Stroke club offers friendship and outings

The club, which meets once a fortnight on a Thursday between 10am and 2pm at the Church of the Ascension, in Edinburgh Road, was filled with people chatting when we went to find out more about it.

Treasurer Jacky Elvy said the last year has not been easy for the club as it was short of committee members with her holding the roles of chairman, treasurer and secretary.

But recently more people have volunteered to get involved.

She said: “We are pleased to say the situation has changed this year and it looks as if we will continue, hopefully for many years to come. One of the best things about the club is the companionship. Some people don’t see anybody all week.”

As well as the twice monthly meeting, during the summer the club also runs day trips.

Jacky said: “We want to offer something more than just sitting and talking. People can come in and have a cup of tea and then we get a jigsaw on the go and we’re organising an indoor street party for the Jubilee. We are trying to make it more interesting.”

The club, which started 32 years ago, is obviously a lot of fun as around ten of the members joined when it first formed. Jacky, who decided to volunteer to help the club four years ago, enjoys being involved with the club.

She said: “It’s nice to know that we make a difference, I’m sure the members enjoy it.”

Chairman John Aspland decided to get involved with the club recently after retiring from the fire service.

He said: “I never used to come to the meetings but I used to help on the trips and I really enjoyed it.

“They are lovely people and I’m looking forward to being chairman.”

The club is always open to new members, volunteers and people to provide entertainment. If you would like to get involved call 01400 250407.

John added: “Anybody that can do mobility exercises or something like that would be really beneficial.”