The Methodist Women’s Luncheon Club met at the Comis Hotel, Mount Murray, for the annual general meeting on March 20.

Among other business it was decided that for next year’s meetings we would return to a refurbished Mount Murray Golf Club venue.

We were entertained to an informative and inspiring description of the valuable work of the Samaritans.

It was given by Kathy and Lesley, two of their members.

We learned that the Samaritans, a gathering of big-hearted, kind volunteers, was founded 60 years ago by Chad Varah, a curate, who had conducted the funeral of a suicide girl who felt she had sinned.

He realised that she had had no one to share her troubles, which inspired him to become director of a drop-in centre.

This expanded to over 200 branches with 20,000 volunteers from all over the UK, Ireland and the Isle of Man. It has now been here for 40 years on the island.

There is contact with a sympathetic, non-judgemental, listening ear for 24 hours daily, seven days a week, using a free phone number or email.

Every duty call takes three volunteers who are given a warm and safe environment in which to receive the harrowing calls at all hours of the day and night.

They find calm amid colleagues before returning home.

Volunteers have rigorous training.

The emphasis is on listening, not pushing advice.

The choice is with the troubled one who is lonely, maybe newly bereaved after a loved one’s death (beloved pets included), perhaps jobless and generally confused in life.

They have a choice to respond to suggestions and ideas.

To preserve their privacy, they must be encouraged to call a needed ambulance themselves. Unlike Childline, where the organisers have to act, the Samaritans lend a sympathetic ear and give comfort from caring. Their overriding aim is to ensure that no one feels alone and might contemplate suicide.

Envelopes containing pamphlets were circulated, illustrating the personal success stories of the Samaritans from their 22,800 yearly phone calls. This could inspire younger members to become volunteers.

An appreciative vote of thanks was given to Kathy and Lesley by Helen Taggart.

Pat Freeman