Former Mayor of Shrewsbury gives funding to local groups

Local charitable groups were invited to apply for a slice of the £4,950 Mayoral Grant money, which they raised through a number of events including a charity luncheon, Mayoral Ball and a Mayoral lock-up, which involved Councillor Tony Durnell being locked in a cell at Monkmoor police Station for 24hrs.

A concert held at St Chad’s Church involving the Friday Singers, Shropshire Girls’ Choir, Shrewsbury Brass Band and Shrewsbury Male Voice Choir also raised over £1,000 which was given directly to St Chad’s to help with the ongoing restoration programme of the church.

In a presentation ceremony held last night at Shrewsbury Town Council’s Guildhall, and attended by the High Sheriff of Shropshire, fifteen groups received funding awards.

They were: Meole Brace Scouts, Parkinson’s UK (Shrewsbury Branch), Shropshire Disability Network, The Shrewsbury Samaritans, Shrewsbury Brass Band, The Shropshire Cadets, Songs for You (South Staffordshire/Shropshire NHS Foundation Trust), Shrewsbury Athletics club, Shrewsbury & Oswestry Crucial Crew, Shrewsbury children’s Bookfest, The Carers Support Service, The Darwin Community Centre, Girlguiding Shropshire, Crowmoor Primary School and The Prince’s Trust.

Speaking at the event to shropshirelive.com Councillor Durnell said: “I was conscious that some of the organisations who have traditionally received Mayoral Grant money, have quite substantial fundraising potential and its often the small organisations who struggle that are in need of small sums of money which are often outside the scope of major funding streams.

“During our Mayoral year, the Mayoress and I witnessed the kind of work these small groups so and more importantly the benefit that residents of the Shrewsbury community receive from their good work.

“The funding given are to organisations in which have made a difference and I believe will continue to make a difference. Many focus on helping young people, giving those in need a start up the ladder, helping to develop their capacity to become good citizens and helping those who are vulnerable in our society.”