New Milton Round Table’s future hangs in balance... (From Bournemouth Echo)
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New Milton Round Table’s future hangs in balance...
7:10pm Tuesday 25th November 2008 in Search By Bob Jolliffe
CHEQUE THIS OUT: New Milton Round Table recently joined Hot Toe Tappers to present cheques to Katie Ball and her dad Martin (far right)
AN organisation which has raised thousands of pounds for charity while giving great pleasure to residents will fold unless it gets an immediate influx of new members.
New Milton Round Table was founded in 1937 for people aged 18-45 to organise events for the benefit of the community and raise money for charity.
Spokesman, Chris Hobby, said: “I’m an honorary member because I’m over 45, and there are only five members left, but we can’t run events with so few.
“If we don’t get any members by January 31, New Milton Round Table will close.”
Mr Hobby joined in 1996 when there were 22 members. The numbers have steadily declined to the current level.
Mr Hobby fears the public has too little free time to devote to causes like the Round Table, with people working longer hours than ever before and many working away from home.
“There’s no funny handshakes or anything like that,” he added.
“We’re just a group of normal people raising money for charity and having a good time doing it.”
If new members are not forthcoming, New Milton Round Table will go out in a blaze of glory.
Its annual fireworks display will take place on Sunday, December 14.
The event should have gone ahead on November 1, but was called off because of torrential rain.
And with the Lions’ Club Christmas Carnival off the road this year, the Round Table has taken the opportunity to introduce Santa to the local children at the same event.
The rescheduled event will take place at Fawcett’s Field. The gates open at 5pm so that children can pop into the grotto and visit Santa before a 10-minute display, minus the percussive fireworks, for younger children starting at 6pm.
The bonfire will be lit at 6.15pm and the “all singing all dancing” fireworks display starting at 7pm will ensure the Round Tablers will go out with a real bang.
The group meets on two Tuesdays a month.
Prospective members should contact Mr Hobby on 01425 612043 evenings or 01425 612044 during office hours.
