MINEHEAD and West Somerset Stroke Club is sending out the message that it is on the lookout for more members.

The club was started over 40 years ago by two women who only retired last year, and it is still going strong with regular Wednesday morning activities and lunch.

But it could cope with more people who would enjoy anything from a social chat to painting, crafts and games.

“We did a survey over six months, and found our client numbers are about 30,” said Jill Rogers, a volunteer who has helped run the club for the last ten years.

“But we could have 50 – so we want to get the word out that we are here and we are in full swing.”

People of both sexes and all ages attend – the club recently had a member in her 20s and another aged 90, and it is always a varied membership.

A minibus and volunteer drivers help ferry in people who could not get there otherwise, and they drive out as far as Williton, Wheddon Cross and Porlock to collect them.

“There are a number of people who don’t get out of their homes from one week to the next, and this makes their week,” said Jill.

“It’s a chance to have some company, and to stimulate their minds because there are lots of activities, from playing a game of chess to painting, sewing, or just sitting and gossiping.”

The club is held on Wednesdays in term time from 9.30am to 1.30pm, in St John’s Hall, North Road, Minehead, and starts off with a chat and a hot drink.

As well as hot drinks and biscuits in the morning, there is lunch of soup, roll and pudding for those who want it.

There are also regular annual events such as a steam train day out and a Christmas lunch party with presents, and volunteer speakers or entertainers from guitar and piano players to exercise leaders and a vicar also sometimes visit.

“We could always do with being entertained for an hour every so often - so volunteer entertainers please take note and get in touch,” said Jill.

The club cannot cater for people who are badly affected by stroke, but volunteers go and visit potential guests to see if they are able to help them attend the weekly event.

Jill said anyone interested in finding out more would be welcome to visit the club any Wednesday morning during term time, or ring her on 01643 705930.

Photo: Paul

Scullion