A FORTNIGHT ago, The Guardian reported that two-thirds of people in Carmarthenshire have suffered with loneliness and that 80 per cent of over-65s said they would find it hard to admit to feeling lonely because they do not want to be a burden to others.

After reading the story, a trustee of Ystradowen Community Centre asked us to visit their Luncheon Club which runs three times a week.

The club takes place every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9am until 2pm and provides residents with a meal, entertainment and plenty of friendly faces.

Daniel Davies, commercial manager at Ystradowen Community Centre, said: “The community centre is important for our residents as it gets them out of the house for a few hours three times a week.

“We have members visit the centre from as far a Trebanos and the Luncheon Club is always expanding, which is excellent.

“It is important to let people know that we are here.

“We want to shake off the stigma that clubs like these are for old people when they actually for all members of our community.

“There isn’t a need for anyone to feel lonely when we have these clubs running in the area.

“Our newest members are in their 50s and we have our oldest member which has recently turned 100.”

The centre provides a bus service which picks up members from their doorstep and takes them to and from the club.

There is even an option for members to takeaway meals for the alternative days which the club doesn’t run.

Ninety-year-old Dorothy Parkhouse, of Brynaman, said: “The Luncheon Club is very good, and the ladies are very kind and wonderful.

“I have been attending the club on Mondays and Wednesdays for around 12 months.

“I used to go to the day centre in Pontardawe, but it closed down and I am grateful for the Ystradowen Community Centre.”

Fellow Luncheon Club member Roger Gard added: “I have been attending the club for almost three years and I enjoy it because it breaks up my week, especially when

“I particularly enjoy the quizzes that are organised by the volunteers at the centre.

Volunteers are on hand to cater for the residents, who are provided with unlimited tea.

Former headteacher Wyn Churchill said: “I have been a volunteer with the Luncheon Club in Ystradowen for around four years.

“I help with the quiz on a Wednesday and I encourage members to take part.

“We then discuss current affairs which I think is important.

“They all sit around in a circle and enjoy taking to one another.”

If you know anyone who would like to join the club, you can call the Ystradowen Community Centre on 01639 830406.