Older people’s club celebrates 75-year milestone

THE town’s much-loved 60 Plus Club turned 75 years old last month and held a celebration event with members at Queensway Chapel. 

The group was formed for older people in Melksham to meet, socialise and make new friends; it turned 75 years old on Thursday 25th January and they had a celebration event last week, to mark the occasion with bingo, a raffle and a cake. 

“It was decided by the town council on Tuesday 25th January 1949 that with more than 600 residents in receipt of old age pensions, a club for the older residents of the town was needed,” says chair, Rosemary Nash. 

“The first committee meeting took place on 9th February 1949 at the Citizens Advice Bureau in King Street and was attended by six committee members and a secretary and representatives from various organisations throughout the town. The town council agreed to the use of the Melksham Assembly Hall, free of charge, every Tuesday afternoon. A different local body was to ‘take charge of the entertainment and buffet’ each week.  

“The present name of the club ‘Melksham 60 Plus Club’ was decided at a further committee meeting on 15th March 1949. 

“Melksham 60 Plus Club now has 52 members and is proving to be very successful. It is a vital part of many of our older residents’ lives, providing companionship and friendship for all. We look forward to providing a varied 2024 social calendar for everyone.” 

The group run weekly bingo sessions every Tuesday at Queensway Chapel and coach trips throughout the year. “Some of the highlights have been a lovely boat trip from Bristol and we went down to the suspension bridge and turned around and came back,” explains Rosemary. “We had refreshments on board. We have just been to Cumberwell Park for our Christmas meal and that was lovely. 

“Weymouth is a very popular trip because it is so flat and people can walk easily. They have got plenty of time there, we normally leave about 9am in the morning, we’re down there by 11am. They get themselves a spot of lunch and have a wander round or sit on the beach and take in the sun.” 

If members can’t travel to the weekly bingo sessions, a community bus can collect them and take them home. 

“It’s important to run the bus,” says Rosemary. “It costs £2 and does run at a loss, which is why some years I approach the council or various organisations to see if we can qualify for a grant to help with transport charges. For lots of members, they can’t get out, so it’s a place where they can be picked up and meet their friends. So many friends have been formed from people meeting there. We try to make a safe environment for everyone.” 

At the celebration event on Tuesday 6th February, the group’s oldest member, Queenie Harding, cut the cake. She said, “I love coming here, I get to meet up with family and friends and I just love the company. I am 94 years old; I thoroughly enjoy it.” 

The group is now running at full capacity and Rosemary said they are currently unable to take on new members. 

The club added, “We would like to give thanks to the following businesses for their help in donating raffle prizes for our prize draw, which was held at the celebration party on Tuesday 6th February. We would like to thank; Vanda Walker for the amazing cake, Co-op Travel, The Market Tavern, Flowers in Focus, Iceland, The Cobblers Bench, Asda, and Melksham Lions Club.  

“The star prize of £50 in travel vouchers was donated by Co-operative Travel and was won by Pauline Phipps.”