THE Bude branch of Christians Together has received two grants from different local organisations towards their events, including the Free Family Fun Festival (FFFF).

The first grant has come from Bude-Stratton Town Council, who have generously awarded £150 to the branch, which is their highest grant for charities in the area, according to one Christians Together member, Gail Brace.

Speaking about the grant from the town council, she said: “I am so delighted we have received this generous gift.”

This money is due to help meet all expenditures of the recent FFFF event. The branch has also received a donation of £200 from the Coast Church, based in Bude. Together, the grants received will help with the hiring of the bouncy castle, as well as the cost of the burgers, hot dogs and rolls for events. The group get through around 600 at an event, and costs tend to mount up quickly.

There are also other expenses, which include the hire of the Castle grounds, the electricity used and costs of transport for all the items used, not to mention face paint, candy floss and more.

Gail said: “We seek to cater for families, both visitors and people of Bude, to give them a day when they don’t have to spend any money. When there are several children in a family, being on holiday can be an expensive time. We don’t seek to proselytize, but we do tell people that the churches of Bude, Stratton and district raise the money to fund the day. We have been going for five years now, and it is a great success.

“It is truly helpful to have these monies given to us. We are hoping to have more involvement in other things next year. Our AGM is in September and our new chairman will outline the year’s activities then.”