MELKSHAM Lions Club will celebrate their 40th birthday with an extravaganza on Saturday 31st May.
“As it is our fortieth birthday year we decided we wanted to celebrate this occasion with the town and the result is the 40th Birthday Extravaganza,” said club member Simon White.
“There will be trade and craft shows in the United Reformed Church and displays in the grounds of Melksham House and in the Market Place. We are also hosting the International Town Criers’ Competition and I believe we have town criers attending from as far afield as Belgium and also one from Scotland.
“There will be a hog roast, displays of vintage army vehicles, classic cars and also Atwells Motor Museum of Calne will be with us and raffling off a 1968 Riley Elf, an archery display, where the public can also have a go if they wish, and a martial arts display.
“The Mayor will be officially opening the proceedings and will be accompanied by Melksham’s own Chelsea pensioner and this will start at 10.30am”
What to see and where to see it
In the Market Place, The International Town Criers’ Competition and their programme is as follows:-
10.30am – Official opening by the Mayor followed by the Enigma Twirlers. 11.00am to 12.30pm – The Town Criers Competition . 12.30pm-1pm – Mr Wilkins Shilling Ladies Northwest Clog Morris Dancing. 1.00pm-2.00pm – Maypole dancing. 2.00pm-3.00pm – The Town Criers’ Competition. 3.30pm-4.00pm – Bath ATC band
UNITED REFORMED CHURCH: In the church hall there will be a variety of trade and craft stalls while in the rear hall there will be a model railway display and the church will be serving teas and coffees in the lounge area.
MELKSHAM HOUSE: In the grounds of Melksham House there will displays of vintage army vehicles and classic cars and also if you have always fancied having a go at archery, the Druids Archery Club is providing a display and the opportunity to try it out. Also the Dragonslair Martial Arts Club will be on display.
KINGS ARMS: In the front will be the Riley Elf which is being raffled by Atwells Motor Museum and in the car park at the rear will be more vintage vehicles from the museum.
Simon added, “We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the townspeople, the business and the shops who have so brilliantly and consistently supported us through the years as without that support, we could not do the work as easily or as well as we do. So a big thank you from us to you.”
Melksham Lions Club was formed in 1974 by Noel West and the mother club is Devizes Lions Club. Some of the original members are still members today including Simon White, Roland Holdway and Stuart Beese.
“Over the years the club has been privileged to be able to help many local people in various ways and also local charities by raising money in a variety of ways,” added Simon. “Some of you may remember the Spring Fayres we used to hold and the time we had the Television All Stars football team to play against a local side. Then of course there was the sponsored 12-seater bike ride and the greenhouses we erected at St George’s Hospital Independent Living Centre.
“Can anyone forget the Meccari exhibitions we held? We helped the Disabled Riding Group and were responsible for starting the Disabled Games which are now held in Swindon, but originally were held at The Christie Miller Centre.
“We also helped supply coal and firewood and did decorating for those in need and also those unable to do their own decorating. Until recently we also had an annual Christmas party for the elderly.”
For more details about the Melksham Lions Club visit www.melkshamlions.org.uk