HEARTS were heavy as volunteers served their last meal to 25 elderly residents at Glusburn Luncheon Club last Wednesday.

"It's very sad because the club has been going for about 35 years," said club treasurer Margaret Golightly.

Glennis Attwood, chairman of the club and one of the three cooks, said: "I've been here from the beginning. It's sad to see it close because they all like coming. The club has been a big benefit to certain people."

Secretary Val Harrison said: "For some of them, especially the 12 or 13 people who live on their own, it's upsetting and worrying."

Kath Emmott, 88, Ruby Filkin, 89, and Doreen Higson, 87, all of whom live in Cross Hills, have regularly met up at the luncheon club for a nice meal and a natter.

"I'm very, very sad about it," said Kath. "We're all on our own."

"For some people, this is their only outing to meet people," added Doreen.

"We enjoy our chat after going shopping and then coming here for a meal," said Ruby.

The three friends all agreed that paying £3.50 was good value for a two-course meal.

"I rather pay a bit more, rather than lose this service," said Kath.

Jean Hirst, a volunteer who helps serve the meals, said: "For some people, this is the only properly cooked meal they get in a week. It's also nice for them to come for a bit of company and have a banter. They are really going to miss it."

The local residents who visit Glusburn Luncheon Club were treated to a three-course Christmas lunch last Wednesday, courtesy of the Clough Trust, which donated £200 to cover most of the costs of the meal.

Eddie Boocock, chairman of the Clough Trust and a luncheon club user, paid tribute to the volunteers for all their hard work and for serving a delicious Christmas meal.

"It's been fantastic," said Eddie. "The luncheon has been a lovely way for people to get out of the house. I'd also like to thank the volunteers who have worked very hard and have made this final meal a cracking do."

Gill Birks, chairman of the trustees at the Glusburn Community and Arts Centre, remains hopeful that someone could come forward with a £2,000 grant to pay someone to run the club as a social enterprise.

She said: "I sincerely hope that we can get something going again in the New Year."

If anyone can support the luncheon club, they should email ola@gigac.org.uk, or ring 01535 630223 or 01535 634097.

To see more pictures of the last Glusburn Luncheon Club meal see the Dales Life section of our website.