A NUMBER of accolades and grants are to be awarded during the forthcoming Holsworthy Town Council’s annual meeting, and the council is encouraging people to apply.

The first on offer are the grants provided by the town council for community based groups.

A council spokesperson said: “Every financial year, Holsworthy Town Council budgets a sum of money for grants to local voluntary or charitable organisations, where the group’s activities will contribute to, and be of benefit to, the life or community of the town and benefit the people of Holsworthy.”

There is a limited number of grants available to organisations, that can demonstrate a need for assistance.

The spokesperson said: “A total figure for available grant aid will be agreed by the council as part of the budget for each financial year. The grant may be in the form of either a financial grant or, in certain approved cases, the provision of work carried out by the council’s staff and/or use of council premises.”

The successful organisations must collect their grant cheque in person during the annual meeting of the council, as the spokesperson added: “Failure to do so, may lead to the grant being withdrawn,”

To apply for a grant from the council complete an application form and return it to the offices in Holsworthy no later than April 12.

Among the accolades being bestowed by the council during the annual meeting is the civic honour ‘Freeman of Holsworthy’.

The spokesperson said: “This is a civic honour and is open to all residents of Holsworthy. The person nominated by Holsworthy residents is someone who has, in some shape or form, served the town and people of Holsworthy by way of personal good deeds or as part of a larger organisation.”

Residents of the town can collect nomination forms from the town council, which must be completed and returned to the office no later than March 23.

Finally, Community Champions will be chosen. This award was introduced in 2017 as a way of thanking those in Holsworthy who have put in hard work and shown commitment to supporting the town.

The spokesperson said: “Holsworthy Town Council councillors are to nominate people within the community. This is to acknowledge people’s hard work and dedication within the community of Holsworthy.”

Nominations for Community Champions will be announced at the annual meeting of the council, along with presentations of grants and the Freeman award on Wednesday, May 15.