The happy chatter at the Golden Threads Club is the hallmark of its success over the last three years in giving lonely and bereaved people somewhere to meet and make new friends.

Every fortnight a group of lonely and bereaved people gather at St George's Theatre café bar in Great Yarmouth for a social session that brightens their lives.

The club has just celebrated its third anniversary.

Club founder Gloria Gee knows at first hand the pain of losing a loved one and the need to regain the confidence to venture out again to meet other people.

She and husband Wally were married for 54 years having met at the Lowestoft Palais in 1955. He was a power station scaffolder and rigger by day and helped her run the St Anne's Hotel in Norfolk Square then the Burrage Centre social club at the James Paget Hospital.

'When he died life was really tough. A day without someone to talk to feels like 48 hours. And it's worse in the winter when you cannot go out so much,' she added.

'You cannot describe the loneliness. People encourage you to 'move on' but it is difficult when you have lived a lifetime together,' she explained.

Mrs Gee decided to set up a club for people in the same situation, discovered the 'perfect venue' at St George's, and has been thrilled with its success.

Members chat over a drink and snack – and it makes a difference to their lives.

'One lady told me that until she joined us she just used to stay indoors, shut the door and cry. She said the club was her salvation,' said Mrs Gee.

'Going out alone is difficult especially for a woman, so Golden Threads is a great chance to meet and make new friends in a safe welcoming daytime environment.'

St George's Theatre director Debbie Thompson said: 'We love hosting the Golden Threads Club and are glad they feel welcome and comfortable. The theatre is an arts venue but we also have a range of facilities and events for the whole community.'

The Golden Threads Club is next meeting is on Wednesday, December 6 and then on Wednesday, December 20 at St George's Theatre café bar from 2pm to 4pm. For more information call 01493 722303.