A CLUB that’s been supporting stroke survivors for nearly 50 years could be forced to close.

Romsey Open Gate Stroke Club is in desperate need of more volunteers if it is going to make it to its 50th anniversary next year.

The social club is looking for three people who could give up a few hours each week to help the treasurer and programme organiser and help make refreshments, with most of the volunteers now in their 80s and hoping to step down soon.

The group meets on Tuesday afternoons in Romsey Abbey Church Rooms for entertainment, quizzes, games and slideshows as well as other outings such as skittles and boat trips. After the activities, members enjoy sandwiches, scones and cakes made by the volunteers.

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Rita Simmons, from Chandler’s Ford, started volunteering back in 2002 and has been taking her husband since he had a stroke in 2017.

She said: “The club is very important to our members. A lot of them don’t go out and it’s their only outing for the week. We’d be really, really sad if it did come to a close.

“I’m not confident we can get the volunteers and I understand why people aren’t volunteering. People are retiring later in life and with less energy.

“It’s not that people don’t want to, life is just not the same anymore but we are keeping our fingers crossed that there will be some willing volunteers.

“It’s more than a social club, people come and help each other. A stroke can make people feel like it’s the end of the world but they come here and realise that they can do other things. It’s helping people to move forward.

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“All the activities just help make their lives nicer, it’s what they look forward to. Everyone comes in and they chat and they make real friendships. It would be difficult if it closed because some of the members wouldn’t go anywhere else.

“The club has a very warm atmosphere. All the entertainers who visit are always keen to come back.”

Former organiser the late Beryl Pierce was renowned for her talents of sustaining the club's profile by inviting the mayor for lunches, hosting special Christmas parties and submitting photos to the Advertiser.

Beryl kept volunteering into her 90s.

The club’s membership dropped from about 30 to 20 following Covid but volunteer Rita is positive numbers will pick up again if the club is able to keep going.

To help, contact Rita on 02380 369707 or email simmonsrita42@gmail.com.