Last Tuesday (24th June 2014) saw the Manx Gateway Club celebrate its 40th Anniversary. This charity, which is an Associate charity to Mencap, received its charter on the 9th June 1974.
It was formed to provide all people with Learning Disabilities social activities and now provides for its members sporting activities, music and dance, arts and crafts, computer training and religious instruction.
Many people who had assisted the charity over the last 40 years were invited to a special reception at Centre 21, Greenfield Road Douglas. There they were able to reminisce about old times and talk to special guests which included His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor and the Mayor and Mayoress of Douglas. Also at the reception were the original Chairman of Gateway, Allan Jackson and founder members Edna Ainge and John Quayle, along with the Club’s President and former Secretary and leader Hebron Dawson.
Later in the evening all people at the reception were taken through to the main hall of the Centre to join the 100 members and carers who were enjoying a special 70’s fancy dress party and being entertained by Guest DJ for the night David Cretney MHK. An anniversary cake was cut by Hebron Dawson and John Quayle and His Excellency proposed the toast to the Club. The members then danced the night away celebrating this very special occasion.