A Lotto fun to be had
Two Newmains groups have hit the jackpot.
The Hub Linedancers Group and young footballers from Newmains Hammers bagged bumper grants from the Big Lottery Fund having impressed judges by pitching projects to them at an event at Wishaw Sports Centre.
The Hammers’ 2003 side picked up a £2,000 cheque to take their team of 17 kids and four volunteer coaches to a football tournament in England.
Brian O’Neil, from the club, was delighted to receive the grant.
He said: “This money is a real kickstart for us to go on this trip.
“The delight on the kids’ faces who were there on the day really shows what it means to them.”
The Hub Linedancers Group, which meets on a Wednesday night at the NCT Centre, provides social and recreational opportunities for members through line dancing.
They bagged £1500 of funding to extend their stage to deliver larger scale line dancing events and activities and funding for transport costs for a weekend dancing workshop to Carlisle.
Group chairwoman Isobel McIntyre said: “Every group was given a four-minute slot to pitch their proposals.
“Big Lottery were great with us though and explained what would be happening on the day and then it was a case of pitching to the panel.
“Everyone was nervous on the day but thankfully we managed to get the funding we wanted.
“Being able to extend our stage will benefit not only our group but others who use the NCT Centre.
“We are absolutely delighted. This money will really help us.”
The groups got the chance to pitch their project thanks to Wishaw Wants – a partnership day by the Big Lottery Fund and North Lanarkshire Council. Police are hunting vandals who smashed windows at a property in Newmains.
Between 2pm and 6pm on Wednesday, October 4, two windows were broken at the house in Westwood Road - the third vandalism to the building in as many weeks.
Officers are appealing for anyone with information to come forward.
Members of the public who witnessed the incident are urged to call Police Scotland 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 quoting incident number SP-20171004-2870.
Police say the building, which is being renovated, had windows smashed on September 17 and 23. Members of Newmains Community Council will hold their monthly meeting tonight (Wednesday).
It will be held in the NCT Centre from 7pm to 9pm.
Any member of the public is welcome to attend the meeting where local issues will be discussed.
The community council is also keen to recruit new members to their ranks.
Anyone wishing to become a member can go along to this meeting or contact the secretary at robertmckendrick@sky.com.