Oktoberfest donates funds to local organisations

LAST year’s Oktoberfest, hosted by The Horse and Groom in Westbury, raised the sum of £800 for local charities and organisations, beating their previous efforts.

Over 200 people attended the autumn event at the Horse and Groom to enjoy Bratwurst, pretzels and gallons of German lagers. The event was made possible by the efforts of  organisers Andy Murray, owner of Twisted Brewery in Westbury, Bruce Hewitson and Terry Stone, who brought the event to the popular pub.

During the event, people and businesses were given the opportunity to sponsor a barrel to raise money for  charitable organisations. Costs of the barrels were £100 each and enabled the event to raise £800, beating the previous year’s £600.

A cheque presentation, held on Tuesday 30th January, allowed the organisers to present their fundraising efforts to their chosen charities. They were Wiltshire Air Ambulance, West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association (WWYSA) and Westbury Infant School.

Bruce Hewitson, one of the organisers of the event,  presented the first cheque for £200 to Ben Ellsley, a governor of Westbury Infant School.

Bruce said, “We would like to present a cheque to Westbury Infant School as we realise they are having challenging times at the moment. We would like to present just a small amount to help in any way we can.”

The second cheque for £200 was presented, alongside Gordon Gill, whose business Gordon Gill Fine Turf and Maintenance was one of the barrel sponsors, to Stewart Ackland, Wiltshire Air Ambulance volunteer and Carrie Aldous, shop manager of the Air Ambulance Supporters Shop in Westbury.

Bruce said, “The Wiltshire Air Ambulance is in everyone’s minds all year. They are always dropping in on the community. We want to present a small amount, even if it just helps with petrol prices.”

Cas Loudon, donor relationship coordinator at Wiltshire Air Ambulance said, “We’re so grateful to the Horse and Groom pub in Westbury for fundraising for our airbase appeal. The funds raised will help us complete the building and equipping of our new airbase at Semington, near Melksham.”

The third cheque for £200 was presented to the principal of the West Wiltshire Youth Sailing Association, Duncan Wilson, and chief instructor, Nic Cross.

Bruce said, “We understand that the sailing association needs to change their equipment on a regular basis, so we hope that this small contribution will allow them to achieve this.”

Duncan Wilson said, “ It is a very generous offer from the event for our small club. We are busy raising funds ourselves, so it’s very helpful when others contribute. The money will be used to help replace our safety kit and buoyancy aids, each aid is around £30 and we have 28, so this money will go a long way.”

The remaining £200 raised will be kept and added to the money collected at this year’s event. The planning of the event is already well under way, so keep an eye out for details nearer the time.

Above: Organisers, sponsors and charity representatives of Oktoberfest 2017.