PENSIONERS have celebrated the 25th anniversary of their village lunch club.

More than 45 people got together on Thursday to mark the silver jubilee of Kingham Lunch Club, which meets every month at the village hall, in West Street.

Committee member Delphie Stockwell, who has been involved with the club from the beginning, said: “Over the 25 years, the club has become the organisation in the village that people really look to as being a good thing.

“It does a lot of good and we keep an eye on the members. If they have a problem, we will go around and visit them.

“We hope the club adds to the feeling of people being looked after in the village.

“Our main function is to provide a forum for them to get together and for new people who retire in the village to meet others as well.”

Members meet to enjoy a three-course lunch on the third Thursday of every month at noon.

When the club was launched, in March 1985, members were charged 60p for lunch.

Over the years, this has increased to £3.

Mrs Stockwell said: “We also take our members on a drive twice a year and have tea in a village hall along the way.

“In the spring, we stop at a church en route for a short service with a couple of hymns and prayers.

“The lunch club has become a most loved and valued village institution and is well supported by the events committee who organise the fete.

“We welcome anyone in Kingham who is over 70 or housebound, and have been able to stretch that to people with a strong Kingham connection who have moved from the village.

“We hope that not only are we offering fellowship and friendship at the monthly lunch, but we’re keeping in touch with our members and lending a helping hand if necessary.

“The committee is wonderfully supported by a band of drivers and helpers.”

Kingham Lunch Club was started by Barbara Cripps. She remains a member despite retiring from the committee.

During the birthday lunch, members thanked Mrs Cripps and she was presented with a bunch of flowers.

For more information about the club, call chairman Lesley Sutherland on 01608 678991.