Delighted members of Bourne Gateway Club meet for the first time since lockdown

Members of a club that supports people with disabilities have met up for the first time since lockdown began - and they were over the moon to see each other.

Around 40 people attended a socially distanced picnic organised by Bourne Gateway Club at the town’s memorial gardens.

The popular group, which has almost 100 members, was forced to halt all activity at its base at the Masonic Centre on Roman Bank back in March due to the pandemic.

Leader Lesley Patrick and her 14 volunteers have kept up contact and even hold weekly virtual discos over the internet, which have proved successful.

But she said nothing could beat being together again and seeing the looks on members’ faces as they enjoyed feeding the ducks and catching up in the sunshine on Sunday, August 9.

“It was wonderful for them to see each other again and chat,” said Lesley, who has worked with the charity for 20 years.

“The weather was beautiful too which really helped. I’m just so glad we did it. Hopefully next time we’ll have even more come along.”

She said it was devastating when lockdown meant they had to stop their regular get-togethers but all of the members had been well-supported by parents and carers.

The club had stayed in touch with all of the people it helps, and even had pizzas delivered to them all, paid for by Bourne Round Table and delivered free of charge.

“This was a fantastic thing to do and was well-received!” Lesley said. “We are trying to keep that connection going and I often phone the houses where they live to check they’re okay.

“It’s the little things, letting them know we are still thinking about them. We will be very pleased when it’s possible to open the club again.”

Unfortunately this is unlikely to happen this year which means the highly-anticipated Christmas dinner, which had 128 attendees last year, will have to be cancelled.

“We just don’t think we’ll be able to reopen any time soon,” added Lesley. “A lot of our members are so vulnerable.

“I’m sure they all miss it but we hope to offer our service again as soon as we can. We all wish the club could be open but we have to think about keeping everyone safe.”

The club, which is backed by charity Mencap, started life in 1983 with around a dozen members but now has 98 and counting, from across the Bourne, Market Deeping and Stamford area.

Volunteers, who range from students to pensioners, arrange everything from weekly discos to an annual outing.

“They dance and want to listen to the latest pop music with their friends,” said Lesley. “It’s a very happy and positive group and the wonderful volunteers we have helped create that.”

She added: “When you see the happiness you are giving these people it’s so rewarding and I think all the volunteers feel the same way. They’ve been absolutely marvellous, as have the wonderful carers and parents of our members.”

The charity is self-funded through the likes of its coffee shop and regular raffle and also receives support from local organisations as well as the freemasons.

Another picnic, which sees members stick to government guidelines on group gatherings and social distancing, is due to take place on Sunday, September 13.

For more information search for Bourne Gateway Club on social media or visit www.bournegateway.org.uk