SOS call from the Darby and Joan!

Darby and Joan club faces closure as committee members retire.

Steyning’s popular Darby and Joan club for older people will close at the end of the year unless replacements are found for its retiring Committee Members.

Despite being one of the town’s most thriving social clubs with a membership of nearly 80 local residents, the group cannot continue unless the key roles of Secretary and Treasurer are filled during the Autumn. 

“We’ll be so sad if we have to close,” says current Treasurer 91-year-old Fido Ashdown who has attended the club since 1957.  “I took over from my late husband but with a big garden to look after the time has come for me to pass it on.”

Similarly, current Secretary, Dot Stephens, is keen to see a younger volunteer take over her position so that the club can continue to offer its valuable service into the future.  “This role is ideal for anyone who is newly retired or who has just moved into the area and is wishing to make new friends. It’s a rewarding role and we organise a full programme of activities and talks throughout the year.”

The Club Secretary is responsible for drawing up the group’s social calendar - such as Christmas Shopping and days out to local attractions and places of interest – and booking speakers. The Treasurer’s role involves collecting membership fees, a nominal entrance charge for each monthly meeting and basic group book-keeping. Dot estimates that each role takes around 3 to 4 hours a month in addition to attending Club meetings every first Friday afternoon of the month at the Steyning Centre.

If you interested in taking over the role of Secretary or Treasurer – or would like more information about the Darby and Joan Club - please contact Dot Stephens on: 01903 813277.

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