THE former president and co-founder of Imperial Charity in Westbury has been refused membership of the charity after retiring from 28 years of service.

David McCance retired from his position at Imperial Charity at the last AGM due to ill health, although he wanted to stay linked to the cause and applied for membership which was refused by the current board of trustees.

For many years Mr McCance has arranged the charity New Years Eve party, but as he was no longer able to plan shows as a member, he decided he wanted to host one last show, but soon discovered that the trustees of Imperial Charity have booked a New Year’s party the week before his own planned date, leaving him feeling pushed out.

Mr McCance said: “This makes it seem like rivalry and I don’t want that.

“I founded the Imperial Charity inspired through something which was, and still is, very close to my own heart, my daughter Ella who was born with Down syndrome and Autism and I still want to do my bit for the charity.

“We started Imperial Charity from a simple jumble sale back in 1989 raising £300 for Stepping Stones School in Trowbridge and the charity just grew and grew from there.

“I don’t want to undermine the charity so will move my show to a later date, and will put on another event soon.”

Chairman of the trustees of Imperial Charity, David Smith said: “Mr McCance along with five other trustees announced that they were leaving in one of our meetings without prior warning, which is against our charity commission policy. 

"We also have not accepted any of our former trustees, not just Mr McCance.

"Imperial Charity have also always has the 3rd Sunday in Januray for our show."

“We are not prepared to make any more reasons public as to why Mr McCance hasn’t been accepted as a member.”