Published: January 15, 2008
Burnham-On-Sea fundraising group hands out cheques for final time

Members of Burnham-On-Sea fundraising group Local Emergency Service (LES) handed out their final cheques to local worthy causes on Tuesday night (January 15th) after 22 years of fundraising in the town.

The group's Jackie Tanner presented a total of £1,797.14 to Burnham and Highbridge Gateway Club, Burnham Stroke Club, Hillview Carnival Club, Burnham Hospital League of Friends, Burnham Judo Club, BARB, Breakthrough Breast Cancer South West, Burnham United Football Club and Burnham Medical Centre.

LES has been raising money from its base in the Somerset and Dorset pub for 22 years, earning almost £70,000 for local groups, but it has found it difficult to recruit new fundraisers during recent years and has taken the decision to fold.

Jackie Tanner, the group's treasurer, told Burnham-On-Sea.com at Tuesday's event that LES had been struggling with just three active members during the last year.

"It has been a tough decision to end the group. All our fundraising events have been well supported, but organising them all is too much for a small group. We haven't managed to find anyone new, so are folding."

"I would like to thank Pat and John, the Somerset and Dorset's owners, for their support and everyone who has helped us in the past."

Roy Hodge, former owner of the S&D, and who helped run the LES group for 18 years, was at Tuesday's final cheque presentation. He said: "It's sad to see it go - I've enjoyed every minute of involvement."