Eight groups in the mix to share £25,000
EIGHT community groups from Macclesfield and Poynton are in the running for a share of a £25k fund.
They have bid for between £200 and £5,000 from estate agent Gascoigne Halman, which earlier this year launched its £25k Community Challenge to celebrate its 25th anniversary.
The judging panel – which includes Lord-Lieutenant of Cheshire David Briggs, paralympic cyclist Dame Sarah Storey, breakfast television presenter Louise Minchin, managing director of Gascoigne Halman John Halman and Diana Stephenson, managing director of Calvin Marketing – met to create a shortlist from the 188 entries.
They have now revealed which groups have made the cut for a potential giveaway. In the running is: Activity in Retirement, a charity based in Macclesfield and run by retired people for retired people. Its aim is to keep its 750 members fit and mentally active and to fulfil a social need.
1st Upton Priory Guides which is based at Broken Cross.
Poynton Disabled Swim Club which is more than 30 years old and invites physically and mentally disabled patients, people recovering from operations and bad back sufferers to a free swim.
Just Drop-In on Duke Street, Macclesfield, which is a free, open access service offering support, guidance, advocacy and counselling to young people in Macclesfield.
Macclesfield Youth Brass Band which has been running for 10 years.
Sparkallot, otherwise known as South Park Allotments Group based at Byron Street and Maple Avenue allotment site in Macclesfield.
The SMILE Group in Macclesfield which offers support to mums who suffer from postnatal depression (PND).
Wheelies Sport and Activity Club, Macclesfield, which meets at Tytherington High School on Saturdays.
John Halman said the agency created a £25k Community Challenge to reward organisations that give something back to the community they serve and which have a positive impact on the lives of local people.
He said: “We received 188 fantastic entries for the £25k challenge and it was very difficult to narrow them down to the shortlist.
“Each judge came to the table with their own shortlist and we deliberated over the entries to create an overall list.”
Successful will find November. applicants out in