MEMBERSHIP has risen and fallen over the 40 years that it has been in existence, but those who have anything to do with the Ongar Club for the Physically Handicapped are in no doubt about the benefits it brings to members.o

For people who would otherwise be unable to get out of their homes, the club provides a lifeline bringing them into contact with other people, and offering them a chance to go on outings.

Club secretary Rene Getgood said: "Particularly the wheelchair-bound members, the only time they get out of the house is when they come to the club. Many are quite lonely and they all say how much the club means to them."

Formed by Dr Clara Stewart on February 7, 1962, the club which celebrated its 40th anniversary with a lunch at Fyfield village hall on Friday initially had very few members, but within a year had seen its numbers increase greatly.

In April 1965, Winifred Kinsman replaced Dr Stewart as chairman, a role she fulfilled until 1987. Members kept in touch with her following her move out of the district. Sadly, she died last May.

Mary Skrimshire, the then vice-chairman, took over for the next year until, in 1988, Eileen Wiles was appointed chairman.

The club's longest serving member is Pam Thomas, who was presented with a bouquet of flowers by the next longest-serving member, Peta Pepys.

The club's first garden party and sale of work, in July 1963, was held in her house and garden, and has been held there ever since.

She was driving for the club in 1964 and has been on the committee since 1968, for many years acting as transport officer. She has given 39 years continuous service.

Other members who have given 20 years or more service are ambulance driver Colin Green. He was helping from the early 1970s, joined the committee in 1976 and has driven the ambulance since then, as well as helping the club in other ways.

Joyce Clement and her late husband, Peter, came into the club in the early 1970s and in 1982 Peter was appointed assistant treasurer. Following his death Joyce took over and continues to look after the club's funds today.

Peta Pepys was driving for the club before 1972 and has now given 30 years service on the committee.

Miss Skrimshire, who retired from the committee only last year but still helps out, was on the committee from 1982 and was vice-chairman for many years.

Rene Getgood started driving for the club in 1981 and has been secretary since 1986.

Other members who joined more than 20 years ago include Mrs Argent who came with her late husband and for many years helped with the teas.

Her husband also drove the ambulance for some years when Mr Green was unable to do so because of work commitments.

Win Powell, who is still helping with the raffles and teas, has been a member for more than 20 years, and her late husband, Fred, was on the committee from 1980 until 1991. Jo Galloway had served on the committee since 1986.

Among the club's outings, are visits to people's homes in the summer, for garden parties.

This year members will again visit Jean and Derek Powell at their Blackmore home, and John and Jill Hinman at Bridge Farm, Stanford Rivers.

The club has also been supported for over 30 years by Beauchamp Roding village. Every Christmas the decorated village hall is given free for the club's Christmas lunch and local ladies prepare and cook a festive meal.

Until three years ago this was organised by Peggy Hockley and her helpers and for the last three years by Penny Read and her team.

The club does not meet in January and February, because of the usual poor weather, with the club's season starting traditionally with a tea party in March.

Mrs Getgood said: "We don't have any entertainment (at the March tea party) because they are all so thrilled to see each other again that the meeting is just conversation. They are just so delighted that the club has started up again that they talk away."

Last year trips included a visit to a garden centre, lunch at Mulberry House, High Ongar, a visit to the Mark Hall Estate in Coggeshall, a visit from the Redbridge Pearly Queen and a shopping trip to Harlow.

Mrs Getgood says membership currently stands at 35, and there are also ten volunteers who have been made honorary members to push the wheelchairs on outings.

The club is now a registered charity, and therefore needs trustees.

The chairman, secretary and assistant treasurer were appointed trustees, and in the last year Colin Green, Nicola Harries and Andrew Clement have been added to the list. Mr Clement is also the club's treasurer.

Mrs Getgood said: "During the last few years we have also been fortunate in recruiting other helpers to the club and we now have a very active and hard-working committee.

"We also have members who drive and help in many other ways at our meetings. With these younger and enthusiastic helpers we hope the club will continue to prosper for many years to come."

The club is looking for more disabled members, and helpers.

If you want more details, ring chairman Eileen Wiles on 01277 364934.

Friday's lunch was prepared by Jeanne Francis and Anne Harries.