Ryedale Leisure Club held a ceremony to celebrate the life of its founding members.

The club for adults with learning disablities mourned the loss of its founding leaders, Beryl and Edwin Cooke, to the Covid-19 pandemic at an event held on July 25.

Even amidst the challenges posed by the pandemic, the club managed to continue its activities, albeit remotely, through the use of video conferencing platforms like Teams.

This allowed both members and volunteers to stay connected and engaged.

However, the club was eager to return to in-person gatherings, and they resumed their regular Tuesday night meetings at the Old Malton War Memorial Hall from 7 to 9 pm.

In partnership with Malton Town Clerk, Gail Cook, the club undertook a notable project to honour the memory of Beryl and Edwin.

They successfully fundraised and installed a roadside bench outside the Old Malton War Memorial Hall, which served as a meeting place for club members and visitors.

In a dedication ceremony followed by a celebration party, the bench was officially unveiled as a symbol of the Cooke's legacy and their contributions to the club.

The event, held on Tuesday, was attended by around 50 to 60 people, including club members, volunteers, and friends.

John Yeomans, the volunteer chairman of the club, delivered a heartfelt speech to commemorate the occasion.

He said: “Ladies and gentlemen, volunteers, members & friends of Ryedale Leisure Club, tonight, we meet not only to honour the lives of Beryl and Edwin Cooke but also to dedicate a symbol of their legacy — a bench that stands here in Old Malton.

"This memorial embodies the essence of Ryedale Leisure Club, an organisation that Beryl and Edwin helped establish in 1995, an amazing 28 years ago. Just like this bench, the club is a comfortable place where individuals can meet up and socialise in a relaxing environment.

"It is fitting that this bench, perfectly placed outside the memorial hall, provides a meeting place for members and visitors to sit, share stories, and celebrate the memories of times gone by.

"As we dedicate this bench tonight, let it be a reminder that Beryl and Edwin's spirits will forever reside among us, in the friendships that flourish and the happiness of every member who finds a home here.

"May this bench serve as a lasting tribute, reminding us to cherish the moments we share, the memories we create, and the community that Beryl and Edwin dedicated so much of their time to."

Following the speech, Beryl and Edwin’s Granddaughter, Jess Coulson, cut the ribbon.

The club is appealing for "much needed" volunteers, who do not need prior experience, for their Tuesday evening meetings between 7 and 9pm.