Melksham Rotary Club’s work acknowledged at Prime Minister’s reception

MELKSHAM Rotary Club has been recognised for their work at the Art House Cafe by the Prime Minister at a reception held to acknowledge the work of volunteers in the community.  

Norman Drake from the Rotary Club who is also the Art House Cafe chairman, attended the reception at number 10 Downing Street on behalf of the Melksham branch with local prospective parliamentary candidate Michelle Donelan.

Norman’s invitation to PM David Cameron’s reception came about following a discussion with Michelle Donelan about  Melksham’s Art House Cafe and its unique venture for a Rotary club to help raise funds for the community. With the help of volunteers, the cafe will have raised around £30,000 by the time the project reaches its third anniversary, with all profits getting distributed locally.

Norman attended Downing Street with his daughter Terry King who is a cook at the Art House Cafe. Norman said, “It was a very enjoyable and memorable day. We were one of the lucky ones that was able to share a hand shake and have a discussion with the PM about the work going on in Melksham. Having been stripped of our cameras and mobile phones we were directed to the first floor inside Number 10 and up a magnificent staircase sporting pictures of all the past Prime Ministers.

“The event was attended by members of parliament, candidates and volunteers who have done work in their respective communities.”