A LONG-ESTABLISHED group in Gargrave could fold through lack of interest and dwindling numbers.

The Men's Section, which is connected to the village hall, has been meeting once a fortnight for the past 35 years and boasts a wealth of excellent speakers at its fingertips, providing high class and intellectual entertainment for its members.

For more than three decades now the group has been chaired by Keith French of Riversway, with his brother, Dennis, who lives nearby, acting as secretary and treasurer for a similar duration.

Both men have now tendered their resignation feeling they have done enough and are looking forward to being one of the guests for a change.

They have been helped in their administration by remaining committee members Neil Brotherton and David Wade, who, together with their "long-suffering wives" have ensured the smooth running of the lectures and a plentiful supply of tea and biscuits.

"I expect the group will finish because numbers have been dwindling anyway and there's been no one interested in taking the positions yet. In fact, since I handed in my notice there have been even fewer people coming along, and for the last few years the lady guests have outnumbered the men," said Keith.

He added that it would be nice if a few younger people in the village joined to bring new blood into the section, particularly local youngsters.

"We can get around 40 or 50 people to the lectures, but most are from away," said Keith.

Dennis added that the secretary's job was mainly organising the lectures and getting the syllabus sorted out for the beginning of the year.

"That takes around six weeks to sort out, but once that's done it's just a case of keeping an eye on everything," he said.

Keith welcomes the guest lecturer, makes the tea in the interval and then thanks the speaker at the end.

Although both men have enjoyed their voluntary work, they both feel it is time two, three of even four other people took over to give them a break, perhaps even bringing in new ideas to keep the club.

The last of the meetings will be on December 3, and if no-one comes forward to chair the section or become secretary, then the group will not restart in January.

It currently runs from the beginning of the year to April, then there is a summer break until September and then it operates until December. There are usually 14 or 15 lectures a year costing members just £1 and visitors £1.30 a session.

"I've got all the information here with lists of numbers for our regular speakers, so if anyone wants to have a go as secretary I will be here to give them help," added Dennis.

If anyone wants to take over the reins from either Keith or Dennis - they don't even have to live in Gargrave - they can call them on 01756 749617 or 749440.