DEVIZES mayor and mayoress Kelvin and Pam Nash have thanked the organisers of three events which together have contributed more than £1,000 to his Mayor’s Appeal.

Coun and Mrs Nash invited Judy Rose and Cathy Spencely from the Avon Road Residents’ Association, David Rapley and David Williams from Devizes CAMRA and Tom Fussell from the Devizes Food and Drink Festival to the town hall last Friday to thank them in person.

Coun Nash said: “In June, Judy Rose and neighbours from Avon Road held their Jubilee Street Party at the playing field – it was a most enjoyable occasion, on a lovely sunny afternoon, and it was a great success.

“Their intention was to raise a bit of cash to stage the party for the people of Avon Road, but it was so well supported there was a considerable surplus, so Judy and her fellow organisers decided to donate the money to my appeal – thank you!

“Devizes Food and Drink Festival has grown into an ever more successful and popular event.

“The mayoress and I attended the gala cocktail evening where festival-goers enjoyed a range of tempting cocktails and delicious canapés, and were able to meet the mayor. The festival raffle proceeds were kindly donated to my charities.

“The 13th Devizes Beer Festival, organised by members of CAMRA’s Devizes branch, was again a sell out, even though there was a ten per cent increase in capacity this year.

“The festival brings hundreds of visitors to the town, which provides a well received boost to our leisure and retail economy, as well as providing us with a fantastic community event. We all had a great time, despite the wet weather. The festival committee collects any unused beer tokens, converts them into cash, and then tops this up with money from their funds and, this year, have decided to donate it to the Mayor’s Appeal.

“On behalf of my three charities: Devizes Opportunity Centre, Kennet Gateway Club and Wiltshire Blind’s Friday Craft Club, I would like to thank you all very much indeed.”

Coun Nash will continue to raise money for his chosen good causes until his mayoral year ends next May.