They came to attend a ‘fun day’ specially organised for them by Holsworthy and District Lions’ Club with the support of other south west area Lions Clubs.
The event, which apart from two years has been held in Holsworthy annually since 1992, took place on the Manor car park and in the Memorial Hall where Lions Club members, their wives and partners as well as the Portreeve, mayor, town crier and carnival queen were there to welcome them and ensure they had an enjoyable time.
All food and entertainment was generously supplied free of charge. That meant free rides on Rowland’s dodgems and roundabouts, free burgers, hot dogs, drinks, and ice-cream.
You could have your face painted, try your hand at the coconut shy or bouncy castle or join in the disco in the Memorial Hall.
You could meet two Shetland ponies, Nutmeg and Peanuts, a rabbit called Sparkle, a Labrador called May and take a ride in a pony and trap drawn by 11-year-old Sky.
The emergency services were there too, offering visitors a chance to examine a fire engine.
There to keep an eye on everything was South West district Lions Governor from Truro, Lesley Clarke, with her face painted as a lion.
“It’s a fantastic day”, she said, “and I am so proud of the Lions. I am very grateful for the help of so many people, including Rowlands Fair.”
The event was mostly blessed with fine weather and at the end of the day coachloads of happy people returned to their homes.
Holsworthy and District Lions Club spokesman Robin Mitchell said: “We have been organising Holsworthy and District Lions Fun Day for years — but it really is so much more than ‘our’ Fun Day.
“Lions Club members from Bodmin, Okehampton, Tavistock, South Molton, Weston-super-Mare, Barnstaple, Bideford, Truro and Newquay were there to help. Face painting was provided by Holsworthy Amateur Theatrical Society. Holsworthy Scouts and Explorers were there to assist the guests on and off the rides. Devon BDS and Holsworthy Rotary Club came along to help out on the day; and Lizzy’s Larder brought along two Shetland ponies and the cutest rabbit you have ever seen for the kids to pet.
“Friends and family members from primary school age to pension age helped out in the kitchen. It is the highlight of the club’s year — but we couldn’t do it without the help and support of all these different clubs and individuals from all over the south-west.”
Mayor Cllr John Allen said: “I would like to thank the Lions for organising a very good event in Manor Car Park on Sunday for many people with learning difficulties from all over Devon.
“I along with the Town Crier and Portreeve attended this event and we all thoroughly enjoyed the time we spent with them.”