MELKSHAM and Corsham Gateway Club celebrated 50 years of supporting people with learning difficulties with a special birthday party on Saturday 15th July.
Fish and chips and a 50th birthday cake were enjoyed by over 50 members, volunteers, former volunteers and friends of the club that celebrated the milestone at Spencer Sports and Social Club, with entertainment provided by Galaxy Disco and Victoria DJ Mama.
The club was founded in 1973 by the late Roger Denmark and friends, to provide social activities for adults with learning disabilities and their carers. The group, which meets at Melksham Baptist Church Hall on Fridays from 7pm to 9pm, organises a wide range of events and activities.
“On a typical club night, we have a pool table, table football, arts and crafts, giant versions of games such as Connect 4 and Jenga and there is always music and karaoke,” said volunteer Joy Ackland.
“We also have special nights for BBQs, bingo, cake decorating and party games while we have regular visits from Galaxy Disco and community choirs for a sing-along.”
In addition to providing social activities, the group organises trips away. “We used to take members away for a weekend at the seaside, when this became too expensive, we ran an annual coach trip instead,” added Joy.
“Millfield School in Somerset run a Mencap Day each year where we can use their facilities. We went to this but stopped during lockdown but now we plan to go again in June 2024.”
The group have experienced some challenges particularly during the Covid-19 lockdown, said Joy. “A lot of members have not returned since and we have lost half our volunteers.”
A mix of ages are involved in the activities organised the Gateway Club. Joy said, “We now have a lot more young adults than when I first joined, but many of our older members now need a support worker to accompany them.”
For more information about the club, visit their Facebook page or email melkshamgateway@outlook.com
