A GOOD neighbour who has dedicated more than 30 years of his life to his Basingstoke community - and kept going while battling cancer - was the centre of attention at a special party held in his honour.

Friends of Ron Rowe, who has been the heart and soul of the Bermuda Community Association in Popley for 31 years, threw a party to celebrate this massive achievement and the fact that he has received the all-clear from doctors after suffering from bowel cancer.

The 79-year-old was chairman of the association for several years before handing over the reins to Marion Meredith at last year's AGM.

However, Mr Rowe is still very much involved with the association and was appointed treasurer when he stood down as chairman.

Speaking about the special party, he said: "For the first time in my life, I realised how much I have contributed to this community.

"I want to thank my friends, family and all members of the association for organising the celebration and giving me the VIP treatment for the day."

Mrs Meredith told of Mr Rowe's dedication to the community and how he worked on throughout his chemotherapy treatment.

"He never let up all throughout his illness. Unless he was really poorly, he would still be around doing all his usual work for the community," she said. "He is just amazing."

Mr Rowe still runs the bingo club every Tuesday evening and is always on hand at community events.

"I really enjoy calling the numbers at bingo," he said. "We get a good number of players and it's all good fun."

About 40 people attended the party, held at the Bermuda Community Centre, in Popley.

First published: Thursday, April 13, 2006