NORTHWICH Stroke Club celebrated its 30th anniversary at the recent meeting with a party.
The party was attended by the Northwich Town Mayor, Alison Gerrard, Marie Morgan from the Stroke Association and 30 members and helpers.
The club was founded in May 1984 by Janet Walshe when she was working as a social worker at Victoria Infirmary with stroke patients and their families, helping them when they were discharged from hospital.
She saw a need for a place to meet and help with the isolation that people who have suffered a stroke and their families feel when they have to adapt to life at home again.
Jan roped in volunteers to help, including her husband Terry who looked after the transport for many years. Ridley Coats was a founder member and he organised the speakers for a long time. The first meetings were at Davenham Day Care Centre.
Terry took over when Jan died and was the Chairman for many years. Terry died in 2003 but the club has kept going and has now about 20 members.
Tail lift vehicles are used to bring members to meetings, they also travel in volunteers cars. There are talks, musical evenings, quiz and games evenings, pub lunches and theatre and boat trips.
Barbara Turner entertained the club at the anniversary party with her wonderful singing accompanied by John Robinson on the keyboard.
The next meeting is on July 1, at the Dane Walk Centre.
Juan Cunliffe
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