IT'S still going strong after 50 years! Tavistock Ladies' Luncheon Club recently celebrated its 50th anniversary at the Bedford Hotel with a special lunch, mulled wine, cake and a special birthday present.

Chairman Wendy Stackhouse said: 'The club was created with only a handful of ladies and then it started to grow. They met at the Bedford Hotel as it was the only place to go in those days and we've been there ever since.

'As a birthday present we decided to buy ourselves a portable PA system because we have a lot of speakers who are not professional and it's sometimes hard to hear them.'

Sixty people attended the anniversary lunch at the Bedford Hotel, which had been decorated in gold for the occasion.

Mrs Stackhouse said: 'We asked the ladies if they knew of any founder members who would like to come but we only knew of one lady who was an original member. She is 90-something and said she would like to come but because of the weather it was too dangerous.

'Everyone had a lovely time. The Bedford did us proud, we have always had a good turnout and they have always supported us. We're still looking for members so if there are any friends who would like to join, please get in contact. We are not a political or religious group, it's just a good social event.'

The luncheon club meets on the last Thursday of the month. Anyone who would like to join, can contact Wendy on 01822 613016.