CHEQUES PRESENTED TO WORTHY GRANT HOLDERS

Funds towards new sports equipment for a local young Golf star, a theatre trip for senior citizens and massage therapy for those requiring support has been granted by Aylesbury Town Council.

Aylesbury Town Council has had a busy time recently presenting cheques to those who have been issued with a Town Council grant in the last few months. Young local sports people with bright futures and local clubs and organisations were amongst the mix of those presented with cheques by Aylesbury Town Councillors.

Cameron Palumbo, 17, is certainly one of the stars of the future - he has been playing Golf since he was 8 and now has a handicap of seven. He was presented with a cheque for £1,000 by Cllr Ranjula Takodra and Cllr Mrs. Pat Jamieson on the 3rd September, which will be used to purchase some custom fit golf clubs, a must for a budding golf star. Cameron is currently studying for a National Diploma in Golf at Hartpury College and is also working towards an Advanced Apprenticeship in Sport and Excellence, which involves a tough training regime of early morning gym and weight training sessions, followed by daily sessions on the course for practice. Last August he won the Junior Championships at Ellesborough Golf Club and has a long term ambition to turn professional.

“I’m coming to the end of my course now and have a couple of options after I’ve finished,” said Cameron. “The custom fit golf clubs will be so important to my progression in the future, and I couldn’t have afforded them without this grant. I’m really hoping to become professional – that’s my dream – and these new clubs are going to bring me considerably closer to getting there.” Golf fans watch this space!

SPACE, an organisation which meets at St Mary’s Church and provides people with support through difficult times was presented with a cheque for £1,612 on the 17th August by Cllr Ranjula Takodra. The cheque was presented to Anne Smith (pictured). The grant will be used towards head and neck massages for members of SPACE at the group’s Tuesday drop-in centre. As well as presenting the cheque, Cllr Takodra also received a massage from Therapist Wendy Bartlett which she enjoyed immensely. SPACE offers members a safe place to unwind, a free and confidential listening service and offers a great opportunity to meet with other people. SPACE holds drop-ins on Tuesdays and Fridays from 10.30am-12pm and a Sunday drop-in from 2pm – 4pm and can be contacted on 01296 432 769 or by emailing aylesbury.space@btconnect.com.

Autumn Leaf Club is a group for senior citizens which is held at the Guardian Angel Church on Southcourt in Aylesbury. Cllr Mrs Pat Jamieson presented members of the club with a cheque for £682.50 on the 25th August. The money granted will be used for a theatre trip to Musical Hairspray for members.

Aylesbury Town Council issues grants to charitable or voluntary organisations working for the benefit of people in Aylesbury generally, or a particular community of the town. Anyone who feels they may be eligible for a grant should fill in a grants application form which can be found here or contact the office on 01296 425 678.

Applications for Grants must be received by 2nd November 2010 to ensure they are put forward at the next Grants Committee meeting on the 16th November 2010.