NEW YEAR PARTY A RESOUNDING SUCCESS

South Wilts Mencap held their annual New Year Party at Salisbury Guildhall on Saturday 31^st January 2026. It is one of the Charity’s flagship events of the year, keenly looked forward to by the local learning-disabled community and their carers, with everyone dressing up for the occasion. This year once again it did not disappoint, the excellent Steve St Clair Disco provided the music, and all the attendees danced the night away with great enthusiasm and energy.  Around 200 members, carers and volunteers also enjoyed the buffet, bar and raffle provided by South Wilts Mencap.  

The party also provided the venue for presentation of the annual awards:

The Betty Willams award for the individual who has made best progress during the year was given to Gordon Read for his work in the Mencap Shop and the award to the organisation that has done most to support the learning disabled community over the past year was given to the Mencap Shop as a whole in recognition of the hard work put in by all the volunteers in raising the funds needed to keep the Charity going.

The Betty Gilbert award for Carer of the Year was established many years ago by the late Lady Gilbert to recognise the selfless dedication and commitment of those who care for people with a learning disability.  This year we were delighted and honoured to be joined by her daughters Karen Barber and Julie Wookey who presented the award to Clare Clifford in recognition of her dedicated support for her daughter. 

Grateful thanks to the Guildhall Staff, St Johns Ambulance and Spencer Mulholland Photography.