A BEWDLEY charity that has provided medical support in the town for half a century has closed.

Volunteers at Bewdley Red Cross were given notice last month that the service, based in Lax Lane, was shutting due to a reduced demand for its first aid and medical services.

It was set up in 1966, starting with the formation of a cadet group meeting at Wribbenhall Primary School and led by John Brampton.

An adult group was established in the early 70s and, in September 1976, the purpose built Red Cross Centre was opened in the town as a result of fundraising work by people from across Bewdley.

The centre was once self-sufficient and had its own ambulance, first aid unit, voluntary training team and members.

The group and cadet units attended numerous events over the decades including carnivals, fetes, horse trials, gymkhanas, horse trials, motorcycle scrambles, Severn Valley Railway, West Midlands Safari Park and bonfire nights.

Bewdley Red Cross also facilitated ‘medical loans’ of equipment, predominantly wheelchairs.

It was the last remaining Red Cross centre in the district, following the closure of the Kidderminster and Stourport groups in 2011.

Of the five volunteers left in Bewdley, John Genner and Chris Wood had served for 45 years each, Stella Baldwin for 35 while Carol Price and Margaret Wilks both clocked up 30 years each.

Volunteer John Genner, who served Bewdley Red Cross for 45 years, said: “We ensured support for the local community across all aspects of Red Cross work.

“All contact was local, all delivery was local and everything was completed efficiently, on time and to the appropriate standard.

“Over recent years, however, local activities have been eroded and subjected to the vagaries of centralisation.

“First Aid provision at public events, vehicles and equipment were the first to be impacted, then three years ago training provision and now finally medical loan.

“The five volunteers who will be leaving the Centre have a combined total of 185 voluntary years’ service between them.

“So, to the past volunteers, to all the members of the public, industry, local youth and adult organisations who have attended training sessions, assessments and demonstrations or participated in any way in our activities, possibly attending jumble sales, street or house to house collections - and there are several thousand of you - we give heartfelt thanks for your support.”