A musical tribute to Stone’s past, one of the town’s busiest Scout groups, and a well-loved brass band are the latest to benefit from town council grant funding.
At their meeting on Tuesday, 1st July, Stone Town Council awarded £500 each to three community organisations, helping to bring local music, youth activities, and heritage to life.
A fourth application, from Oak Tree Farm Rural Project, was declined this time due to the group’s existing reserves and turnover.
Stone’s history takes centre stage
Stone Choral Society will use its funding to bring back Stone Circles, a musical piece first performed over 25 years ago to celebrate the choir’s 30th anniversary.
The concert is set for 1st November at Crown Wharf Theatre and promises to be a celebration of the town itself. Drawing on local landmarks like Joule’s Ales, St Dominic’s Church and the invention of Hovis flour, the performance weaves together Stone’s industrial, spiritual and culinary past.
Councillor Jim Davies told the meeting:
“For years we have been waiting for the choral society to produce Stone Circles in the theatre. I think this is an excellent thing to secure.”
Scouts go camping with safety in mind
The First Oulton Scout Group also received £500 to help them prepare for their busy summer camp, which will bring together over 100 people.
The funds will cover new fire safety kit, including extinguishers and a first aid point, as well as gas burners and propane tanks to cater for their growing group.
Councillor Jill Hood praised the group’s energy, saying:
“It is the most incredible Scout group and so many people from Stone go to this group.
The enthusiasm shown by the young people to encourage the little ones is absolutely brilliant.”
Brass band plans to hit the right note
Rounding out the list of recipients is Florence Brass Band, familiar to many in town thanks to regular performances at civic events like the Texas flag raising.
The money will go towards updating instruments and buying additional uniform stock, with some equipment now more than 10 years old. The group also runs an instrument lending library for people who can’t afford to buy their own, helping to keep music open and inclusive.
