May the circle be unbroken (From Stroud News and Journal)

May the circle be unbroken

After nearly 50 years, the popular Randwick Happy Circle is under threat of closure unless more volunteers are found to help organise meetings. Joe Grigg went along to one of their monthly gatherings to find out what the pensioners will be missing out on if it is forced to shut.

IT'S the last Thursday of the month and the valleys - or at least one part of them - are alive with the sound of music.

Randwick Happy Circle has organised a performance by the Dursley Belles, a bell-ringing group who describe themselves as "a group of friends who play for fun".

This became clear when Dvorak's New World Symphony was preceded by the statement: "Now we're going to have a go at the Hovis tune".

Nonetheless, they proved highly entertaining, encouraging the 30 women present to sing along to hymns and old favourites.

I must admit to not knowing the words of most songs, but tunes such as Billy Shafto, Bless 'Em All and Home On The Range were familiar.

The scene of so many women spontaneously bursting into song was impressive, the performance culminating in a rendition of Happy Birthday for one member, which even I was able to join in on.

Forty-six years ago, when the group first started, meetings were held on a weekly basis to bring members of the growing village of Randwick together.

This continued for over four decades, with the group thriving off the efforts put in by a host of organisers.

People from outside Randwick were encouraged to attend, and for many the sense of companionship and regular entertainment was a real comfort.

However, with the remaining members getting on, it proved difficult to organise transport and entertainment, and the meetings were held monthly, yet many still feel they can't take on the responsibility.

It is clear that they would if they could - from speaking to the women it obvious how much this group means to them.

Monica Thompson, 72, said: "It would be awful if it closed.

"I used to live in Randwick, but now live in Stroud, and I still attend. "It's a great social get-together, and I love to meet old faces each month. "It would be sorely missed."

Cath Horton, 78, from Ruscombe, has been attending for more than 30 years.

She said: "The thing is we younger people to help run the group. "They should be enthusiastic and willing."

Members pay a mere £5 a year to join, and for that they get bingo, quizzes, entertainment and a Christmas lunch.

For some elderly regulars, the meetings are a rare chance to meet friends, and without it they would lose an important opportunity to socialise.

The group also does charity work, and on the day I went along a notice was read out from the Prince's Trust thanking them for a donation.

Younger members who like to make things happen are what is needed. Without this kind of support from a new generation, the group is likely to fold, and these women will lose something which matters so much to them.

If you can help with transport or organising entertainment call Iris Perry on 01453 763225.

Alternatively, simply pop along to Randwick Village Hall at 2pm on the last Thursday of the month to meet the ladies and find out why your help would be so appreciated.