, and more — experiences that served both to educate and empower. 

The reach extended online too: social media posts and community shares amplified the exhibition's stories far beyond The Forum’s walls. Yet, what remains most powerful is the simple magic of face‑to‑face moments, conversations across generations, tears of recognition, and new friendships formed.

Continuing the Journey

While the exhibition has ended, our mission continues. We remain dedicated to our £80,000 fundraising goal, now more driven than ever by the momentum and connections forged during the week.

Age UK Norwich has long stood against loneliness, championing lunch clubs, befriending, advice services, and advocacy as core pillars of our work — and this exhibition was a bold affirmation of our city’s age‑friendly model of living well later in life.

Thank you, Norwich, for celebrating with us, reflecting with us, and laying the foundation for the next 80 years of care, dignity, and community.