Almost to the day when a small charity commenced on 15th January 1990; this year Imperial Charity celebrates it’s 25th anniversary.
The charity was set up originally to help children with some sort of a disabilities, in assisting financially to make their quality of life just that little bit better.
Stepping Stones in Trowbridge was the first to be helped with a donation of £330 which paid for equipment for the centre which was based in Polebarn Road.
Since starting Imperial have paid for a whole range of needs for various other charities within the area.
David McCance, president of the charity said, “It was very difficult for us financially for many early years trying to generate funds, and at times thought we may not make it, but we persevered, and in 2006 our fortunes changed with the opening of our first charity shop in Westbury.”
For the past 17 years the charity have organised a New Year party for senior citizens and people with ‘special needs’, always held on the third Sunday of January. And this year on 18th January a ‘grand buffet’ with a cabaret will be held at the Paragon Hall, Westbury, with comedy magician Peter Baffles, and Mervyn Jaye comedy impressionist who appears in most of the Jethro videos.
Because the parties are always over subscribed entrance is by ticket only. There are just a handful of tickets still available from Imperial Charity shop at Warminster Road, Westbury.
An anniversary variety show is being planned for the end of April, to star the Bachelors and Craig Douglas, who are on a farewell tour. The venue for this will be announced later.
