Like so many other local charities and community groups, Devizes Rotary’s fundraising efforts have been severely curtailed by the Covid-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, they’ve been able to hand out a number of grants during the past nine months to good causes locally and internationally.

Cliff Evans, Devizes Rotary Treasurer said: “Almost £3,000 has already been donated to local charities, including the Devizes Food Bank, Devizes Opportunity Centre, Julia’s House and Canon’s House. But we also wanted to support the great work being done throughout the county by the likes of Carer Support Wiltshire and Dorothy House, who therefore received almost £1,000 between them.”

The President of Devizes Rotary, Kelsey Greenaway, said: “Further help is clearly needed by the majority of community groups and charitable organisations during these very challenging times. Consequently, we’ve been building up a Charity Collection of goods for sale which is made up mainly of items generously donated by Waitrose HQ in Bracknell, but also of items supplied by Club Members and Friends of Devizes Rotary.

"And the great news is that every single penny of those sales will go to those most in need.”

The club had originally hoped to sell items from the Collection at the Devizes Winter Festival. However as that was cancelled due to the second Covid-19 Lockdown, they are now planning to have a stall in The Devizes Shambles from 9 am – 4 pm this Friday December 4.

Mark Hill, Devizes Markets Manager is supportive of the initiative. “Devizes Town Council are always happy to help good causes such as this one from Devizes Rotary,” said Mark, “and can reassure everyone that strict social distancing rules and regulations will be in place in the Shambles at all times during the day to ensure that all customers have a safe and enjoyable visit.”

If you can’t make it to the Shambles on Friday 4th December, then please take a look at the Collection on the Devizes Rotary website at www.devizesrotary.co.uk