A 50-YEARS-old Darby and Joan club is threatened with closure - because the organisers have become Darbies and Joans themselves.

The committee which runs Altrincham Darby and Joan Club wants to stand down but cannot find any volunteers to take over their work.

They have been doing the job for the past 16 years despite three of them being in their 70's and one in her 80's.

President Mary Seymour is 92 - but says she is willing to stay in office as hers is a 'figurehead' role.

But chairman Peggy Bowie, 74, her husband John, secretary/treasurer Betty Hayhurst and former secretary Edna Playfoot would all like to hand over their duties.

At its peak in the Fifties and Sixties there was a thriving membership of around 150 - but numbers have dwindled over the years.

Peggy told SAM: "There are now other organisations which help elderly people and, of course, many live in residential homes.

"But we still have a group of enthusiastic members who value the club highly - there is still a need for it."

The club has about 30 regular members who meet on Monday afternoons and enjoy organised trips out occasionally. Volunteers are needed for committee work, kitchen duties and driving elderly members to club meetings.

If you can help, call Peggy on 980-2410.

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