Melksham Rotary Club is celebrating after its fund-raising efforts topped the £30,000 mark from running the ArtHouse Cafe in the Market Place.
The club took on the popular cafe in 2011 running it with three part-time staff and around 30 volunteers. And last month, the money raised for local charities exceeded £30,000.
“It’s a fantastic effort and we’re obviously delighted,” said chairman of the ArtHouse Cafe, Norman Drake.
“It’s been extremely hard work by both the Rotary Club, our staff and all the volunteers but very worthwhile and to pass the £30,000 mark is quite a milestone.
“We think the cafe is a big asset to the town, both in offering great coffee and food, showcasing local art and in the fundraising with all the money raised going to local charities.”
The Rotary Club held its latest presentation evening in the Art House Café on Tuesday 17th June to present cheques to five local organisations – Devizes Opportunity Centre, Splash, Sixty Plus, Relate and Dream Holidays.
The president, Terry Bazeley, also invited a range of representatives from organisations who had previously received financial support from the club – a timely reminder that all cafe profits go to the Melksham community and its surrounds.
The organisations supported over the last three years include Melksham Food Bank, Wiltshire Air Ambulance, Macmillan, Melksham Christmas Lights, AFC Melksham, Hearing Dogs for the Deaf, Melksham’s Young People’s Awards, the Amber Foundation, Melksham PHAB, 1st Broughton Gifford and Holt Scouts, Melksham Air Cadets, Wiltshire Mind, Wilts & Berks Canal Trust, Youth Speaks, Kids Out and the RUH Appeal.
Volunteers are always welcome at the cafe. Contact Norman or Tessa Drake on 01225 702445 or pop into the cafe for details.
