Five community organisations in Stone have been awarded grants from Stone Town Council after requests in the latest funding round exceeded the available budget.
Nine organisations each applied for £500 through the council’s summer grant scheme, but councillors said they needed to be cautious with spending because the council’s annual grants budget for 2026 to 2027 is £4,000, with a second round of funding due to be allocated next February.
Councillor Rob Kenney, chairman of the General Purposes Committee, said
“Given the amount of grant (applications) we have got, and the fact we have got further applications to come throughout the year, I think we are going to have to be a bit strict on decisions this evening.”
Which groups received funding?
First Oulton BP (Baden-Powell) Scouts was awarded £250 towards new tents and camping equipment.
Councillor Jill Hood said
“The majority of the youngsters who go to the BP Scout group are Stone children.”
Man Time, the weekly men’s support group which meets every Monday at Stone’s Wetherspoons, received the full £500 it requested. The funding will help expand its outreach and early support work in the town.
Councillor Jason Metters said
“They’re quite well known in the town now. I imagine, with them being a Mayoral charity, awareness has been raised.”
Councillor Kerry Dawson said
“Their membership has expanded over the past couple of months, from a handful of people to managing to fill a 90-minute slot at Wetherspoons. It’s testament that something like this is needed in Stone.”
Town Mayor Andrew Best has chosen Man Time as one of his mayoral charities for the year.
He told fellow councillors
“I know they are working really hard to get members to come and talk.”
Stone Choral Society was awarded £500 towards rehearsal hall hire, music scores, programmes and professional support, including its musical director, accompanist and musicians.
Councillor Jim Davies said
“It is very high profile and it does good for the town.”
Stone Scout and Guide Band received £350 to help refurbish its drum line and purchase new lightweight cymbals.
Councillor Philip Leason said
“I think the Scout and Guide Band are a tremendous ambassador for Stone.
“They not only perform in Stone but in other areas as well. It shows young people at their best and they are always very smart and well turned-out.”
Councillor Hood said
“I have nothing but admiration for this group. They get young people who wouldn’t necessarily have the opportunity to play a musical instrument.”
Stone Traders Group was awarded £250 towards its Halloween family fun day later this year.
The group said the funding would help continue offering free children’s activities after previous support from Stafford Borough Council was no longer available.
Four applications turned down
Four organisations were unsuccessful in this round.
Applications from Stafford and District Bereavement and Loss Support, Stone Common Plot and U3A Stone and District were declined because councillors considered each organisation already held sufficient financial reserves.
First Yarnfield Scout Group’s application was also refused because councillors considered it was not predominantly Stone based.
The deadline for the next round of applications is 13 January 2027 – https://www.stonetowncouncil.gov.uk/grants/
