RUARDEAN Woodside lunch club said goodbye to four volunteers on Wednesday (May 3) after 20 years of service.

Diners at the club, supported by Forest of Dean’s Age Concern, are provided with a three-course meal, followed by coffee.

Fellow volunteer for the group, Claire Horton-Bussey, said; “Ann Marfell, Josie and Clive Reid, and Miriam Taylor have retired after three decades of giving up their time every fortnight to pick up the meals and any diners who need lifts, set up the tables, serve the meals and wash up.

“Some of the volunteers are older than those they serve the meals to, although not quite as old as one of our diners; Ivy Pearce is approaching her 101st birthday in June.

“They handed over to us newbies on Wednesday, after training us up for the last six months and we presented them with a cake, flowers, and garden vouchers to say thank you for everything they have done. It was lovely to have their years of service recognised in the community. ”

The group meets every other Wednesday lunch­time at Ruardean Woodside Village Hall.

“Members really enjoy getting together with friends and socialising,” added Claire. Find out more by calling Trudie on 01594 543154.