NEW volunteers are desperately needed to avert a potential membership crisis and the possible demise of Tavistock and District Mencap.

Robin Fenner is resigning as chairman at the forthcoming annual meeting. He took the post on for one year, stayed on for two, but is standing down because of health reasons.

Secretary Ann McDonald, a mainstay of the committee for many years, is also standing down because of increasing commitments elsewhere.

Mr Fenner said: 'At the end of the day it would be a tragedy if we went under. Losing Mencap would create a major void in the Tavistock area.'

The current priorities are to support the Molly Owen Centre, the Welcome Centre — which it set up, and Gateway as well as holidays for special needs children.

'Tavistock and District Mencap has always been a very active organisation. This area has always been very supportive of Mencap but it is tempus fugit — members have gone and we haven't brought in sufficient active replacements.'

The local branch is appealing for help so that it does not have to disband.

'We need new people and most importantly new ideas because however good-intentioned we are that have served over a number of years we do become stale,' said Mr Fenner.

'It is a good thing to have new people on board and have new ideas and energy and creativity. The only way you can get that is with a change of personnel. There have been changes — but insufficient people have come forward.'

Tavistock and District Mencap covers an area northwards to Broadwoodwidger, swings around to Princetown and south towards Meavy and Buckland Monachorum. It also embraces the East Cornwall communities of Gunnislake, Calstock and St Ann's Chapel.

'We need a chairman, secretary and four or five more members for the committee to ensure that we continue as an active unit,' said Mr Fenner.

'We raise money to help get the little extras that they don't get in the normal statutory budget. It is all about caring for those who are less articulate and need a voice.'

One exciting project Mencap is planning is an annual raft race along the Tamar from Morwellham to Calstock which will be promoted with the active support of Tavistock Lions and Tavistock Round Table.

If you would like to be involved with Tavistock and District Mencap or would like to know more contact Robin Fenner on (01822) 617799 or Ann McDonald on (01822) 614580.