A changing world, lack of funds and declining membership has led to the club being disbanded after 52 years and the party was a way of expressing thanks to everyone who has contributed to the group's success in past years, along with bidding a sad and reluctant goodbye to loyal remaining members.

"It's really sad the club has had to end its activities," said chairman Barbara Clarke, recalling a time in the 1980s when there was a thriving membership of more than 60 people who ensjoyed outings, holidays, craft sessions, regular guest speakers and a variety of entertainment.

"Many of our members have died and there have been no people with disabilities keen to take their place – they probably have more help and better interests than we can offer.

"The few faithful remaining members are sad at the loss of an organisation that has served them well, but we have not been helped by Government legislation. All our drivers drifted away, put off by the ruling that meant they had to have CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) police checks.

"Volunteers resented having to do risk assessments for every meeting and there were not enough volunteers to fund raise for us," said Mrs Clarke.

"Two of our members, Mrs Audrey Racher and Mrs Lily Spalding, have been involved in the club since it was formed in 1956. They have given all these years of service and deserve a medal for all they have done.

"Our president, Mrs Margaret Smith, has been a member for 40 years and her late husband was chairman for many years," she added.

A few doctors in the town played a key role in getting the club up and running because, at that time, they could see the need for the provision of social activities and companionship for adults with learning difficulties.

"As well as recruiting members, all sorts of helpers had to be found, including drivers to take members to and from meetings and on outings, officers and a committee to run the club, fundraisers and caterers," said Mrs Clarke.

She feels the club's demise is a sad reflection of rules and regulations and changing patterns in the provision of social activities, or 'services' as they are now known.