Mencap members enjoy Christmas party

MORE than 60 members of South Oxfordshire Mencap Society attended its Christmas party on Sunday.

The event was held at Harpsden village hall and featured a visit from Father Christmas, a disco and a game of pass the parcel.

There were also sandwiches, cakes and soft drinks and tea and coffee.

Members were joined by their carers or family members while they were served lunch by volunteers from the charity. Father Christmas then came to give each guest a present.

The event was also attended by Mayor Rory Hunt, his mother Lindsay and Freemason Geoff Walsh, the master of Thames Lodge, which sponsors the charity.

Mencap provides support to people with learning disabilities to integrate themselves in the community with respite activities.

Chair Marie Byrne, who took over from Paul Barrett in November, said: “It’s so wonderful because they have parties and they have fun just like the rest of us. They have a social life and it’s great to see them out enjoying themselves. In the coming year, we’re looking to expand the things we do for our members so they’re exposed to new experiences and new activities and stretch out more to the surrounding villages.”

Mr Walsh said: “It’s just a wonderful thing when you go in and see them enjoying themselves.”

Brian Connolly, retired treasurer at the charity, said: “It’s absolutely fabulous. These people aren’t always able to go out and enjoy themselves as much as we are. Their sense of togetherness and the way they all love being together is lovely.”

Ms Hunt, from Hambleden, said: “My involvement with Mencap is personal because they’ve helped Rory and I for me to understand his autism. To see an event like this, that’s so well supported is lovely.”