AS lives get busier and busier it's a sad fact that voluntary organisations are finding it more difficult to recruit members.

The demands of everyday life and desire to devote more time to our children, plus pressure to stay longer at work all mean many of us just don't have any spare time.

This is a pity because many bodies which do a fantastic job of raising money for good causes, organising community events and running services for vulnerable groups are struggling to survive.

Organisations like Lions and Rotary also bring people in towns together and enable lasting friendships to be formed.

Some groups have had to merge and others have changed the way they do things so that less time is spent on meetings to maximise the effectiveness of those involved.

Many bodies like the Lions, which have been traditionally male-dominated, have encouraged women to join.

Some members, like former Accrington Lions president Harold Hardman, see this as a move too far.

But surely no organisation can expect sympathy if it complains about dwindling membership and yet at the same time fails to encourage half the population from getting involved just because they are women.