Cash floods in at theft-hit pub

As reported in the Evening Advertiser, two months ago a thief took the bottle from the Plough Inn, in Devizes Road.

The landlord, former Swindon Town FC star Andy Rowland, had briefly turned his back to go to another part of the pub.

The bottle contained about £150 for local cancer and leukaemia charity CALM which offers support and advice to parents and guardians of children with the illnesses.

But, as soon as the loss came to light, pub regulars and other local people dug deep into their pockets, raising £1,175 for the charity.

CALM director Don Macarthur said: "It is wonderful that they have raised this money for us, especially after the theft.

"Because we are a personal support organisation for the parents of young cancer and leukaemia sufferers it means a lot to us need to receive support like this from members of the community."

CALM was established in 1984 and currently has about 20 clients on its books.

CALM volunteers are all parents and guardians who have been through the same problems as the people they advise and help.

Mr Rowland is full of praise for his regulars and the other people who gave many were present at the pub to see the money handed over to Mr Macarthur on Monday.

Mr Rowland said: "The theft happened after I went to wash my hands. As I came back, I saw somebody's back disappearing outside, and I thought nothing of it.

"Then, later, I noticed that the bottle was missing.

"From that day onward, the response from our regulars and everybody who has heard what has happened through the paper has been amazing.

"The money £1,175 has come from our regulars and also from people we have never met before.

"It has happened purely on the back of the fact that we had the previous one stolen."

Anybody wishing to make a donation, or who feels they could benefit from CALM's services, should call 01672 841098 or e-mail the group at calmpost@hotmail.com.

Barrie Hudson