September 2019

Shipston Town Council seeks bids for grants to support the community

Shipston Town Council’s annual community grants scheme is now open or bids for the next financial year – April 2020 to March 2021.

The community grant scheme is one of the most rewarding aspects of the council’s work. The council sets aside money every year to directly support local initiatives undertaken by voluntary groups and charities which benefit residents.

Last year saw a total of £20,500 awarded to support a wide range of projects from community events to lifesaving services.

The grant scheme is open to any voluntary group or charity based in Shipston or actively working in the town. Bids must relate to specific projects, such as a purchase of new equipment or support for an event, rather than general funds.

Typically, individual grants range from £250 to £2,000, although in some cases, awards may be higher. Mayor, Dan Scobie, said: “Community grants are a great way of supporting the many and varied projects and services available in the town. Wherever possible, we are keen to support projects that benefit a wide group of residents to make best use of public funds, but we do consider niche projects as well, particularly when it’s to do with supporting some of the more vulnerable members of our community.”

Applications for grants must be received by 31 October. To find out more and for copies of the application form, please
contact the Town Clerk on 01608 662180.

Grants in Action

Improving access to the river bank
Shipston Town Council contributed funds to help pay for work being done by the Sports and Social club and Angling Club on
the riverbank. The grant has helped make it possible for people with disabilities to access the river and enjoy fishing. The new platform was officially opened as part of the Fish n Frolics festival in July.

Keeping people moving
The Town Council has supported both the voluntary drivers scheme through VASA and Shipston Link, both of which provide transport for those in need, particularly to help residents get to medical appointments and shops.

Lifesaving support
Through its grant scheme, Shipston Town Council funds the ongoing costs of the Shipston Community First Response vehicle, including insurance, road tax and maintenance. This funding helps ensure the voluntary first aiders can reach people throughout the town quickly when there’s an emergency.

Proms party
Grant funding has also been awarded for the Last Night of the Proms, recognising that it is such an important event for the town, and an opportunity for everyone to come together and enjoy music free of charge.

Blooming marvellous
Every year, the council funds the flowers planted by Shipston in Bloom which make such a positive visual impact throughout the town. 

Grants have also been used to support maintenance projects and new equipment for the Townsend Hall, invest in the Youth Club outreach programme and Xfest, support Citizens Advice services and help pay for repairs to the Town Band hall.

Unfortunately we can’t fund every bid, and often we are not able to give as much money as groups would ideally like. However, we consider every bid carefully and aim to support as many and as diverse a range of projects as we can”, the Mayor concluded.

For application details see the advert on page 14 of the Forum.

Shipston Town Council welcomes new councillor

Shipston Town Council has co-opted Gerry Kelly to the council, following a successful application and interview in September.

Gerry lives locally having moved here from Merseyside some years ago. He worked in the Fire Service for 32 years, including two secondments to the Fire Service College in Moreton. Having had experience of planning, particularly in relation to fire safety and emergency planning, Gerry is keen to make use of his skills to benefit the local area. He is already a member of the Speedwatch Group.

Gerry Kelly commented: “I look forward to being more involved in local council activities, adding my expertise and experience to a knowledgeable and active group of local councillors.”

Gerry works part time and is married with two children.

The Town Council still has one vacancy and is keen to hear from anyone aged over 18 and living in the town that would like to get more involved with their local community. For more details and full criteria, please contact the Town Clerk on 01608 662180 or clerk@shipstononline.org

Keeping in touch with your local police

Warwickshire Police is encouraging residents to keep in touch with their local Safer Neighbourhood Team.

Warwickshirepolice.co.uk has a page for each SNT giving details on who is in the team, a monthly newsletter and reporting on good news or incidents of note. You can also sign up to alerts via the Community Messaging Service. More features are to be added, including a crime map, giving an overview of crimes in a specific area, down to street level.

Shipston’s SNT is active on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook and is a great way to find out what they are doing to tackle crime in and around the town.

Instagram: SouthWarwickshireSNTs
Facebook: ShipstonSaferNeighbourhoodTeam
Twitter: @ShipstonCops

Warwickshire Rural Watch is a free scheme to help combat rural crime in Warwickshire. You can sign up to receive incident alerts and news for Shipston and the local area and access crime prevention advice and information.

Shipston SNT has an email address unique to them for non-emergency issues and advice -shipston.snt@warwickshire.pnn.police.uk. You should receive a response within 72 hours, although often replies are given sooner.
101 is the national phone number to contact your local police. 101 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and is free. However, in an emergency - when someone is in danger, a crime is in progress or a suspect is nearby - always dial 999.