A CHARITY which has helped elderly people makes friends for the last five decades held a party for its members.

Puddnecks hosted an evening at the Old Fort Manor Golf Club, in Hadley Green, Barnet, which included a two-course dinner.

Entertainer Bryan Just sang and played the guitar for the party’s 65 guests.

Member Paul Kidd, 62 of Holywood Road, Barnet, said: “The event was fantastic and exceeded our expectations. All of the guests thoroughly enjoyed it and we have already received letters of thanks from guests.

“The Old Ford Golf Club were as exceptional a host as ever and helped to ensure that the evening was a great success.”

Puddenecks was set up in 1958 by six businessmen to raise money to organise events and support for elderly people in Barnet.

They are named this because the group originally used to meet at the ‘Swan with Two Necks’ pub in Whetstone to eat steak and kidney pies.

The group then became a registered charity twenty years later in 1978 and today has over 50 members on its books.

They organise monthly dinners and events which give the elderly community of Barnet the opportunity to socialise and remain physically and mentally active, while ultimately preventing isolation.

The group relies entirely on donations and regularly holds fundraising events. Members arrange activities such as cinema outings, bingo, music therapy sessions, cookery classes and day trips, together with arranging and providing transport for guests that may need assistance.

Mr Kidd said: “This is particularly valued by those who lack independent means of transport as it removes the risk element of independent travelling at night.

“It is also important for ladies who have lost their husbands as it gets them out of the house for an evening which is something that they otherwise would not get to experience.

“I pick them up and stay with them throughout the event and it just adds a real element of safety.”

The Puddenecks Club also caters to those who are less mobile and unable to attend events and activities, and holds the ‘Entertainment in the Homes’ programme, which brings music to nursing and care homes.

They are also about to launch a ‘befriending scheme’ in collaboration with Age UK Barnet, High Barnet Good Neighbours Charity and Barnet College.

The scheme will mean that those who are isolated and in need of companionship will receive regular visits and assistance with simple tasks such as shopping and healthcare visits.

Mr Kidd said: “In this civilised society, we can’t have our elderly being ostracized and left out in the cold.

“Which is why this scheme is very important, although it comes at a price. We need to raise more money through sponsorships and donations as well as looking to expand our member base.”

To donate to The Puddenecks Club visit puddenecksclub.org.uk.