A GROUP set up to support people in Ryedale whose lives have been affected by a stroke is celebrating its 20th anniversary.

Ryedale Stroke Group was established in 1997 and is supported by a team of volunteers.

It provides transport for members, through the Red Cross and Ryecat, to be able to attend meetings during the winter months and days out in the summer. Volunteers also help with catering and fundraising activities.

Denise Ashton, the group’s chairman, said: “As a small group we are dependent on fundraising and donations and we would like to thank the many people who have raised funds, such as a Tractor Run where more than 90 tractors drove through the countryside collecting for us, or the Thornton Dale Ukulele band who played at a fundraising garden party; and also the many people who come to buy what others do not want any more at the car boot sales.”

Over the two decades the group has seen many changes, particularly advances in medical treatment.

Pat Thompson, group organiser, said: “Over the past 20 years we have met on a monthly basis and have recently moved venue from Community House in Wentworth Street to St Leonard’s Church Hall where we have been made very welcome.

“Our meetings have ranged over a large number of topics from Shackleton in the Antarctica to singing along to the Ukulele Band from Thornton Dale.

“We have learned to look beyond ourselves to think of the Karan Hill Tribes of Myanmar, as Burma is now called, and several of our members took part in a trek in Castle Howard Rose garden to show support for the people of Nepal.”

Pat said she would also like to pay tribute to the members of the group.

“I would like to thank all the members and their family and friends both past and present who have supported and contributed to the work of the group,” she said.

“We hope to continue to be a vital presence in the Ryedale area for many years to come.”

Anyone who would like more information about the group, or its new 2017 programme, should phone Pat Thompson on 01653 628620.