Several decades ago Bobbie Gilbert, whose husband was minister at the Trinitarian Congregational Church, saw the need for a place where retired men could meet, talk and keep their minds active. According to Ellis Walker, former chair, she filled this need by forming the Retired Men’s Luncheon Group. The group has been meeting for over 20 years in the Trinitarian Congregational Church, but has no religious affiliation. The group normally meets on the first Wednesday of the month, in the church dining room. Lunch, at noon, is followed by a talk and the gathering disbands around 2 p.m. The next meeting will be Nov. 9 and the speaker will be Concord’s John Sindall, a Viet Nam vet who will talk on the war: causes, actions and results.

Charles Davis and Bob Neilson are the current cochairs. Bob said that past  programs have included a speaker from the Concord Bookshop who talked about holiday gift ideas; David Wood, Concord Museum curator; an illustrator who brought along illustrations for such books as "Casey at the Bat" and "Paul Revere;" Peter Alden, who talked about birds; Town Manager Chris Whalen; a representative from both the police and fire departments. The board gets together during the summer and plans the programs for the coming year. Next year the curator of the Fort Devens Museum will speak and The Stompers, a Dixieland band will perform.

The menu has remained constant: soup, salad, sandwiches and dessert. Cost is $8, and the lunch is catered by the Club Car Café. Each month a few men are assigned to help with set up and clean up. And, Bob and Charles said, there is plenty of time for just conversation. With 30-35 men in attendance there is ample and lively talk.

All retired men are welcome. The meetings are announced in the Council on Aging newsletter. For further information contact Charles Davis, 369-6250; Bob Neilson, 369-3105; or Ellis Walker, 369-5757.