90-Year-Old Helps Preserve Community Club After Transport Closure

Members of the Helping Hands club experienced distress upon learning of the impending closure of the bus service that provided their transportation to meetings. Ann Jackson stated, “I don’t know what we’re going to do.” She added, “It’s going to be another day in the house looking at four walls. It’s the only day we get out.” The club, which has been active in Clowne, Derbyshire, for decades, appeared to face closure, but has since been preserved. Edna Stein, 90, who leads Helping Hands, successfully arranged taxi services for member transportation, financed by their attendance fees. Stein commented, “At the moment I’ve got it sorted out for them to be picked up and brought to the club, hopefully permanently.” Edna became a member of the club in 2009 and has been its administrator for six years. While members convene at Clowne Community Centre, some commute from areas beyond the town. Joan Yates, among the club’s longest-standing members, holds the belief that the club originated in 1966 and was initially known as the Thursday Club. She remarked, “I’ve been coming here for about 54 years, with my mum first off and then I’ve carried it on.” Yates added, “The club’s been going a long time. I enjoy the bingo, I just enjoy my time out.” She stated that the club significantly impacted the members’ lives. She further commented, “Some of them will just sit in their chairs all day and I think they need that goal, or something to look forward to.” Rose Bannister also expressed satisfaction regarding the club’s continuation. She remarked, “It would be a terrible shame if it folded up because there’s very few places to go in Clowne.” Bannister continued, “Everybody is such a nice crowd, everybody knows everybody by name and we have a laugh and a bit of fun.” She also conveyed considerable gratitude towards Edna. Bannister stated, “She does a wonderful job, and you don’t get many people that will take that sort of thing on, so we’ve got to look after her because she’s a treasure.” She concluded, “She does so much work for this club.” For updates, BBC Derby can be followed on Facebook, X, or Instagram. Story ideas may be submitted to eastmidsnews@bbc.co.uk or through WhatsApp at 0808 100 2210. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. The BBC disclaims responsibility for the content of external sites. Information regarding its external linking policy is available.