Renfrewshire celebrates a lotto windfall
Churches, bowling clubs and community groups are splitting a £ 70,000 National Lottery windfall.
Game bosses have divvied up nearly £ 1million – with 13 Renfrewshire causes benefitting.
Create Paisley was one of the big winners and banked more than £5,000.
Alan Clark, project manager with the arts group, says the funding will allow them to extend their work.
He said: “It’s a substantial amount of money for us.
“We’re hoping it will allow us to work closely with other groups.
“We are looking to work on with Tannahill Centre in Ferguslie Park on a project for Halloween.
“We’ll be creating lanterns and encouraging young people and their families to help make them.
“We’ll also be working with young people in Linwood to create a graphic novel.
“It will tell the story of how they are desperate for a youth space.”
Cash is being split from the lottery’s charitable arm.
Money is raised through playing and split between worthy causes around the UK.
Rays of Hope is among those receiving a share of the money.
The voluntary support group runs from Elderslie and offers help to cancer patients and their loved ones.
They offer practical help, social outings and psychotherapy.
They have been granted £5,000.
It will pay for a fitness instructor to deliver 20 hours of classes each week for affected families.
Bishopton Parish Church, Comedy and Confidence, Ferguslie Park North Tenants and Residents Association and Houston Old School Trust have also received grants.
Lochfield Ladies Bowling and Social Club, Lochwinnoch Bowling Club, Montrose Day Centre Buddies and Paisley Martyrs’ Sandyford Church landed a windfall.
And Renfrewshire Visually Impaired Forum, Shortroods Adult Advisory Association and Friends of Johnstone Day Centre were among those receiving help.
Lotto chiefs say they are proud to offer support to worthy causes.
A spokesman said: “This is National Lottery money in action, reaching into communities across Scotland making a difference to the people who live there. The 136 groups receiving funding today showcases the range of projects that can be funded through this programme and the difference that the smallest amounts of money can make.”
To find out more about lottery grants, visit www. tnlcommunityfund.org.uk