Honiton: Chairman misses club’s 50th birthday celebrations

Arthur Dimond was in hospital recovering from a fall.

THE chairman of one of Honiton’s most enduring and successful organisations was unable to attend celebrations to mark its 50th anniversary, because he was in hospital recovering from a fall.

Retired businessman Arthur Dimond has been a stalwart supporter of Honiton Disabled Fellowship since its inception.

His tireless efforts to keep the club going were remembered during an anniversary tea and a cake cutting ceremony.

The anniversary was marked on September 1 with a members’ outing to Bicton Park, followed by a birthday tea provided by members of East Budleigh Women’s Institute.

The club’s inaugural meeting was held in Honiton’s former ‘clinic’, which was located next to the bus park at Honiton Community College. That meeting took place on September 1 in 1960.

Club members now meet eight times a year at the Royal British Legion Club, in Dowell Street, and also enjoy three summer outings and an annual party in Dawlish attended by members of disabled fellowships from all over Devon.

Transport has always been the key to getting people to activities.

Initially, an ambulance was used. The vehicle was eventually purchased by the club for a nominal fee of �50 but, after a number of years, needed to be replaced.

Fund-raising, spearheaded by founder member Mr Dimond, led to the purchase of a secondhand minibus in 1998. The vehicle, managed by Mr Dimond, was hired out to other organisations, including TRIP Community Transport Association. When it became too expensive to maintain the bus, roles were reversed and the club instead hired a vehicle from TRIP!

The history of the club was researched by Mary Alexander, who served as chairman from 1971 to 1992, 10 years ago.