MEMBERS of the Brockmoor Darby and Joan Club marked the organisation's 60th anniversary with a celebratory lunch and a slice of cake yesterday (Monday).

The club started out six decades ago in a small hut known as the Simmonds Hall in Kerry Close, Brockmoor, to benefit the over 55s in the area.

It was the first group to move into the new Brockmoor Community Centre, in Pensnett Road, when the building opened in 1961 - and membership flourished, rising to around 200 with a waiting list available only to people living in Brockmoor.

Up until 2011 - Brockmoor stalwart Madeline Sharratt, known fondly as Madge, was at the helm of the club until her death at the age of 97.

Members enjoyed coach trips, holidays and entertainment every Monday afternoon as well as holding celebratory events such as Harvest Festivals, Easter bonnet parades, Christmas meals and providing stalls for the community centre's summer and festive fairs.

These days the club, which meets every Monday from 1pm to 3pm, has around 60 members is led by chairman Joan Holloway and secretary Kathleen Grainger and a band of dedicated committee members and helpers.

Kathleen said: "We currently have 60 members who enjoy bingo and entertainment provided by singers, keyboard and guitar players, choirs, ukulele bands etc and also lunches and coach trips. We also keep our members up-to-date with information on all public services and benefit changes."

Anyone interested in joining or finding out more can attend one of the club's weekly meetings (held every Monday apart from on Bank Holidays) or call 01384 378723.