It has helped countless people connect with activities and clubs in the borough, and now the Ageless Opportunities Directory has celebrated printing its 10th edition.

Now the Ageless Opportunities Directory has celebrated printing its 10th edition.

At an open day at the Priory Centre in Priory Plain, hundreds of people gathered to mark the occasion.

There was Egyptian dancing displays, chances to take part in a drumming session and displays of arts and crafts.

Kate Platt, a Great Yarmouth Community Trust worker who co-ordinates the directory, said the booklet launch was a chance for the public to find out about some of the groups and organisations listed in the catalogue.

“Most of the groups rely on volunteers, so these wonderful groups might not be able to operate without them.

“I researched for the first directory, and found out what groups were operating in the borough and where. The directory has since increased the numbers going to groups in the area.

“Subsequently it means people are able to be more sociable and if they go to a run around group then they can be fitter too.”

Ian Southam, founder of Ageless Opportunities, said the launch event for the 2016/17 booklet was a great success.

“I would not have believed we would be here at this stage a decade ago. I initially just thought it would be a couple of pages of A4 printed on my computer.

“I thought it would keep going for a couple of years – we had no money and it was just a thought then.”

Mr Southam launched the booklet because he noticed a need to link together all the organisations doing good work across the borough.

He said that thanks to funding from the then primary care trust, they were able to print an actual booklet.

The first directory had around 80 clubs compared to the 160 of today. He added: “During the last ten years it is very difficult to say how many people have benefitted from seeing the directory. But we have received countless letters and thanks from people.

“Without the volunteers, nothing would happen.”

In a message printed in the front of this year’s directory Mr Southam made an appeal for people to get involved as volunteers.

He wrote: “Sadly the years have seen a few groups cease, usually through lack of people willing to take on committee roles which ensure the group can keep going.

“You may not even belong to a group yet and may prefer to be on the committee rather than a participant.”

Mr Southam said to contact him (through the number for the Priory Centre below) if you might be able to help with a committee role for an organisation.

To pick up a copy of the directory, call the Priory Centre on 01493 743000, or pop in for a copy.