A STROKE club has been saved from closure after 10 new volunteers stepped forward following a plea for help. a

Romsey Open Gate Stroke Club, which will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year, had been in desperate need of more volunteers.

After an appeal in the Romsey Advertiser for help, 10 new helpers attended a meeting on Tuesday, September 19 - and now the future of the club looks safe. 

The club had been looking for more people to give up a few hours each week to help the treasurer and programme organiser and help make refreshments, with most of the volunteers now in their 80s and hoping to step down soon.

READ MORE: Romsey Stroke Club fears closure after nearly 50 years

Volunteer Joy Clamp said: “Long-standing voluntary committee members Phyllis Burrell and Jill Edwards have been secretary and treasurer respectively for many years and are now wishing to stand down.

"Phyllis and Jill explained the history of the club and were delighted with the response to the Advertiser’s article as it means that the future of the club now looks safe and stroke victims and their carers can continue to enjoy weekly activities including trips out, regular activities afternoons and speakers from a variety of sources. 

“However, it is the socialising among members, carers and volunteers that acts as a positive therapy for everyone and it is this that they all value above anything else.

"As many of the members struggle with physical disabilities or speech problems, helpers are always needed for personal comfort so any help is always is always welcome. But today when the dishwasher broke down it was amazing how quickly the washing up was completed with the new volunteers stepping straight in. A good omen for things to come.”

The group meets on Tuesday afternoons in Romsey Abbey Church Rooms for entertainment, quizzes, games and slideshows as well as other outings such as skittles and boat trips. After the activities, members enjoy sandwiches, scones and cakes made by the volunteers.

The club’s membership dropped from about 30 to 20 following Covid.

Volunteer Rita Simmons, from Chandler’s Ford, previously told the Advertiser: “It’s more than a social club, people come and help each other. A stroke can make people feel like it’s the end of the world but they come here and realise that they can do other things. It’s helping people to move forward.

“All the activities just help make their lives nicer, it’s what they look forward to. Everyone comes in and they chat and they make real friendships.

“The club has a very warm atmosphere. All the entertainers who visit are always keen to come back.”

For more details about the club, visit stroke.org.uk/finding-support/clubs-and-groups/romsey-open-gate-stroke-club.