FOR so many people reaching old age can lead to isolation.

As life expectancy rises, groups, like Colchester’s Grey Friars guild, whose members are mostly over 70, will become increasingly important.

The guild, based at the Wilson Marriage Centre, in Barrack Street, has celebrated its 25th anniversary.

During a celebration party, members spoke about how important the social and educational events were in their lives.

Kythe Read, who used to be a lecturer for the Ministry of Agriculture, is one of its founding members and its oldest member, at 93.

She said: “Since I joined the guild, Friday has been the highlight of the week.”

Beryl Poole, 83, who is one of the guild’s first members, along with husband Bernard, 85, said: “We joined because we were looking for something interesting to occupy our retirement.

“We did not want to stagnate, and certainly going regularly to play bingo did not appeal to us.

“We have enjoyed the many and varied Friday morning talks and gained a substantial amount of knowledge from the various courses we joined.

“Summing up these thoughts and memories I could not do better than quote the two words which are on the guild logo: Fellowship and friendship.”

Guild chairman Mavis Knight, 75, who moved from Liverpool to Colchester with husband, John, 35 years ago, recalled members made her feel welcome when she joined ten years ago.

She said: “Being a Liverpudlian I am hundreds of miles from home, but I regard every member of my guild as a big extended family.”

Despite moving from the centre of Colchester, two years ago, the guild has a healthy membership of 65.

Members have to enroll at the Wilson Marriage Centre, an adult education centre, or one of its satellite offices, for at least one adult education class during the academic year. The guild arranges some of these classes, such those covering horticulture and art.

Through signing up to the class, members can then enjoy the full range of activities offered by the guild.

These include a programme of speakers on topics such as poetry and prose and Essex house. Garden parties are also held in the summer so members can stay in touch.

* Membership costs £10 a year, which is the guild’s main source of funding. To join, contact membership secretary Marion Cuming on 01206 330019.