AFTER 57 years raising money for local and international charities, Melksham’s Rotary Club has decided to close.
Last month the club – who are probably best known for running the ArtHouse Café in recent years, raising over £100,000 for local charities and causes – met for the last time to celebrate its achievements.
President of Melksham Rotary, Ruth Fivash, said, “It is with mixed feelings that we come together to celebrate 57 years of Rotary in Melksham, knowing it is also the last official function of the club.
“In that time we have made a difference to so many lives both at home and abroad. To those in the room we know first-hand the impact the ArtHouse Café had on the community, of which we should be very proud of, and I congratulate all for the success.
“Over the years we have supported St John Ambulance in Melksham by helping buy their first ambulance. We have supported Dorothy House, the RUH Forever Friends appeal, Melksham Shed, Wiltshire Mind, Julia’s House, the food bank; the list goes on.
“Abroad we have supported Hope and Homes for Children, Sight Savers, Mercy Ships, Water Aid, Shelter Box, plus others.
“We were chartered as club number 1,000 i.e. the 1,000th club in Britain and Ireland to do this. Our distinctive number has been passed on to a new local online version of Rotary to be known as the Mid West Hub, and as a club we wish them joy in their ventures.
“I would like to recognise some members for their continued support of Rotary, first Norman Drake for 50 years membership, and I thank him for his voice of reason and steerage of the ArtHouse Café along with Tessa Missen; Bruce Sanders for his driven sense of community and charity, both to Rotary and to the community during Covid and Jane Hardwidge (secretary) and Martin Allen (treasurer) for their help and support during my year as president.
“Our funds have been allocated to local charities and they will be hearing from us in due course. We would also like to thank the people of Melksham for their support of Melksham Rotary over 57 years.”
