Ladies and gentlemen join me in a toast... to the members of Easton Good Companions Club, a group which has just celebrated 60 glorious years.

Eastern Daily Press: The Good Companions Club at Easton celebrating its 60th anniversary. Members, left to right, Peggy Wickham, 94, Ivy Marsh, 94, and Joan Chapman, 89.The Good Companions Club at Easton celebrating its 60th anniversary. Members, left to right, Peggy Wickham, 94, Ivy Marsh, 94, and Joan Chapman, 89. (Image: Archant Norfolk 2015)

While other clubs have been and gone, this organisation goes from strength to strength and is now reaching out to the community for more members – and that includes you chaps.

'We would see to see more men join. It really is a wonderful club and we always make sure we keep an eye on each other. Just to make sure everyone is okay,' said treasurer Jean Ditton, who started as a tea-maker more than 50 years ago.

The longest-serving member Joan Chapman was a VIP at the birthday party where a special cake had been baked by Ann Dunbar. 'She isn't even a member. We are so grateful. The cake was lovely,' added Jean.

Times were very different when the club was formed in 1955 but a report at the time summed up well what the club is still all about in the 21st century.

Eastern Daily Press: Rosalie Wright’s tiny vase given to her in 1942 following the Norwich Blitz contained a mystery photograph...Rosalie Wright’s tiny vase given to her in 1942 following the Norwich Blitz contained a mystery photograph... (Image: Archant)

It said: 'This club is organised by those whose sole aim is to give pleasure to others without any reward to themselves except for the satisfaction of doing it.'

Mind you, they don't hand out cigarettes as Christmas presents any more!

If you want like more information about the club or are interested in joining up give Jean a call on 01603 880422.