"THE trend today was for people to live longer. This was very nice, but not much use unless there was good housing, good conditions and if people's minds and bodies were not kept alive and keen."

These are the words of Miss K M Halpin, of the Women's Voluntary Service (WVS), during a mass meeting of the York branch.

Although this took place in 1964 – two years before the organisation was granted the use of the word Royal when the Queen became its patron – looking after our older citizens remains a priority for the charity today.

Now simply called the Royal Voluntary Service, its volunteers continue to be stalwarts in the community, running cafes and shops in hospitals, organising home library services, and supporting older people in their day-to-day lives, from taking them shopping, or to medical appointments, or popping in for a friendly chat.

It is one of the largest volunteer organisations in the country, with some 25,000 helpers.

The charity also works on a national level to raise awareness of the issues older people face, running media campaigns and research.

Our pictures today show some of the activities of local members over the years, including one of a meals-on-wheels service in Huntington. Unfortunately, we don't have a date for this picture, but some of the volunteers identified include Beatrice Thomson, Pegy Mein and Olive Crowther. Do get in touch if you can tell us more about the photo.

Maxine Gordon