Pensioners club in Llandudno Junction in danger of closing

Sep 30 2010 by Mari Jones, North Wales Weekly News

A CLUB in Llandudno Junction that provides an essential lifeline to its elderly members is in danger of closing.

Thirty years ago the Pen Rhos Club, which meets every Tuesday afternoon at the War Memorial Institute, had over 80 members, but this number has now dwindled to just 12.

Ifor Roberts, chairman of the club, explained: “When I first joined 20 years ago there were 56 members.

“But unfortunately most of the members have died off and no one seems interested in joining any more.

“If we don’t get new members soon we’ll just have to close the club which would be a terrible shame.

“Financially we can’t carry on as the rent for the room is £16 a week.

“We used to be able to afford speakers but now they want £30, so we can’t book them any more.”

Although Ifor has advertised the club, and asked his friends to join, he still can’t get new members.

“I’ve tried everything. I’ve gone down to the Labour Club but they all seem put off by the club being held at the memorial hall, which is a little run down.

“But people need to know that when we meet up at the club we have a lot of fun. We have tea and cake, bingo, and a lady comes over from Deganwy to give us an exercise class.

“Most of the members are ladies who have lost their husbands, and without the club they just wouldn’t go out.

“There is the community club, but it’s far too far for us to walk there, and we can’t afford taxis.”

The members, whose ages range from 74 to 87, would have very little to look forward to if the club closed.

“The only place most of us go is the Pen Rhos Club,” said Ifor.

“Without it most of the members would be just stuck at home, rather than meeting friends and having a good chinwag.”

Betty Edwards, from Marl Crescent, climbed Snowdon to raise much needed funds for the club.

Ifor, who used to work at the Hotpoint factory, added: “I only hope this article in the Weekly News will help and we’ll get much needed members. They would all get a very warm welcome.”

If you’d like to join the Pen Rhos Club phone Ifor Roberts on 01492 582980.