Last week, the Vale of White Horse / Abingdon Phab Club celebrated its 40th anniversary.

The club was founded by David Carter to give people with disabilities, like himself, a welcoming place to socialise, have fun, and make friends. David’s legacy lives on through his parents, Barbara and Nigel Carter, who continue to run the club with great humour (and a little help from friends Sylvia, Lorraine, Colin and Sarah — all pictured).

The celebration took place at Christ Church, Abingdon, the club’s home. There was pizza from Caprinos – just across the road, a rousing – if slightly out of tune, ‘Happy Birthday to us… ‘, and chocolate cake. There was a ‘Secret Santa’ style gift swap – everyone brought a little present (max. price £5) and went home with a surprise.

In 1995–96, Nigel received a Mayor’s Award from then-Mayor Cllr Dr Jim Halliday for his work with Phab — originally known as the Physically Handicapped and Able Bodied Club. (The language has changed, but the name Phab remains.)

Nigel, now aged 80, is still going despite facing some serious health challenges over the years, with Barbara by his side. Nigel is a former undertaker – a business now run by his son – and also Pastor of Frilford Chapel, which also has a Youtube channel with a style all of its own (pictured above).

Such staying power is perhaps only matched by Cllr Jim Halliday, who, 30 years after presenting that Mayor’s Award, is leader of the Town Council yet again.