Calne Gardening Club is facing closure after 30 years because membership numbers have plummeted, leaving just six regulars.

The club, which used to have 60 members, organises meetings, trips and talks and holds an annual flower and vegetable show.

However, despite a recent national interest in ‘grow-your-own’ food, the club may be forced to close its doors as a result of the dwindling numbers.

Secretary Ros Humphrey, of Ebor Paddock, said: “We are facing a quandry.

“We are all getting older and people are leaving for various reasons.

“People die, or move away, or have to work longer hours due to this recession. One of our committee members is stepping down because she turns 90.

“I know we were never going to attract teenagers, but what we need are able-bodied men and women in their 40s or 50s. We need some fresh blood to shake us up a bit.”

But at the annual general meeting on Tuesday, members decided it must shut if it does not get more people signing up.

Mrs Humphrey said: “It really is do-or-die time. If we don’t get an influx of people to support this wonderful club and keep it going, it will imminently close.

“It’s just not feasible to continue with just six members.”

She said the members are open-minded and open to change. “It seems like a terrible shame to lose a group like this, because once it’s gone, it won’t ever come back,” she said.

The club started as the St Mary’s Gardening Club and was organised by the former Calne vicar, Canon John Reynolds.

But it changed its name after it was feared potential members would think it was only for church-goers.

“I don’t know why people stopped coming,” said Mrs Humphrey.

“I think it could be something to do with this being a dormitory town. There are a lot of people living in houses that don’t have big gardens.

“But we want to reassure people that doesn’t matter. It’s amazing what you can grow with a tiny bit of space.

“Everyone is welcome, no matter what size their garden is. We are appealing for people to come along and keep a valuable part of community life going.”

The club meets on the second Tuesday of the month at the Methodist Church Hall in Silver Street from 7.15pm.