OAP charity ends after 60 years

A charity which has provided a few extra pounds for cash-strapped Black Country pensioners for the past 60 years is having to wind up because organisers cannot find anyone new to run it.

The Brierley Hill and Brockmoor Older People's Welfare Committee, which has provided much-needed handouts since 1947, is having to close because no new volunteers are coming forward.

Three of the charity's remaining committee members, Madge Sharratt, aged 93, Tom Smith, 93, and Betty Hand, 83, are stepping down after clocking up 117 years of service between them.

Because no new volunteers have taken up the challenge, the charity will make its final handout at the Nine Locks Community Centre, in Hill Street, Brierley Hill, on May 12 between 11am and 1pm and at the Brockmoor Community Centre, in Pensnett Road, between 2pm and 4pm.

The charity was founded by a group of kind-hearted shop owners, doctors, solicitors and chemists to help the borough's older residents cope in the aftermath of the Second World War.

Over the past six decades, the charity has raised money for pensioners by holding social events such as jumble sales and coffee mornings and from donation boxes left in pubs in the area.

As well as the annual hand-outs, it has also helped senior citizens pay for doctors' prescriptions and sent people on day trips. Tom Smith, who has helped run the charity since 1970, said it was a shame it was the end on an era.

"During its heyday it was helping 1,500 people and even used to give everyone a box of goodies at Christmas.

"It's a pity it's coming to an end but people have been very generous over the years, especially the younger generations, and I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has supported us."