Express & Star

Time called on Willenhall Old Folk's Treat

For many, it is a chance to catch up with old school friends and reminisce about days gone by. But after more than six decades of bringing joy to pensioners, this year's annual Willenhall Old Folk's Treat will be the last ever.

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Organisers say it is with a 'heavy heart' they are pulling the plug on the popular event, which is enjoyed by hundreds of people every April.

Married couple Reg and Anne Wrighton have been organising the party ever since it started just after the Second World War.

Husband and wife team Reg and Anne Wrighton have run the treat

They say their decision is based on their age and the fact there is nobody to take over the organising reins.

The couple said being involved in the community event over the past 65 years had been 'a huge privilege'.

And preparations for the final event have led them to look back on the turbulent post-war years that first inspired them to bring the community together.

Mrs Wrighton, aged 89 and a former Willenhall councillor, said: "Many people had lost loved ones in the war and we wanted to do something to make them happier.

"We had no idea it would last so long but from the first event it was such a success because it was wonderful for people to have the chance to get together after the experience of the war."

Provisions across the country were still scarce but the couple were helped by the generosity of local butchers, grocers and traders, who donated food for the event.

And the council stumped up funding – with some council workers even performing songs and dances to keep party-goers entertained.

The event went from strength to strength and within a few years it had become a highlight of the calendar for many residents.

Groups such as Willenhall Operatic Society made regular appearances, while a group of parents from Pool Hayes Primary School formed a band during the 1960s beat boom.

The event was initially set up to bring joy in the post-war years

For many years, it was held at Willenhall Leisure Centre, where more than 400 pensioners would turn out for a meal, a slice of cake and a catch up with friends.

Since the closure of the leisure centre in 2010, the party has been held in the main dining hall at Pool Hayes Arts & Community School, which can house around 200 people.

Teachers and staff from the school also help out on the day.

In recent years, it has become more difficult to fund and now Mr and Mrs Wrighton say the time has come to call it a day.

She said: "Everyone is very sad this will be the last one.

"They don't want us to stop but there comes a time when you must give things up. It will be a happy day but it will also be very sad.

"When we got married 65 years ago we promised to help out other people. We have enjoyed every minute of being involved with the treat. We've made so many friends along the way."

Mr Wrighton, aged 88, said hosting the party, which is open to pensioners aged over 70 and from Willenhall, has always been a big team effort. "We all work as a team," he said. "We'd like to thank all the volunteers for their help over the years."

The current treat committee includes Tom Bradley, Colin Broomhall, Mike Barlow, Mark Shaw, Hazel Lock and Norma Bryant.

The last ever Willenhall Old Folk's Treat is taking place on April 26. Tickets are free and will be available at Willenhall Library on April 22, 23 and 24 on a first come, first served basis.

The Wrighton's grand-daughter Elizabeth will be playing the flute for the gathered guests at the treat.

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