HOLSWORTHY Friend­­ship Club, which has been running in the town for over 60 years, is at risk of collapsing if more members are not found.

The Friendship Club, for men and women over 55, meets every other Tuesday and members enjoy socialising, playing cards, bingo, dominoes etc. Outings are also organised — members are going to visit the Children's Hospice South West's Little Bridge House in Fremin­gton on Saturday.

At their Christmas luncheon at The Old Market Inn, Holsworthy on Friday, January 9, the chairman, Mrs Carol Moon said: "During the last 12 months as chairman we've had the usual ups and downs which are part of every organisation."

She said it had been "an enjoyable year" but continued: "Our outings didn't always have favourable weather and our social meetings haven't had full support due to the falling membership situation, which needs to improve if the club is to survive."

Mrs Moon said the club was faced with a problem and everyone's "thoughts and actions must be dedicated" to survival. She added: "Otherwise this will be our last Christmas ­luncheon."

Mrs Moon also praised Mrs Marge Hunt who was retiring as secretary, having held the position for 24 years. She said it was Mrs Hunt's "dedication and commitment which had kept the club going."

Mr Eric Taylor, a member of the Friendship Club and correspondent for the 'Post', explained that the number of members at meetings had dropped ­considerably.

"We get about two dozen at meetings. We had a meeting here the other day and we had 19 people. We had a committee meeting afterwards and the committee consisted of nine people," said Mr Taylor.

Mrs Marge Hunt could remember a time when the club boasted 105 members.

Mr Taylor could not think of an explanation for the falling numbers: "When the club formed there was a particular lifestyle, today it's a different lifestyle, 20 years ago it was different again. Is that what's wrong?

"A town like Holswor­thy has an influx of new residents and they're not all chickens, a lot are 60 plus but they're not interested. I don't know the answer."

Mr Taylor also said that the club would be looking for a new secretary: "Without a secretary we're going to be sunk."

The next meeting of the Friendship Club is going to be held on February 3 at 2.30pm in Holsworthy Memorial Hall. Mrs Marge Hunt encouraged anyone over 55 to go along. Everyone is welcome and it only costs £2 a year to join.

If anyone would like more information please contact Mrs Hunt on 01409 253053.