MELKSHAM Lions have been celebrating 40 years of service to the local community.
The club was formed in 1974 and has been an integral part of the town since then, organising and supporting a wide range of events and raising large sums for local, national and international charities.
Simon White, the Lions’ activities chairman said, “To all of you we say a big thank you for your fantastic support which you all have given us in the form of sponsorship, raffle prizes and help in so many ways over the past 40 years.
“Our treasurer has calculated that since we formed we have raised – with your help -£215,000 – now how about that!”
The club celebrated its milestone with a 40th anniversary Birthday Extravaganza held recently in the Market Place, the grounds of Melksham House and at the Melksham United Church. A wide range of attractions included a display of vintage and classic cars, archery, twirling and martial arts displays, maypole dancing, a model railway, local craft stall and the hosting of an international town criers’ competition.
Opened by the mayor, cllr Terri Welch accompanied by a Chelsea Pensioner, John Pemberton, a former resident of the town, the town criers event was organised by Melksham’s own town crier Peter Dauncey and included criers representing towns from across the UK and one from Ghent in Belgium. The 17 competitors were joined by 13 lady escorts.
“It was a definite success and a lot of people really enjoyed it as it was a great opportunity to see a town criers’ competition – we are delighted with how it went,” said Peter Dauncey.
The Kings Arms Cup for the best crier was won by Peder Nielson from Bromyard in Herefordshire.
From the day of celebration, Melksham Lions raised over £1,400 for the club’s chosen charities.
Simon White spoke to the Melksham News after the event. He said, “We are really pleased with how it has gone and a lot of people seem to really be enjoying the day. Everyone has worked very hard to make this a community event for Melksham and the feedback has been very positive. We have held many events and this one has been a huge success, with some asking about the possibility of another next year.
“The Lions Club would also like to take this opportunity to thank all our sponsors for this event, many of whom have sponsored us on many previous occasions, who are too numerous to name individually but our special thanks go to Ian Drew and all the team at Melksham News, and the team at Townsend printers who gave us such support and hard work in putting together our programme.
“We wish and sincerely hope that the Lions Club of Melksham will be thriving for another 40 years with new members enjoying the benefits of our constantly growing community. Once again a big thank you from all of us to all of you for the last 40 years and here’s to the next 40 years!”
For more information about the Melksham Lions visit www.melkshamlions.co.uk or call 0845 8337401 to speak to a member.
