An annual fundraiser and family fun day in aid of Wiltshire Mind is returning this year on Saturday 7th September at the Pilot in Bowerhill.
Raising funds for the mental health charity, the event will involve live music, entertainment, activities, a visit from television star Bluey, a raffle, an auction and refreshments.
“The day is all about bringing family and friends together and raising money for a wonderful cause. We’ve got so much lined up this year,” said the organiser Tracie Winslow, who won Melksham News’ Person of the Year last year for her fundraising efforts. “It is free to come along.
“We have Dig a Duck again, a firm favourite from last year! Kindly run by Wayne Davies, it’s your chance to sit in a mini digger and hook a duck out of a paddling pool! It’s brilliant fun.
“At 1.30pm we have HD Dance Studios performing. There will also be a princess from Dreams that Glitter dancing with them and they are also holding a dance fit class for £2. Come along and join in the fun.
“We have Rachael from Froggle Parties at 3pm to entertain the children with magic, balloon animals, bubbles and puppetry. Then at 4pm, we have the fabulous Bluey coming to visit, thanks to Smile Squad Mascots.
“Food will be supplied by Jefferson Williams Catering, and Caprinos Pizzas in Melksham are coming along from midday to sell pizzas, wraps and milkshakes. They are donating all money made to the fundraiser. I’m so very grateful for their kindness.”
At this year’s event, Tracie says they will be running the ‘biggest’ tombola they have ever had in memory of her friend Karen Kerry who died this year.
“She was by my side for every fundraiser I’ve done, so we’ll do her proud and make it the best yet,” explained Tracie.
“There will be various stalls, games and the ever-popular Water or Wine stall and I will be running auctions in the weeks leading up to the day on the Facebook event page. Just search for Live Music and Family Funday.
“There are many prizes, including 18 holes for four people at Cumberwell Park golf course, a season ticket from Melksham Town Football Club, a meal voucher for The Three Magpies and days out at Atwell Motor Museum and Cholderton Rare Breeds Farm.
“We also have a hair voucher from T12, beauty vouchers from Ooh La Laur Beauty, Nail Heaven and Kay’s Nails, Phoenix Motorcycle training voucher, Wild and Barefoot photography shoots, a child’s session at Copse and Loppers Forest School, a plant from Elsie Mayflower, vouchers from Freemans Window Cleaning Services and City Fitness, a Lazer Quest session, a prize from The Cobblers Bench, and so much more! Prizes and vouchers are coming in daily.
“If you would like to help on the day, it would be great to have you on board! Come along, listen to some great local live music and enjoy an afternoon and evening of free entertainment.
“Massive thanks again go to James, Max and their wonderful staff for letting me take over the Pilot!”
If you’d like to donate visit the Just Giving page https://www.justgiving.com/page/tracie-winslow-2024
Pictured: Volunteers with Tracie, second from the left at last year’s event which raised £7,500.