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Lion, the late Ronnie Binks, centre, with his wife Marion, present a caravan to a family in Lyneham following a draw in the 1970s. Bob Astwood is on the right.

IN its heyday, Wootton Bassett and District Lions Club attracted close to 30 members and organised dozens of events throughout the year.

But after 35 years of camaraderie and fellowship, the club has disbanded due to lack of interest.

Since it was formed in 1974 the club has given away hundreds of thousands of pounds to various charities.

The biggest day in the club's calendar was the annual May Fayre, which ran from 1977 for 27 years.

The fayre took place in Lydiard Park in Swindon and attracted huge numbers of people who flocked to visit the stalls and fun fair.

The group only ever cancelled the event three times, due to a Foot and Mouth scare, flooding and the building of a gas pipeline under the park.

Founder member Bob Astwood has stayed with the group throughout its entire life and has seen huge changes to its dynamics.

He said: "The biggest change of all is that we have all got a lot older, which is probably the reason we are now extinct.

"In 1975 the average age of the members was under 30 and, when it finished on New Year's Eve, it was closer to 70.

"I have thousands of great memories, but my favourite has to be when we presented a cheque to the oldest resident of an old people's home in Wroughton.

"She was a dear old lady of 103, but when I asked her age, she told me she was 400.

"We all enjoyed each others company and taking on projects, even some that we probably would not undertake now.

"It is a great shame but we have had a good run. For the entire history of the club there was a tremendous atmosphere of fellowship and co-operation."

President Chris Taylor said: "There is a distinct lack of community now and people just don't want to be part of a group.

"I suppose younger people find it hard to grasp the concept of camaraderie."

Among the group's annual events were a series of sponsored walks, which began in 1976 with one organised by the then mayor Dennis Calnan. Members also organised Santa's sleigh ride and carol float around Wootton Bassett, Wroughton, Lyneham and Chiseldon.

Mayor Audrey Wannell said: "They have done a lot of good and have been a real part of the community. I feel sorry, because they have always been such a good group but these groups can't survive without help."

The president's chain is on display at the museum in the old town hall and the remaining £9,000 of funds is being given to charities.

2:40pm Monday 4th February 2008

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