MALMESBURY and Tetbury Round Table could be forced to wind up, threatening the only fireworks display in Malmesbury, unless new members are found.

The group issued the warning after a successful fire display raised more than £1,300 for good causes earlier this month.

Two members of the Round Table are moving away shortly, leaving just seven members, not enough to put together an event like the fireworks, said former president Keith Maslin.

He said: "It would be a terrible shame if the only firework display in Malmesbury had to stop because we can't get enough people to organise it.

"We are desperately short of members and I don't think it will be possible to stage a public event for 5,000 people with only seven people."

Anyone interested in giving up a small amount of time every month to help the Round Table raise money and enjoy social events should phone Mark Sutton on (01666) 824223.

This year has proved hard for many voluntary organisations in Malmesbury. The Lions Club, which had operated in the town for 30 years, had to shut down in May because of a lack of members, despite repeated pleas for support.

It had given around £30,000 to local good causes in that time but this year's £800 payout will be the last.

Former member Ian Mace said: "Our demise dragged on for two years. No one came forward, we shut down, then everyone came forward and said it was such a shame we closed."

"We supported school children on round the world trips, gave food parcels to the elderly at Christmas and helped Burton Hill School."

In the same month the Lions closed, the Athelstan Lodge of the Royal Antediluvian Order of Buffaloes, based in Malmesbury, was threatened with closure after having difficulties finding a secretary. A secretary came forward but low membership levels continue to be a problem.

Malmesbury Carnival Committee, which raised £8,000 for good causes this year, has also been struggling. Secretary John Lawton said if two members dropped out at the annual general meeting, due to be held last night, next year's carnival could be under serious threat.