Local groups were established and soon formed committees to run themselves and were based on the Derby and Joan concept. In 1952 the Hipperholme Good Companions club was started. The following year saw a boom in these kinds of clubs. In 1953 Hove Edge Over 65 Club was formed, a branch of the Good Companions was established for those living on the fringe of the town centre. With the Golden Link club at Rastrick, the Good Companions at Norwood Green, Waring Green Forget-Me-Not, Silver Lining Club at Bailiff Bridge and other clubs being formed in Southowram, Lane Head and Clifton. But little did they know then that within 60 years most of them would have closed down.

These clubs enabled older members of the community to meet each other and share memories and life experiences and no doubt enjoy a game of bingo nd a cup of tea as well. With the occasional guest speaker visiting these clubs became even more popular. I well remember being asked to speak at all these clubs over the years – a warm welcome was always assured.

I was asked regularly to visit all these clubs both as the serving Brighouse and Elland crime prevention officer or on my days off as a guest speaker on such diverse subjects at crime prevention matters affecting the elderly or an interesting local history subject. Whatever the subject was I was always greeted by an appreciative audience.

In this photograph is Mrs Judith Mackintosh on her retirement after many years as the Chairperson / Secretary receiving a retirement presentation from the members in October 1992. The club closed n December of the same year.

The organisations that do seem to flourish are the local history groups, family history societies and the U3A movement. If you have ever considering joining a loc al group one of these would be a good place to start. i know that they are all always looking to inviote new people to join.