Age Cymru hosting a photographic exhibition of Changemakers – people who challenge stereotypes of ageing and trailblaze in their field Cardiff Central Library until 17 October

Age Cymru is hosting a photographic exhibition of older people in Wales who not only challenge stereotypes of ageing but also trailblaze in their fields of arts, culture, or sport. 

The photographs were all taken by Wales’ renowned photographer Jon Pountney who worked closely with all the Changemakers to capture their unique spirit and determination to succeed in their field. 

Our first sporting Changemaker was the Wales Veterans Football Association following their successful staging of the Veterans World Cup in Cardiff during the summer 2024.  

The four-day tournament, held at the Cardiff University Sports Fields, featured one category for the over 70s and another for the over 75s.  It attracted teams from across the world including Australia, Denmark, England, Germany, Norway, USA and of course Wales.  

And to put the icing on the cake Wales won the over 70s tournament and were runners up in the over 75s tournament.    

But the main goal of the tournament was for older players to experience the joy, passion, health, and friendship across all borders and at the same time provide an unforgettable football experience for those involved, which was very much apparent with Wales 2024.  

Another notable Changemaker being celebrated is one of the most performed composers, conductor, and multi-instrumentalist Karl Jenkins whose best-known works include the song ‘Adiemus’, Palladio, The Armed Man, his Requiem, and his Stabat Mater.  He has also composed music for several advertising campaigns for both radio and TV. 

The exhibition also celebrates one of Wales most popular visual artists - the painter, printmaker, and author Mary Lloyd Jones, the charity’s first nominated Changemaker. 

Other Changemakers being celebrated include Anita Worthing who came to ultra-marathon running later in life and has worked tirelessly to raise funds for charities; Meena Upadhyaya, a pioneering and award-winning geneticist who is passionate about uplifting Asian women in Wales; Pete Newman whose love of music led him to develop the Blaenau Gwent Community Radio station; and the actor William Thomas who’s appeared in Doctor Who, Torchwood, Pobol Y Cwm, Hinterland/Y Gwyll and the cult film Twin Town. 

Exhibition Opening Times 

Thursday 10 October 9am – 7pm 

Friday 11 October 9am – 5pm 

Saturday 12 October 9am – 5pm 

Monday 14 October 9am – 5pm 

Tuesday 15 October 9am – 5pm 

Wednesday 16 October 10am - 6pm 

Thursday 17 October 9am – 7pm 

Photographs from the exhibition can also be seen online at www.agecymru.org.uk/gwanwyn  

Nominate your Changemaker  

If you know of a person or a group that has defied ageing stereotypes and who has trailblazed in their field, why not nominate them to Age Cymru’s Changemakers project. Your Changemaker will be celebrated alongside our veteran footballers in an online exhibition and may be shared on social media and in the press. 

For more information about the Changemakers project and exhibition call Age Cymru on 0300 303 44 98, email gwanwyn@agecymru.org.uk, or visit www.agecymru.org.uk/gwanwyn 

Ends