A NUMBER of sports clubs and community organisations have received funding from Helston Town Council in their bi-annual community grant meeting.

The council get together twice a year in order to award grants to local organisations and causes that apply for them, with this month seeing eight applicants awarded funds. 

The groups who were award grants this month were:

  • CAST: Awarded £2,000, CAST applied for the grant in order to support its 'CAST-Off' programme this summer, which provides free creative activities in the walled garden at Penrose. It is also hoped the funding could help them bring the programme into the centre of town in order for more people to access their services.
  • Helston Athletic FC: Awarded £2,250, HAFC's grant will go towards the provision of a 14m squared concrete slab directly in front of the rear gates of the main stadium to reduce the risk of slipping and personal injury.

According to the club, the respective gateway is subject to heavy pedestrian traffic and,  during the winter months, the area in front of the single pedestrian gate becomes extremely hazardous.

Helston Youth Football: Awarded £3,200, Helston Youth Football applied for the funding as a number of its players have been selected to represent Cornwall boys and girls on a footballing trip to Germany.

Being aware of the current financial climate the club hoped to help parents fund their child's trip which costs approximately £870 per person. 

  • Helston Bowling Club: Awarded £475, Helston Bowling club applied for grant aid to continue its updating of club facilities by installing emergency lighting.
  • Helston Friendship Club: Awarded £500, the Helston Friendship Club says it will use the money for help with administrative tasks including club rental, as well as for entertainers and trips out to various venues.
  • Helston Railway Preservation Society: Awarded £1,000, The Helston Railway Preservation Society applied for the funding in order to enable it to purchase a public access defibrillator. The HRPS say they are keen to make it available, not only to help our visitors and volunteers at the railway, but also to be accessible to local residents.

Porthleven Harbour Hedgies Rescue: Awarded £500, Porthleven Harbour Hedgies Rescue applied for the funding in order to expand its operation.

Currently the hedgehog hospital is six feetfeet wide by eight foot long and says it has been challenging to meet the demand of sick and injured hedgehogs needing its care.

The additional funding will be put towards building a larger space for the rescue operation. 

  • Citizen's Advice Cornwall: Awarded £500, Citizen's Advice Cornwall applied for the grant in order to help fund its services such as one-on-one appointments and training for advisors as well as to provide equipment such as headsets and phone systems.