THE leader of a club for disabled adults is stepping down after over 30 years of dedicated work.

May Bowsher, 84, retired as leader of the Mencap Senior Gateway Club, a weekly social group for adults with learning disabilities, at the club’s meeting on Monday.

The club is run under the direction of Andover and District Mencap, but all weekend trips and entertainment events have been organised solely by May and her voluntary helpers.

At her leaving party, May said: “I have hundreds of experiences and I really can’t pick just one favourite.

“We’ve been on every trip there is, some have been up, some have been down.”

Melvin Walter, May’s deputy, will be taking up her role.

Ann Woods, chairman of Mencap’s board of trustees, gave a speech on Monday praising May in which she said: “The members have had the opportunity for many activities including boat trips, theatre trips, sporting and social activities.

“Through all of this May has been the driving force and kept the club running with her organisational skills and positive dedication to ensure the club gave the members a good social life and was fun.

“I have had conversations with both May and volunteers about many of the outings and activities which have taken place over those years and it is very clear that the volunteers, members and their families have always loved and respected May for everything she has done for them and on their behalf.”

The Portway Close resident, who has recently recovered from a stroke, is not planning to relax too much during her retirement, saying: “No I’m not going to take it easy and step back or anything of the sort.

“I’m going to find something to do that will enable me to do something.

For the 50 members of the club, May’s message isn’t one of farewell.

She said: “Oh I wouldn’t say goodbye. I’m not saying goodbye, I’m going to say see you in the town.”