Star fundraiser is toast of the Lions (From Gazette Series)

Star fundraiser is toast of the Lions

STAR Inn landlady Lita Ralston was the toast of Wotton Lions Club.

The fundraising organisation made a donation of £600 towards the Market Street pub's nominated charity - Arthritis Research Campaign.

The landlady's husband, Mark Ralston, has severe rheumatoid arthritis but despite his condition, he and Star regular Jon Toy kicked off the fundraising

a sponsored slim, which raised £350.

The pub's Christmas hamper raffle made a further £230.

Mrs Ralston said: "The charity's fundraiser for the area lives in Gloucester and he was thrilled to receive Wotton's contribution. The group is holding a charity golf match at Chipping Sodbury Golf Club in late September so, if anyone's interested in supporting it, they're looking for sponsors."

Lions' president Phil Gibbs said: "Wotton Lions Club has held its meetings at The Star Inn for many years and when we became aware of the pub's efforts to support Arthritis Research we wanted to help."

Lion Tony Haworth added: "The regulars at The Star support the Lions each week with our meat raffle, and it's good to be able to support them when they are trying to raise money."

Meanwhile Phil Gibbs and Tony Haworth have set up a club sub-committee to collect unwanted bus tokens.

Mr Gibbs said: "There are a number of us in the club who are senior citizens, eligible for bus tokens from Stroud District Council but not really in need of them. We would like to pass them on to Wotton residents who have difficulty with getting out and about."

Mr Haworth said: "I have checked with the council's legal department who have approved our campaign."

He added: "Depending on the response, and on the needs of local people, we could help with individual journeys or arrange leisure outings for groups of older people."

Anyone who has not claimed for these bus tokens in the past should contact Stroud District Council's transport office on 01453 754417 for a form - this can be exchanged at a post office for tokens, on production of identity, from March 11.

The unwanted tokens can be handed in at the Singing Teapot caf in Long Street, Wotton-under-Edge or at 4 Symn Lane.

Phil Gibbs can be contacted on 01453 521215 and Tony Haworth on 01453 842636.

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