A COMMUNITY fundraising group set up just months ago to give a boost to good causes in Devizes and to raise money for St John's Church has already raised thousands of pounds.

Omnes ad Unum Devizes, whose Latin name translates as All For One Devizes, was set up earlier this year with the aim of raising money for the town and the church.

One of the organisers Mike Sanders, who fittingly lives in the Old Rectory in Long Street, said: "It is open to everyone in Devizes who enjoys helping with fundraising projects and having some fun while doing so.

"The aim of the group is to raise money for the wider community of Devizes and the continued operation of St John's Church with at least 50 per cent of any money going to community projects."

The group's most recent fundraiser was a silent auction that attracted lots from businesses throughout the town and raised £5,500. Half of this money will go to Wiltshire Museum.

The auction culminated with a Pimms party in the garden of Mr Sanders' home when museum director David Dawson was on hand to entertain children with a craft event that involved making coins.

Lots at the auction included a David Inshaw etching and a glass dragon by artist Sandra Young as well as golf rounds and many food and drink items.

It had built on the success of the group's inaugural event that was a concert by Trio Con Brio which raised £500 - half of which went to Rowdeford Charity Trust.

A regular series of bridge days, which will be held on the second Tuesday of every month, will start on September 8. They will be held in the Cheese Hall of the Devizes Town Hall starting at 10.30am. Lunch for each session will be provided by chef Peter Vaughan and the day will end with tea at 3.30pm.

It will cost £15 for experienced players to take part and money raised will be shared with Dorothy House.

Next up is the launch of a Meet The Author series on October 5 when celebrated author Alexander McCall Smith will be at St John's Church at 2pm. He will talk about the publication of The Revolving Door Of Life from his Scotland Street series of book and the latest from Mma Ramotswe and the No1 Ladies' Detective Agency.

Tickets costing £6, which includes tea, are available from Devizes Books. Money from this event will be shared with Wiltshire Air Ambulance.

On December 4 from 3pm to 8pm a Christmas bazaar will be held at St John's and will include a Christmas Tree festival. Money from this will go to local children's charities and the church.