THE demise of a Burley-in-Wharfedale

community organisation has been condemned as a tragedy.

Burley Old People's Welfare Association started in 1954 to provide elderly villagers with an opportunity to meet socially.

In recent years, however, a dwindling number of volunteers and no prospect of replacing the-now ageing committee has lead to it being wound up.

Secretary Ella Stradling, 77, said: "It is very sad but we have made lots of appeals for new people to come forward. No-one seems to want to know."

Members used to meet fortnightly in the Queen's Hall to enjoy a chat and listen to a guest speaker.

Visits and excursions were also arranged two or three times a year.

The association's books are now with auditors and Mrs Stradling said there was no chance of a last minute reprieve.

"We held the final meeting on Wednesday. I would like to think there would be people who would want to become volunteers, but I just can't see it happening," she said.

Numerous appeals had been made for help, but all had yielded no response, she said.

The demise of the association has also upset committee member Mary Chappelow.

She has been involved with the association for about seven years.

Mrs Chappelow said a small hardcore of volunteers had worked extremely hard to try and keep the association afloat, but to no avail.

"I really feel it is a tragedy," she said.

"Maybe people have been put off by the reference to old people in the title.

"More recently it has just been known as the Welfare Association, but it is in the constitution and cannot be changed," she said.

She admitted times had changed but felt there must be people in their fifties and sixties with time on their hands to volunteer.

At its peak, about 100 people would attend meetings in the Queen's Hall, but that figure had now dropped to around 30.

Members were determined their final meeting would not be a solemn occasion, and a pianist was recruited to ensure they went out with a musical finale.

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