A Beckenham men’s club set up for war veterans is appealing for new members.

The Beckenham & District Retired Men’s Club was set up in 1946 to offer ex-servicemen a place to meet up and keep their comradeship alive.

Members meet on Thursday afternoons, at Azelia Hall, Beckenham, to play games of snooker, table bowls, cards, chess and other activities.

The club has its 71st anniversary last June but there are worries that not enough new members are joining.

Secretary Ron Cleverly said: “I firmly believe that if we were to shut the Club down, it would be tragic.

“Firstly, because it has been active for 71 years, and secondly the members really look forward to meeting on a Thursday afternoon, not just for the activities, but for a friendly chat, as a fair amount of them are lonely and live on their own.

“At this moment we can just about survive, but members are ageing, hence the need for new blood.

“I would miss my Thursday club and I am sure that this view is shared by the majority of our members.”

The club is open to all retired men and anybody interested in joining should call Mr Cleverley on 07732730904.