Dragons fire up community projects

At Horwich RMI each of nine organisations gave a short presentation about their work before the “dragons” — Horwich Rotary president elect Margot Mather, Keith Maher, chairman of Rotary’s Community Committee, and freelance journalist Angela Kelly — made the final decisions.

Winners were The Brazley Intergeneration project which received £300 for activities to bring together older people and small children.

Meladrama Acting School, based at St Joseph RC High School & Sports College, was given £500 towards a Summer School offering drama, dance, music and creative writing activities for local children.

Blackrod Sports and Community Centre will be able to put on badminton and gymnastics sessions thanks to £484 for equipment.

And Horwich RMI Cricket Club will be able to coach more youngsters on its Cricket All Rounders Pathway thanks to a £500

grant.

Horwich Community Choir receives £500 to pay for a residential workshop and uniform for casual performances and cadets from the ATC Horwich (471) Squadron will now be able to enjoy canoeing at the Anderton Centre thanks to an award of £384.

Horwich and Blackrod Childminders receive £500 for fibre optic sensory lights and a pop-up tent for their young charges.

And Horwich Community First Responders can now spread the message about CPR further, thanks to a gift of £476 for various necessary equipment.

Blackrod should be more colourful than ever during its annual popular Scarecrow Festival thanks to £250 to allow Blackrod Stitch and Knit Group to buy yarn and fabric materials to “yarn bomb” the area including making bollard covers and brightening up phone boxes.

The money was raised by Horwich Rotary members at various fundraising

events.

Rotary president Mrs Mather said: “We have had a lot of people apply for grants this year.

"We had to whittle it down to 10 but I feel they are a good cross-section with some excellent projects.”