MELKSHAM Rotary Club, along with special guests, came together earlier this month to celebrate the club raising £100,000 for local causes from their popular ArtHouse Cafe.
Over 90 people attended the event including volunteers, the Mayor of Melksham, councillors and customers from the popular cafe in the Market Place.
The café was taken over by Melksham Rotary Club in July 2011 and since then it has raised over £100,000, all donated to local organisations, groups and charities.
Melksham Rotary Club secretary, Sarah Hiscocks said, “The evening was a great success with around 90 guests attending including the large number of volunteers who give up their time to work in the ArtHouse Café.
“Over the years, the number of volunteers who work in the café has grown. Volunteers work in shifts of two in the morning and three in the afternoon, six days a week, so it is quite a commitment. Apart from our fabulous cooks, everyone who works in the café is a volunteer. Without them giving up their time we wouldn’t be able to give so much money back to the local community.
“We’re also very lucky to have our own art gallery, displaying work by local amateur artists. Pattie Lockett who organises the regular exhibitions, has already displayed work by over 100 artists and there’s a waiting list. Local artists are welcome to pick up an application form from the café to be added to her list. We simply ask for £1 per item displayed and a small percentage of any sale, which also goes to the local community. Art is welcomed from any medium and any style.
“We were very pleased to welcome Wendy Clayton, a member of Alzheimer’s Support to the celebration. The charity runs a monthly café in the ArtHouse for people living with dementia and their families. During the evening, Wendy spoke about what the café means to those who go along and how the café is a lovely, welcoming place with great tea and cakes!”
Melksham Rotary Club president, Verly Ives said, “The Rotary Club and its members are well known in the Melksham community for not only raising funds for local causes but for also supporting local events.
“The £100,000, which has been raised in the last six years, has helped smaller charities that don’t receive as much help as the more well known ones, even if the funds are used to provide transport for just one outing for a local group.
“The club is a success because of the dedication of its members. We are always looking to attract members and would welcome new faces at the club. To find out more information email info@melkshamrotary.org
“I would like to thank all the customers and volunteers from the ArtHouse Café for their continued support.”
Anyone in the Melksham area can apply for a grant if it is to the benefit of the local community. To receive an application form please email grants@melkshamrotary.org. The closing date to submit the application is 30th April. There will be a presentation evening in June.
