WHEN neighbours are there for one another they become good friends – so the TV song goes – and one Oxfordshire village can attest to that after 50 years of good relations.

Members old and new of the Great Milton Neighbours’ Club came together to celebrate its 50th anniversary with that staple of friendliness – cake and a cuppa.

Member Celia Cope, of High Street, Milton, said: “I very much enjoy being a member.

“I lost my husband in an accident many years ago and the club has been a great comfort to me, offering friendship, companionship and fun.”

She said: “The club has always met fortnightly for a social afternoon with speakers and entertainers and we also enjoy outings. Last year, we had 11 very successful coach trips.

“Though the membership had diminished over the years, numbers are now increasing under the very popular chairmanship of Janet Earl.

“Members take an active role in keeping the club going.”

Cutting the cake at The Jack Peers Centre was its longest serving member, 86-year-old May Crabb, of Fuller’s Field.

Mrs Crabb, who joined 25 years ago, said: “I have met lots of people and made many friends, and it is very encouraging to see new people joining.

“It would be very sad if the club faded out after us older ones are gone, but I don’t think it will.

“Great Milton’s strength is its sense of community. That’s what started the Good Neighbours Club and that is hopefully what will make sure it continues.”

The ladies of the Otmoor Women’s Institute provided the tea as residents swapped stories of their years in the village, which lies between Oxford and Thame.

The club was started in 1961 by village resident Gilbert Pickett, who wanted to bring people together.

By 1969, there were 105 members, mostly from Great Milton, but also from the surrounding villages of Little Milton, Great Haseley, Cuddesdon and later Wheatley. It now has 31 members.

The group recently received two grants from the Sheppard Charitable Trust of Great Milton and a Grass Roots grant from Oxfordshire Community Foundation for speakers and entertainers.

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