A CLUB which was set up to help older people meet and socialise has celebrated its 50th birthday.

The Elderberry Club in Kirkbymoorside was formed in 1968 by Rev Michael Wright, who saw the need for the over 60s to meet and socialise.

June Cook, from the club, said: “The club was formed with a committee drawn from the four churches in the town. The leader of the churches to take it in turn to chair the committee a year in rotation.

“The club was registered as a charity in 1976 and remains so today.

“There have been many changes over the years.

“The club has had several homes due to the rise and fall of numbers, change of use of buildings and building work, but it now happily resides at the Community Centre in Manor Close where it originally started.

“Over the years, as people became more mobile and free bus travel was available, people are out and about and the twice yearly coach outings run by the club gradually stopped due to lack of support.”

Mrs Cook said numbers were much smaller now, but a very loyal group of members keep the meetings going.

Members meet at 2pm on Thursdays to enjoy whist drives, dominoes and a cup of tea and a chat.

“Last Thursday we celebrated our 50th birthday,” she said.

“We welcomed the founder Rev Wright who told us how the club began and of his happy times as

the Vicar of the Kirkbymooside parish.

“We cut the birthday cake, sang the usual happy birthday song, were entertained by Musical Memories and, of course, had a wonderful Yorkshire tea, a real treat.”

New members, aged over 60, are welcome, just go along to Manor Close Community Centre at 2pm on a Thursday.