Four of Wallingford’s biggest charity fundraising events have been cancelled after the town’s Lions Club folded.

The club has announced that it no longer has enough members to run the group — meaning that the annual pancake race, Easter raffle, raft race and Christmas charities fair will not go ahead unless someone else takes over.

The pancake race has been held on Shrove Tuesday every year for 30 years and was due to be held on February 24 this year.

The club was holding its last meeting today.

Betty Atkins, a town councillor and Lions Club member, said: “It’s a great shame, as I think Wallingford is one of the few places in the county that has carried on the tradition of the pancake race.”

She said that hundreds of people turned out every year to watch the race.

Ms Atkins said: “The Market Place was always full of people and lots of spectators did enjoy it.

“Children from local schools and nurseries come and it’s a lovely day – but unfortunately, unless anybody is willing to take it over at the last minute, it will go by the board.”

Last year, more than 30 runners took part.

The Lions Club was founded 32 years ago with 22 members , but over the years numbers have dwindled to just seven.

Secretary Alan Kings said: “The members felt it wasn’t viable to keep going – we’ve tried to get new members, but without success.

“We felt that we didn’t just want to disappear into oblivion. It was best to make a positive decision.

“We’re all getting older and we need young members, but people these days don’t seem to be interested in doing volunteer work anymore.”

Mr Kings said that the pancake race usually raised about £2,000 for good causes.

He added: “I think it will be missed quite a lot.”

A dozen pubs and businesses took part in the Easter raffle, which raised £1,000 every year.

The raft race on the River Thames each July, usually attracted more than 2,000 people and raised at least £1,000.

And the United Charities Christmas Fair helped more than 30 organisations raise money.

Mayor Alec Hayton said: “It would be lovely if we could find another organisation which has the time and insurance to run such events.”

Organisations interested in taking on the pancake race or other events should call the town council on 01491 835373.

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