A NEW friendship group will emerge from the ashes of the Okehampton WI, which closed back in February.

Ex WI member Sue Leech has hired a room at the Ockment Centre for the first Friday each month from 2pm to 4.30pm. All are welcome.

The aim of this meeting is to bring together old friends and to make new ones. The afternoons will be informal, relaxed and fun.

The town’s WI group closed after 85 years following an inability to find a president and secretary to continue the running of the organisation.

After no members came forward to take the roles, a secret ballot was taken and the decision was made to close the branch.

At the time, members did agree to keep the luncheon club going as a means of keeping in touch with each other.

The first meeting of the new group, not affiliated with the WI, will take place on Friday, July 7.

If people are interested in attending, they are asked to ring Sue Leech on 01837 53079 beforehand so she can get an idea of numbers and book a large enough room.