Four community groups and charities have been awarded windfalls by Stone Town Council – but a fifth bid was turned down.
Grant bids were approved for Stone Alzheimer’s Drop-in Club, the local Royal British Legion branch, Oak Tree Farm Rural Project and Stone Scout and Guide Band at the town council’s meeting on Tuesday.
A firth application from 15Square was rejected however due to its level of existing reserves.
The charity’s headquarters are in Stone, 15Square’s application form stated, and it requested a £500 grant from the council. The form added:
“We are a medical educational charity helping men traumatised by circumcision and those who want to avoid it.
“Our main income is donations from those we have helped and legacies. We need a new office-based computer following the failure of a processor early in 2022.”
Councillor Jill Hood said:
“I have never heard of this organisation – maybe they’re public somewhere but they’re not coming out in public in Stone. I do admire their courage for asking the council for money and I would propose we give this organisation £300.”
But Councillor Robert Townsend said:
“Its head office is based here but there is no evidence of direct support for the people of Stone. Given this application is for basic systems to run the charity I don’t think it’s appropriate on this occasion.”
Stone Alzheimer’s Drop-in Club also requested a £500 grant but was not considered to meet the council’s criteria because of its existing reserve level. However, councillors agreed to award it £300, which is intended for a Christmas party for club members with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia and their carers.
Councillor Jim Davies said:
“We have a very worthwhile cause asking us to support them. They’re an organisation based in Stone and haven’t got huge amounts of money.”
Oak Tree Farm Rural Project, which provides training and support for adults with learning disabilities, was granted £500 towards the cost of repairs to its wastewater plant.
The Stone Royal British Legion branch will use the £500 it was awarded to buy a new standard. The current one is almost 50 years old and water mould, damage and fading means it is now beyond repair, the branch’s application form stated.
And the £500 given to Stone Scout and Guide Band will help buy and maintain instruments to enable young people to learn new skills and play more music.
