Members of Burnham and Highbridge Gateway Club Celebrated their
A Club set up 25 years ago to provide Social activities for adults with learning disabilities held an Anniversary Party at the Burnham Area Youth Centre in July 2004. Member of Parliament, David Heathcoat Amory, was guest of honour and he presented tournament trophies to this years sporting winners as well as special framed photographs of the eight original members who still attend the club. The one and only remaining original voluntary helper at the club (Councillor Mrs Joyce Beard) was given an engraved wooden stand and flower vase and W.H.Smith voucher for £25. for her years of dedication to the club and its members.
The Club had been set up by the late Mrs Mary Farthing and her friend Mrs Mary Porter (now living in Coventry) with other parents of needy teenagers in the premises at the BAY Club - and has always had a representative on the BAY Committee.
Sporting activities have always been popular with the members and the very first 'holiday' was a week-end at Taunton - The Army Territorial Centre at Norton Fitzwarren- a special event for other Gateway Clubs in the SW Region - where the Burnham and Highbridge Club won the shield for winning the most sporting events during the week-end.
One member, Adrian Timbrell, was outstanding and represented the SOUTH WEST for swimming in Canada. Another member, Tom Lees went to Genoa playing football to represent the club.
Adrian married another Club member, Helena Thomas, and they have a five year old daughter. The family, who live in Bridgwater, joined us for the 25th Anniversary.
Many past members and helpers came to the celebration event - including two past Chairman (Lyn Burke and Audrey Davidson) and Margaret Clutton - now living in Cheddar - who had been instrumental in inviting the late Leslie Crowther to the club's official opening.
Sadly there were others who had passed on but were remembered for the help given to the club - Mary Farthing the original founder and president, Dot Huckman the Social Worker who helped to set the Club up, Christine Howard a helper and Treasurer, Sandie Porter, Alfie and more recently Peter Runyard.
Members and helpers were lucky to have such good weather for their outing to Bristol Zoo on Saturday 21st August.
Meetings were suspended during 2006 because of Health and Safety issues during the refurbishment of the Bay Centre and resumed when the building works were completed.
Any queries should be addressed to Mrs Barbara Thorougood on 01278 785454.
Arrangements are being made for the next annual holiday in June at Blckpool.
A Sponsored Swim takes place nnully at Burnhma Swimming Pool. |
