ROTARIANS in Chippenham have raised more than £2,000 for Julia's House from just two events and have pledged there is much more to come.

The Rotary Club of Chippenham chose Julia's House as its main charity for 2016/17 and immediately set about organising fundraising events.

A silent art auction organised by Karin Meek, wife of Rotary president Richard, was held at the Neeld Community and Arts Centre in Chippenham in July and raised almost £1,700.

In September a sponsored walk around Corsham Park was organised by Rotarian Stuart Gilbert and raised another £450.

The proceeds from both events was presented to Liz Froud from Julia's House fundraising team who thanked the Rotary Club for its support.

Next April the club will be holding its annual charity golf classic at Castle Combe Golf Club in aid of Julia's House and also plans to stage a musical concert at which it is hoped members of the Military Wives choir will also perform.

The proceeds from the concert will be shared between Julia's House and other Rotary charities.

The silent auction was supported by a number of local artists including Gill Minter, Sarah and Alan Padwick, Yvonne and David Auld, Jeff Gibbons, Paul Simpkins and Dennis French.

Since the success of the auction Mrs Meek has gone on to help organise a Chippenham friends group for Julia's House.

Julia's House is hoping other people will follow Mrs Meek's example and become friends.

In addition to Chippenham has three other groups in the county in Devizes, Pewsey and Marlborough and on Salisbury Plain which help with fundraising events and raising awareness.

Ian Wadley, Wiltshire Fundraising Manager for Julia’s House, said: “By delivering talks and presentations, managing collection boxes and organising events, our volunteers make a very real difference in raising vital awareness and funds for Julia’s House.We’d be delighted to hear from anybody who can spare some time to volunteer – either independently or by joining one of our Friends’ Groups.”

For further information, contact Julia’s House on 01980 677105 or visit juliashouse.org

For more information on the Chippenham group contact Mrs Meek on 01249 655331.