Locals from across Warminster and surrounding villages flocked to The George Inn in Longbridge Deverill last Saturday for a spectacular fundraising evening in aid of The Rose Charity. The event raised £2,850 for the charity which helps further the education of underprivileged children living in Warminster and nearby villages.

The evening was a sell-out, with all 80 tickets (each sold for £10 with £8 going to charity) being snapped up well before the night. Ticket holders were invited to place £1 bets on a series of horse races shown on the pub’s TV screen, while local businesses ensured further charity donations by sponsoring all eight races.

Charity Chairman and Trustee, David Deacon, also auctioned off each horse, with the top horse ‘Hangover’ selling for £72 in the ‘Upham Brewery handicap’. To add to the entertainment, The George Inn also laid on a delicious supper of homemade beef stew with crusty bread.

The Rose Charity was founded in 1989 by David Deacon in memory of his mother, Rose. Alongside David on the Trustee Board are Charles Goodbody and Paul Wells, who are fantastically supported by a team of willing volunteers. To date, the charity has raised in excess of £200,000 and helped over 300 children. With no administration costs, every penny goes direct to the charity.

David Deacon, Chairman and Trustee at The Rose Charity, said: “A huge ‘thank you’ to everyone who got behind the event and to The George for hosting it. The charity is delighted with the level of support that it continues to receive and this specific fundraising event was an occasion to remember.”

Laurie Creighton, Manager at The George Inn, said: “The atmosphere across the evening was fantastic. Locals and businesses alike got behind the event and helped to raise as much money as possible for The Rose Charity. The charity makes a positive and tangible impact on children’s lives, children who live locally, and it was great to see such overwhelming support for them.”

The evening was just one event in a calendar of charity initiatives run at The George Inn. The pub recently made £300 for Cancer Research in a pub quiz and it will be holding another charity quiz evening on 24 April 2015 in aid of Crockerton Primary School.