The Norton/Radstock local committee for Macmillan Cancer Support have held their final meeting and the Regional Fund Raising Manager was present to thank them for their long service at The Old Down Inn, Emborough as the group prepares to fold.

The very first committee was founded by councillors and business people of the town almost sixty years ago, and since then, members have raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan by way of coffee mornings, Christmas Fairs, garden parties, craft fairs, supermarket and town collections, bookstalls, concerts, music workshops, quizzes, fashion shows, wine tasting events, collecting boxes and generous donations. Lasting friendships have been made along the way, and fun has been had, with organising and taking part in so many events.

On the fiftieth anniversary of the founding of the Committee, a very special service of remembrance was held at Midsomer Norton Methodist Church, when local people were invited to light a candle in memory of a loved one.

Now, due to the retirement of key members of the committee, there will no longer be a dedicated fundraising group to represent Macmillan in our area. Over the years, many others have assisted and given their time to help raise the money, especially with the street and supermarket collections. In particular, thanks are due to members of Midsomer Norton Methodist and St John’s Churches for their support, as well to as everyone else.

Money boxes in shops and homes will, however, continue to be collected as usual. Individual donations for Macmillan can be passed on to the charity by contacting the support team on: 0300 1000 200.

Kaeti Morrison, the Regional Fundraising Manager for Macmillan, says that small local committees, up and down the land, raise millions each year between them and are an extremely important component of fundraising activities for Macmillan.

Support and advice is available to anyone who might be interested in carrying on the good work in the Norton/Radstock area. Either Kaeti Morrison (Tel: 07001 307 063), the retiring Chairman, Ethne Dando, (01761 414165) or the retiring Treasurer, Beth Davies, (01761 418787) would be pleased to speak to anyone who would like further information on continuing the good work.