THE focus on those of more mature years both locally and nationally has changed since the early beginnings of the several traditional organisations which looked after the elderly.
The original Old People's Welfare still exists, however, in the guise of the Over 60s Clubs and there is none more active in the local area than the Ribchester branch.
This year it celebrates its 'ruby' anniversary having been founded 39 years ago, a praiseworthy total and, says chairman Nicola Chapman "no small achievement in that we still continue to meet fortnightly as was originally intended."
She agrees that "the world has changed enormously in these almost 40 years as indeed has village life in Ribchester. There were very few clubs and activities then. No Ribchester Amateur Theatrical Society, art club or history society to name but three of the many now in existence."
Reporting on the special anniversary for the village parish magazine, Nicola says: "The minute book tells me that the first meeting was held in October 1968, that an annual subscription of 2/6, or 12.5p, was fixed and that tea and biscuits were to be charged at 6d, nowadays 2.5p.
"I very soon became involved because the club was looking for people to help with transport to and from the meetings. Many families did not have their own transport or at least any available during the day, and as a young mother with a baby and a toddler I felt that was something I could usefully do with my limited time available.
"But five years later in 1974 I found myself as chairman and remain so to this day!"
Things are very different now for all sorts of reasons, and she feels that such organisations which have benefited this particular age group for so long no longer hold as much appeal as they once did.
Explaining reasons for a general decline in membership, she states: "Many people in their sixties or older remain very active and often have their own interests to pursue on retirement. Television is now available 24 hours a day, and the pleasure of meeting for a cup of tea, a chat and a game of cards or dominoes still exists but to some is not quite as relevant as it was.
"We used to have bus trips to Windermere, Southport or the pantomime in Preston - these were once a regular feature, but cost and convenience have taken their toll."
And she recalled how every Christmas was - and it still is - an important time and how, in 1973 the club committee took 64 meals to the homes of the over-70s in the village, as well as serving at least that number with Christmas dinner in the Parish Hall... "and all that was catered for by the committee from their homes!"
Nicola's fellow committee member Sheila Brown, who joined the club almost at the outset, admitted that times had been, and still could be, great but, like many other voluntary organisations, it was difficult to find new members and younger support.
"We seem to be fading out a bit, despite trying to encourage others to join us. We could do with another half dozen or so as our meetings are always very enjoyable and it's good to get together as we do.
"Perhaps when the weather bucks up, that might happen!"
George and Nell Roberts joined some four years ago and are also on the committee.
They said: "We all get together, it's an amalgamation of minds and a thoroughly relaxing and enjoyable time.
"It's always nice to see people making the effort to keep this sort of tradition going. Being able to just go out to something so immediate makes it special - and Nicola runs it so well."
Other committee members are Peggy Wareing and Thomas Nuttall, and the group meets every fortnight on Thursday afternoons in Ribchester Sports and Social club.
Nicola adds "We play whist or dominoes and some of the men enjoy a game of snooker. Three or four times a year including Christmas we meet for lunch. Recently these lunches have been at the Ribchester Arms which has been looking after us wonderfully well.
"Numbers have inevitably dwindled a little but our meetings are very happy occasions, and I hope we can encourage a few more people to join us. A helping hand is always welcome at tea time, and the company of some of our more senior citizens can be delightful and interesting.
"We start at 2pm on Thursdays at the Sports and Social Club, and people are generally making their way home by 4pm."
For anyone who would like to join, Nicola says to please phone her on 01254 878224, Sheila on 01254 878464 or George and Nell on 01254 878726
And so, despite there being a very comprehensive on-line organisation - LifeStyle 60.com - which now caters for the generations of those who are over sixty with advice on their homes, their holidays, on events and reunions, on health, cuisine, money matters or pets - these subjects are usually accessed individually on a home computer as long as the technique has been mastered!
But there is nothing like walking out of your own front door, knowing you can meet a group of like-minded people in warm and comfortable surroundings, talk about matters of the day, compete in relaxing games and enjoy a social afternoon and a special tea-time.
Ribchester Over 60s members are looking forward to celebrating a special anniversary year in 2008. They would love to see some new faces, so why not go along and help to boost the membership... and also help them to make the celebrations extra-special!