New era dawns at Age Concern Marbella – San Pedro as Ophelia Smith takes the helm.

Carol Woolnoth, the much-loved president of Age Concern Marbella – San Pedro, is retiring after six successful and energetic years, but will continue working hard to support the charity’s vital work.

Age Concern Marbella – San Pedro has ushered in a major new chapter on June 17 with a warm farewell and hug for retiring president Carol Woolnoth and an enthusiastic welcome for her successor, Ophelia Smith.

Carol has led the charity for the past six years, taking over from founder and first president Tom Burns. During her tenure she has strengthened the organisation’s position as a valued and integral part of the Marbella and San Pedro community, providing essential support to the older English-speaking expat population.

While stepping down from the high-profile role of president, Carol will remain actively involved with all aspects of Age Concern, focusing on training, induction and home visits.

The charity’s core mission is still unchanged: to combat the loneliness and isolation that many older people fear as an inevitable part of ageing. As the organisation continues to grow, its commitment to the English-speaking senior community on the Costa del Sol stays firmly at the heart of everything it does.

“Thank you, Carol, and our very best wishes to Ophelia,” the charity said. “We look forward to the future under your leadership.” Ophelia brings a wealth of practical knowledge with her, being totally bilingual and fully integrated into both the Spanish and English-speaking communities. She will undoubtedly be a massive benefit to the Age Concern community.

Summer schedule update

As summer gets underway, some activities will be temporarily suspended to give the charity’s hard-working volunteers a well-earned break. However, the lovely folk at Age Concern are absolutely determined to keep ever-popular coffee mornings going through all the summer months, as well as the Helpline (689 35 51 98), open every weekday from 10am to 6pm.

Holidaymakers looking for a friendly break from the sun, sea and sangria and some refuge in the air-conditioned cafes of Marbella and San Pedro are warmly invited to pop in and join a coffee morning for conversation and companionship. For details of your nearest session, simply call the helpline on 689 355 198.