A WINCHESTER charity helping adults with learning disabilities live life to the full paid tribute to a long-serving trustee.
Winchester Go LD’s AGM celebrated the history of trustee Janet Chierchia, who’s stepping down after 37 years, with a ‘This is Your Life’ presentation.
Members and staff hosted the show at St Peter’s Parish Centre in Winchester presenting Janet’s journey of support to the learning disability and carers community in Hampshire.
The November meeting was attended by deputy mayor Angela Clear, Cllr Fran Carpenter, members of the health and wellbeing board, families, staff, trustees, supporters and patron Lady Portal.
The soon to be 80-year-old was presented with a ‘This is Your Life’ book before a grand finale where the group Sign with Steve performed Makaton, signing to the Bruno Mars song Just the way you are.
Cllr Angela Clear said: “That was simply the best AGM I have ever attended, I wish they were all as much fun.”
Janet joined the charity, formerly known as Winchester & District Mencap Society, in 1979 when her own daughter who has down’s syndrome was one. The mother helped set up the Wessex branch of the Down’s Syndrome Association in the late 1980s before receiving an MBE in 2005 for her work in the disabilities and carers sector.
Speaking after the event, Janet said: "I was overwhelmed with the number of people who came, the presentation of This is your Life, the amount of time and effort everyone present had put into the event, it was an amazing evening – thank you everyone.”
Tributes were given from former chairs of Winchester & District Mencap– Susie Evershed, Jane Jessop and Kevin Stevens.
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CEO Betty Chadwick said: “Janet’s drive and direction over the years continues to be so relevant today and the themes and focus of her work at Winchester and District Mencap is still at the heart of the work delivered by Winchester Go LD in 2022. She has dedicated a lifetime of service to the members of Winchester Go LD and we are pleased to have this opportunity to thank Janet and celebrate her remarkable achievements.”
The AGM also reflected on growth over the year with a 21 per cent rise in membership from 2021 to 2022. The charity now has 103 active members and 159 total memberships.
Betty added: “Of the many achievements, which include summer trips, wellbeing project and our member designed merchandise, we are delighted we’ve been able to fulfil 438 Walk and Talks with members in the year. Thanks to all our volunteers and partner organisations for supporting us so well, especially South Western Rail, Hampshire Community Rail, Watercress Line, Winchester College, Peter Symonds College and Winchester Rugby Club.”
For more go to winchestergold.org.uk/.
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