Barnet Puddenecks Club: 60 Years Serving Elderly with Events 2026

Key Points

• The Puddenecks Club, one of Barnet’s oldest charities, has organised events for nearly 60 years since its founding in 1958.
• It hosts monthly supper evenings with entertainment for elderly residents to combat loneliness, especially for those living alone.
• Winter activities include guest evenings, while summer features barbecues; a weekly exercise class is also offered to keep seniors fit.
• Volunteers provide door-to-door collection and return transport for attendees, addressing fears of going out alone in the evening.
• The club urgently seeks new volunteers, helpers, and particularly car drivers to assist with transport and fundraising efforts.
• Committee member Victor Valloti highlighted the popularity of monthly meals as evidence of the need not to forget the elderly.
• Club secretary Roger Moore stated that the club’s aim is to “take the edge off that loneliness” for widows and those living alone.
• The club originated from a group of Sunday lunchtime drinkers at the now-demolished Swan and Two Necks public house in High Road, Whetstone.
• They named themselves “Puddenecks” after deciding to meet monthly for steak and kidney pudding to plan help for older people in Barnet.

Barnet (North London News) February 21, 2026 – For almost 60 years, the Puddenecks Club has been a cornerstone charity in Barnet, hosting events such as monthly supper evenings with entertainment specifically for the town’s elderly residents to alleviate loneliness. Volunteers from the club collect seniors directly from their homes, provide meals and activities, and ensure safe return transport, with activities ranging from winter guest evenings and weekly exercise classes to summer barbecues. As reported in the original coverage by local journalists focusing on Barnet community affairs, the club, established in 1958, now seeks additional volunteers, particularly drivers, to sustain its vital community role amid growing demand.

What Is the History Behind Barnet’s Puddenecks Club?

The Puddenecks Club traces its origins to 1958, when a group of Sunday lunchtime drinkers gathered in the now-demolished Swan and Two Necks public house on High Road, Whetstone. These founders decided to meet once a month for a steak and kidney pudding supper, followed by discussions on how best to support older people in Barnet, inspiring their unique name, “Puddenecks.”

This longstanding commitment has seen the club evolve into one of the town’s oldest charities, maintaining a steady contribution to the community over nearly seven decades. As detailed in reports from Barnet-focused community news outlets, the group’s initial informal gatherings formalised into structured events aimed at addressing social isolation among seniors.

How Did the Name Puddenecks Come About?

The name “Puddenecks” directly stems from the club’s founding ritual of enjoying steak and kidney pudding during monthly meetings at the Swan and Two Necks pub. This playful moniker reflected their dedication to helping Barnet’s elderly, turning a simple meal into a symbol of communal support.

Who Are the Key Figures Leading the Puddenecks Club?

Committee member Victor Valloti, pictured with guest Lesley Keating, emphasised the club’s realisation that the popularity of its monthly evening meals underscores the importance of not forgetting the elderly. Valloti’s comments, as covered in local Barnet news features, highlight the tangible impact of these gatherings on participants’ lives.

Club secretary Roger Moore provided further insight, stating:

“So many of the elderly, especially widows and those living alone don’t like going out on their own in the evening and our aim is to take the edge off that loneliness.”

Moore’s remarks, drawn from direct interviews in community reporting, articulate the club’s core mission of fostering connection.

Volunteers collectively handle logistics, including collecting attendees from their homes and driving them back at the end of events, ensuring accessibility for those hesitant to venture out alone.

What Activities Does the Puddenecks Club Organise for Elderly Residents?

Entertaining groups of Barnet’s senior citizens with a monthly supper evening stands as one of the flagship activities organised by the Puddenecks Club. These events feature meals and entertainment tailored to overcome the loneliness of homebound living.

In the winter months, guest evenings provide warm social gatherings, while summer brings barbecues for outdoor enjoyment. Complementing these, a weekly exercise class offers seniors opportunities to stay physically active and socially engaged.

As noted across various local news summaries, these diverse programmes demonstrate the club’s year-round dedication to holistic wellbeing for Barnet’s elderly population.

Why Do These Events Matter for Seniors Living Alone?

The Puddenecks Club’s mission centres on helping elderly residents, particularly those home alone, to combat isolation through structured social events. Volunteers’ door-to-door service removes barriers for widows and others reluctant to travel unaccompanied in the evenings.

Roger Moore reiterated this focus:

“So many of the elderly, especially widows and those living alone don’t like going out on their own in the evening and our aim is to take the edge off that loneliness.”

Such provisions directly address emotional and practical challenges faced by vulnerable seniors.

How Does the Club Operate and Rely on Volunteers?

The Puddenecks volunteers form the backbone of operations, organising events like supper evenings, barbecues, and exercise classes while providing essential transport. They collect each attendee directly from home and ensure return journeys, prioritising safety and comfort.

Like many community groups, the club is actively recruiting additional volunteers and helpers. There is a particular call for car drivers to assist with transporting elderly guests and supporting fundraising initiatives.

Victor Valloti observed that the monthly evening meal’s popularity serves as a clear demonstration of the elderly’s ongoing needs, reinforcing the urgency for more hands on deck.

What Challenges Is the Puddenecks Club Facing Today?

Recruiting more volunteers represents a pressing challenge, mirroring issues faced by numerous community organisations across Barnet and North London. The club specifically needs car drivers to facilitate transport for events and bolster fundraising efforts.

This appeal comes as demand for services grows, with the monthly supper evenings proving especially popular among seniors. Without expanded support, sustaining the full range of activities—from winter guest evenings to summer barbecues—could prove difficult.

Local coverage stresses that bolstering volunteer numbers will ensure the club’s legacy endures for future generations of Barnet elderly residents.

Why Are Car Drivers Particularly Needed?

Car drivers are in high demand to enable door-to-door pickups and drop-offs, critical for attendees uncomfortable travelling alone, especially after dark. This service underpins the club’s ability to host inclusive events, making recruitment in this area a priority.

Fundraising also relies on volunteer drivers for logistics, amplifying the call for community members with vehicles and availability.

How Has the Puddenecks Club Evolved Since 1958?

From humble beginnings at the Swan and Two Necks pub in Whetstone, the club has grown into a multifaceted charity organising seasonal events and fitness classes. Its evolution reflects a consistent focus on elderly welfare amid changing community needs.

The transition from monthly pudding suppers and planning meetings to comprehensive programmes like exercise sessions shows adaptability while honouring founding principles. Coverage in Barnet news archives portrays this as a model of enduring local philanthropy.

What Makes the Puddenecks Club Unique in Barnet?

As one of the town’s oldest charities, the Puddenecks Club distinguishes itself through its origins in a pub-based initiative and its quirky name tied to traditional British fare. Its volunteer-driven model, emphasising personal transport, sets it apart in addressing elderly isolation holistically.

The blend of social, physical, and seasonal activities caters specifically to Barnet seniors, filling gaps left by larger services. Reports commend this grassroots approach as vital to community cohesion.

Why Is Volunteer Recruitment Crucial for the Club’s Future?

With events like monthly suppers drawing strong attendance, the club’s capacity hinges on volunteer expansion. Committee member Victor Valloti noted this popularity as proof of unmet needs among the elderly, urging more involvement.

Secretary Roger Moore’s comments on loneliness further frame recruitment as essential to the mission. Without additional helpers, particularly drivers, the Puddenecks risks scaling back services that have supported Barnet for nearly 60 years.

This call aligns with broader trends among UK community groups seeking to maintain legacies amid volunteer shortages.

In Barnet, where local charities play a pivotal role, the Puddenecks Club exemplifies resilience. Its story, rooted in 1958 pub gatherings, continues to inspire while highlighting the need for community backing to thrive into the future.