A COUPLE who successfully ran Trowbridge Conservative Club for two years have returned to steady the ship after its membership fell by more than 50 per cent in their absence.

George and Diane Jones, 68 and 64, served as stewards at the club, by Lovemead car park, from 2013-15, and in that time the membership grew by 60 people to around 600 in total.

Their role included serving people at the bar, putting on functions, hosting events, putting on lunches, doing admin work and generally running the place.

However, in the last 18 months, Mr Jones says that the club has lost around 350 members.

The old stewards have recently left at short notice, so club secretary Derek Richards called Mr Jones, who has been living in Portugal for three years, to take up his old role and he jumped at the opportunity.

“When I got the call that the club, which is one that is very close to our hearts, was really struggling, I accepted the offer without hesitation,” said Mr Jones, who is temporarily living at the club with his wife Diane.

“We got the call in late June that the current stewards were stepping down and in the space of 10 days or so we packed up all our things and headed back here.

“Diane and I will try to steady the ship for six months or so, try and bring some members back, invite more people and groups to use this place and sort out the arrangements for our Christmas and New Year’s Eve parties.

“I was saddened to hear that so many people had left. I do not know why it happened but I didn’t feel like asking. We want to bring people back and focus on the positives.”

Currently the place is used by the likes of Trowbridge & West Wiltshire Branch of the Royal Air Forces Association, the White Ensign Association, Trowbridge Royal Engineers, the 41 Club and the sea cadets, among others.

“I loved my time here before. We were given a great send-off before we went to Portugal so we are delighted to be back to help the club,” he said.

“I was in Portugal doing house and garden maintenance for people. We also kept chickens, pigs, rabbits, ducks and geese out there and we had to find them new homes. It has been a quick turnaround but we want to keep this great place going.”

Call 01225 752605.