THE Lantern Club was established in 1990 to provide respite care for families and carers of local elderly people with special needs.

We meet in Holmer Green Village Centre every Monday (except bank holidays) between 10.30am and 3pm.

Our members are referred by local GPs or community psychiatric nurses.

Transport is provided within Holmer Green and, although those from a wider area are not excludedand are welcome, transport cannot be provided.

We have a loyal band of volunteers; some attending each week as helpers, a team of cooks, others who drive the minibus or escort our clients. The group leader is responsible for the running of the club with a team of volunteers caring for our members.

Monday mornings are usually taken up with playing table-top games, painting or simple craftwork in order to provide mental stimulation and friendly interaction between members.

Gentle sitting exercises to music are also undertaken about once a month.

Lunch is provided by one of the cooks and we endeavour to bring in outside entertainment afterwards. Two or three trips out are organised each year.

As a charity we are in desperate need of additional volunteers in all areas of our activities, but especially men who could help provide adequate care for some of our male members.

If you think you could help us as a volunteer or by providing entertainment please contact the chairman, Mike Cole on 01494 716051 or honorary secretary Marjory Mack on 01494 815840.