Sir, – I am a member of the following groups all located within the Stokesley area: The Stokesley Society, Probus, Spiota, all as a committee member, and as social secretary and chairman of the friendship group.

What all the above have in common is an ageing membership with no younger residents joining in order to keep the groups active within the town. Stokesley Society and Spiota (Stokesley Pride in Our Town Association) are both in danger of closing down. Over the past three years, Stokesley Society has done sterling work in promoting the town with published leaflets and a visit from John Grundy, the TV personality.

For the past 15 years Spiota has kept the town as colourful as any town in the area. Just what will happen if there is no-one to carry on the pleasant jobs of looking after the tubs and our unique ziggurat. It does not bear thinking about. One hour or so on a Thursday morning plus an hour one day a week to water tubs etc is surely not too much to ask.

Probus has a dwindling membership. From a peak of 55 we are now down to 40 members. We meet on the second Tuesday of each month for a guest speaker with either a slide show, DVD presentation or items of interest on show provided by the guest speaker. On the fourth Tuesday of the month we have luncheon, meeting at a different venue each month. New members are always welcome at all groups.

Why not join in and contribute new ideas and who knows you might enjoy it as well as make new friends. Contact me at the address below for details on the groups.

DEREK WHITING 15 Riversdene, Stokesley, TS9 5DD