The Friendship Group is based at St Joseph’s Church in Accrington and caters for the needs of older people who are lonely and in need of some company, it consists of mostly people from Hyndburn but is also open to people from beyond the area. Members either make their own way to the meetings or are picked up by taxis supplied by the club or volunteers to enjoy activities at the club which include handicrafts, singing, bingo, quizzes, dressing up, Christmas/birthday parties and much more. The meetings also include a buffet. Membership is free and there are many trips out held throughout the year such as Blackpool lights and trips to Oswaldtwistle Mills for a meal and shopping experience. The trips are supported by volunteers and medical personnel to look after the members needs and help to make the events such an enjoyable experience for the members.
The club approached East Ribble Freemasons to ask for help with funding and the East Lancashire Masonic Charity Grant Making Committee agreed to support the club by donating a much welcome £850 to assist with the costs of organising the trips out for the members.
Photo: Pictured holding the cheque are club members Albert Townsend (who was celebrating his 80th birthday) and Gladys Kenyon together with Shirley Hodson, Chairman of the club, and the East Ribble Charity Steward Malcolm Roe.
Article and Images: East Ribble District Team