SOUTH Zeal's Dartmoor Thursday Club is bowing out after more than 30 years of service in the village. The club was established in the early 1970s as a regular meeting place for South Zeal's older residents, which provided opportunities for companionship, entertainment, and fundraising activities. Its members enjoyed talks and demonstrations by visiting speakers, and trips to places of interest. They also raised money for charity at regular coffee mornings — which over three decades amounted to thousands of pounds. Ursula Radford, who lives in South Zeal, said the club had, over the years, 'fostered the true spirit of friendship' and 'removed a little of the loneliness' that can affect elderly people. But declining membership has brought about the club's demise. 'People moved away, passed away or became incapable of walking up and down the hill to the village hall. And the rising costs of hiring the hall fell upon fewer older people,' Ursula said. Many fundraising groups still operate and prosper in South Zeal — but the Dartmoor Thursday Club will be remembered fondly by many.