Selkirk social group calls it a day after 40 years

Selkirk’s Monday club has called an end to its fortnightly meetings, which began in the 1970s as a social outlet for the town’s pensioners.

Associated with St John’s Episcopal Church’s in Shawpark Road, the seniors group boasted a membership of almost 70 at its peak.

But dwindling numbers of late, has led organisers to call time on the group for now.

Margaret Moyes from St John’s Episcopal Church said: “It started about 40 years ago running from our church hall, providing activities or interest, speeches, trips, cups of tea and scones.

“It was a chance for older people in the town to get together at a time when there were less opportunities for them.

“The whole idea was to provide a service to the towns people. Some were members of St John’s but a lot of them were not.

“It would have 45, 50 or up to 70 people turning up every fortnight in years gone by, but those numbers have dwindlednow, mainly because other places have started things up as well.”

The club met in the town’s Our Lady and St Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church hall since the sale of St John’s hall around 10 years ago.

Highlights over the years include summer trips to the seaside at Eyemouth, Christmas get-togethers, and visits to attractions and events across the Borders.

“The demand for it has gone down,” Margaret added. “The people who were coming along had the chance to go to other things in the town.

“So the decision was made at the start of the summer that we would stop holding meetings at the moment. As with anything, these kinds of things have a life span.

“Maybe in years to come it will start up again.

The group’s press secretary, Pam Palmer, added: “We thank all the speakers and entertainers for their various endeavours to keep us informed, amused and generally in good spirits.”