Startforth Lunch Club open day saw dozens of neighbours and residents pop into the former school building last Thursday for its inaugural meeting.
Organisers Debbie Herbert and Barbara Thompson were pleased with the numbers through the door.
Ms Herbert said: “We’re very happy. We did a leaflet drop around the village and it’s been good.”
Uses for the former primary school building are being sought by parish councillors to keep it going as a community venue.
Villager and visitor to the open day, Ruth Bell, thought there was a demand for a lunch club given the lack of amenities in the village.
The 88-year-old added: “I have lived in Startforth since I was married about 50 years ago and it has gone downhill regarding shops – there is nothing in Startforth except people.
“I am on my own now and although I have some family around I find it difficult to shop – it’s hard when you don’t drive.”
New villager Pauline Heartfield came to live at Bowes Gardens last August after moving from France.
She said: “I don’t know anybody and that’s why I’ve joined. It’s very difficult to integrate when you don’t know anybody at all.”
Startforth’s Keith Tarn came down to the open day with his wife, Pam.
He said: “I hope it succeeds. Startforth hasn’t got that much going on really – it’s a battle when the village is spread out. Hopefully the new club will bring everyone together – we thought we would give it a bash and we are really impressed.”
The full lunch club will begin on Thursday, September 7, between 11.30am and 1pm with a talk and presentation on the “Mouse Man” Robert Thompson by John Emerson.
Ms Herbert added that those wishing to attend who are not registered should ring ahead in advance so the club does not run out of food.
She added: “We had four people from Barnard Castle come along and we would like to extend invites to those in surrounding villages.”
For more information or to book a place, ring Ms Herbert on 01833 690805.
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