A CLUB for older people in Highcliffe has changed its name, with a celebration tea to relaunch the group.

Members of the Brendoncare club voted to change the club's name from Alpha Club to the Highcliffe Wednesday Club.

And they are appealing for members to join them at the weekly meeting.

They meet at Greystones Hall on Waterford Road in Highcliffe, every Wednessday from 2pm until 4pm.

As well as offering a chance for people to meet new friends, activities including quizzes, talks, and entertainers are also put on.

It is open to both men and women.

At the special relaunch event, members enjoyed an exercise session with Alexandra McMillan of music charity Extend.

Club organiser and volunteer, Sheila Craig, said: “We used to be known as the Alpha Club, because this was the first club that Brendoncare opened in Dorset.

"But there’s another group locally with the same name, and we decided we wanted to avoid any confusion. So we put it to a vote amongst members, and they chose the Wednesday Club as the new name.”

Members include Ivy, 90, who has been coming to the club for nine years. She said: “The club is great company, and I have made lots of new friends.”

Peter, who joined more recently, after his wife passed away, said: “I don’t always feel like coming to the club, getting ready and everything, but once I’ve been I feel better and glad I made the effort.”

Brendoncare runs 80 clubs for older people throughout Dorset and Hampshire.

For more information, contact 01202 722211.