A group has celebrated putting on inclusive activities in Spalding for the last four decades.
The local branch of Phab recently held a party to celebrate its 40th anniversary.
The charity provides safe and fun places for people to get together, make new friends and gain confidence, especially when it comes to those with a disability.
Locally the group has regularly put on events including sports days, trips and parties for its members to enjoy.
The latest party at Pinchbeck Village Hall on Sunday, June 23 saw 123 people in attendance including members from the South Holland Rotary Club who sponsored an ice cream van to visit, the Rotary Club of Spalding and the Welland who paid for the room hire, Spalding Lions and the Spalding and East Elloe Classic Car Club who have made Phab their charity of the year and brought some vehicles with them.
The current CEO of the Phab organisation nationally, Dawn Vickers, was also in attendance to cut the cake made by Lili’s Tearoom in Market Deeping.
While there Ms Vickers presented long service certificates to Margaret Hollis, the president and founder of the Spalding Phab branch, Andrew Inkley, its chair who has been with the group for 39 years and his partner Heather who has been helping out for 30 years.
Ms Vickers said: “I was honoured to be invited to the 40th anniversary celebration event at Spalding Phab Club.
“What a wonderful group of people they are.
“It was clear that this event was important to the town as well as to the members themselves.
“The presentations to Margaret, Andrew and Heather were small tokens of gratitude for their incredible commitment to Spalding Phab Club during the past 40 years.
“It is well attended by adults of all ages; it’s their club and it’s really important to them.
“They meet their friends at the club twice a month and have regular outings.
“The Phab club is still thriving after 40 years because of the dedicated volunteers who all have their own personal reasons for doing what they do and because the members have such a strong sense of belonging.
“New members have joined over the years, and everyone says it’s a special place where everyone is welcome.
“Spalding demonstrates how every town could have a Phab club too!
“I had a Phab day out and felt very privileged to share a very special day with these warm and generous people.”
