How will women's social clubs survive without younger members? JO HAYWOOD talks to two ladies who lunch.

CHRIS Bonington, Joan Bakewell, Sir Bernard Ingham and Richard Whiteley may not appear a likely bunch of bedfellows, but they do have one key thing in common. All have enjoyed a slap-up lunch in York on a Tuesday.

They are just four of the many celebrated names who have been guest speakers at the city's Tuesday Luncheon Club during its 45-year history.

The club, which has 154 members, prides itself on the high quality of both its speakers and its food. It meets at York Racecourse, where members - around 120 regularly attend the monthly gatherings - are served a three-course meal before enjoying an hour-long talk.

So far, so good. But while the membership is strong, it is also ageing. Younger women, those in their late thirties and early forties, are simply not signing up. Taken to its ultimate conclusion, this could mean the end of the club in the not too distant future.

"Times have changed," said Pat Brisbane, club secretary and past president (twice). "The club was originally set up for wives of professional men; ladies who really didn't have to go out to work. Most women work now and have their own careers, but then staying at home was the norm.

"This doesn't mean, however, that the luncheon club is no longer relevant. It still has a lot to offer."

The club first met at the Royal Station Hotel in York on Tuesday (hence the name) September 8, 1960. It began with a very healthy 160 members, rising to well over 200 as the years progressed. It even had a waiting list for a time, with potential members waiting for months, and even years, for their name to reach the top of the list.

In recent years, however, membership has begun a slow decline.

"Women are very busy today," said club president Wendy Lockwood. "Even their spare time is spoken for. But it's important that they have something that's just for themselves; some time in their hectic lives when they can relax, be entertained and enjoy a good meal that they haven't cooked themselves."

Members pay an annual subscription of £25. This allows the club to engage quality speakers for its monthly meetings, which run from October to June.

"It's not just the big names that are popular," said Pat. "Sometimes it is the speakers who don't initially jump off the page at you that are actually the most gripping. We've had some wonderful surprise successes over the years, like one chap who came along to talk about music for the deaf - members can't wait to have him back - and a plastic surgeon from Harley Street who most of us assumed was going to talk about cosmetic surgery but who actually talked about his work with soldiers returning from Vietnam.

"Supposedly ordinary speakers can often give us a fascinating insight into their lives and experiences."

This philosophy is borne out by the programme of speakers for this year, which includes a retired lecturer-turned-adventurer on her travels in Africa; a forensic scientist on solving real-life crimes; and a retired vet talking about his father - who just happens to be Alf Wight, better known to most of us as James Herriot.

Members meet at the racecourse on the first Tuesday of the month at noon, although some have been known to arrive early as the bar opens at 11.15am. The gathering then usually comes to an end at 3.15pm.

It is primarily a social occasion, but new business contacts can be made over the luncheon table.

"After all," said Pat, "men do a lot of business on the golf course, don't they?"

Members are now hoping for something of a sea-change, perhaps as a result of the increase in part-time working among women.

"It would be a terrible shame if the club came to an end," said Wendy. "It's important to keep these traditions alive.

"We are quite formal - members rise when the president and speaker enter, we say grace and give a vote of thanks - but I think a bit of formality does you good. If nothing else, it gives you a marvellous excuse for dressing up."

For more information about the Tuesday Luncheon Club, phone Pat Brisbane on 01904 633424.

Updated: 10:12 Tuesday, February 22, 2005