Boost for local communities (From Witney Gazette)

Boost for local communities

9:00am Friday 31st March 2006 in Witney By Ruth Keeling

BOOKS, cushions, winter coats, and stage lighting are some of the things that can be bought by groups in Oxfordshire thanks to a community grant.

The Midcounties Co-operative has awarded more than £15,000 to a variety of projects across Oxfordshire.

Ducklington Pre-School has been given £650 to spruce up their book corner with new books, storage, and seating.

After raising funds to buy a new kit, Eynsham Youth under-14s football team can afford a set of warm coats thanks to £300 from the supermarket chain. Carol Baker, the mother of one of the players, said: "We are really pleased about it. The Co-op have been really generous over the last couple of years, like supplying our bread rolls.

"The coats are necessary, especially at this time of year, and it is quite nice to have the team in all the same coats."

A cheque for £400 means the Wantage Stage Musical Company will be able to replace the lighting equipment that they have been managing with since 1977.

Banbury People for Peace, the Carib Art workshop, Oxford, and Steventon Pre-School Playgroup have all received £1,000 each to carry on their work.

Sarah Buy, grant co-ordinator, said: "The scheme is so strong because it reinforces the co-operative's links with the communities we serve, returning benefits to our members, customers, and staff on a local basis."

Application forms for the community grants, which are awarded four times a year, can be picked up from Co-op supermarkets.