Remembering the launch of Andover Stroke Club (From Andover Advertiser)

Remembering the launch of Andover Stroke Club

12:39pm Friday 3rd April 2009 in Search Module

I THOUGHT this an opportune moment to give the history of the Andover Stroke Club.

My husband sustained a stroke in 1982/83. As I thought we would both like a club or group to join I phoned Winchester and asked if there was a stroke club here. But of course there wasn’t.

They came back and asked me if I would start it and I said I would, with help.

The inaugural meeting was held on 17 February 1984 and my husband and I started the club.

Bridget Olden and Chris Douse also attended the meeting. The Rotary Club gave me, as treasurer, £50 and a Rotary Club member also came for a few weeks to start us off.

The woman who was contacted in the first place came to several meetings and was invited to our Christmas dinner for several years.

The name of the club in the beginning was the Chest, Heart and Stroke Club, and in 1991 was renamed the Andover Stroke Club.

We have had fortnihjtly meetings at various venues during that time, with talks, outings and entertainment.

The social secretary organised several holidays, and since then I have also organised four holidays.

So you will realise we have been quite busy for 25 years and hope the club will continue to be a happy one and everyone pulls together.

I would like to thank everyone for their support over the years and now the time has come to leave the club to younger people.

Joan Trubridge, Treasurer, Andover Stroke Club, Charlton Road, Andover.