THE work of Launceston’s charities and organisations was praised at the town’s annual meeting last week, when thousands of pounds of grant money was presented by the mayor.

Grants of £300 were made by Launceston Town Council to 30 local charities and community groups, and previously agreed grants of varying amounts were also presented at the meeting at the Town Hall last Thursday, April 7.

Each year, Launceston Town Council awards grants to various organisations, whose work is considered to benefit the community.

Mayor Cllr Brian Hogan, in expressing his thanks to the representatives of the various charities and organisations, said: “I think more and more over the years the voluntary sector is having a massive impact on local communities. If it wasn’t for yourselves and other people stepping up to the mark our communities would be in a pretty sad way.”

A number of councillors gave annual reports from groups they are involved with.

Launceston Twinning Association was said to be welcoming 90 people from Plestin over the weekend — an example of how the group has ‘evolved’ over the years.

Cllr Hogan said: “Hopefully that will ensure that sustainability of the organisation. To actually keep an organisation going like that with volunteers — I take my hat off to them.”

The town’s Lawrence House Museum was described by Cllr Rob Tremain as ‘a jewel in Lanson’s crown’, and he praised the volunteers who help.

He added: “Visitors come from around the world — it’s there for locals as well.”

Cllr Tremain also talked of Launceston Municipal Charities, a recipient of a town council grant, describing it as a ‘very ancient charity’ that has been running for hundreds of years.

He added: “At Christmas time local elderly residents on their own get a Christmas card and small donation to say thank you for loving and living in Lanson.”

The Charles Causley Festival also benefitted from a town council grant.

Cllr Jane Nancarrow said: “We are absolutely thrilled again to be supported by the town council. It is a three-day event celebrating our town’s most famous son. It is bringing people into our town, which is what we need. Hopefully the next festival will be as successful.”

The meeting also heard from the Causley ‘Spark to Flame’ project development officer, Jennifer McDerra, who started the role in September.

The project aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Charles Causley in Cornwall and beyond.

She said: “I have come in at a time when a lot of money has been given to preserve Cyprus Well and do good preservation and promotion of Causley’s work.”

Cllr John Harris gave updates on Street Pastors, Launceston Youth Project, and Lanstephan Play Area — the latter two receiving grants from the town council.

He said of the Street Pastors: “People through their dedication, hard work and persistence make a real difference. Street Pastors in the past couple of years they have been going have brought incidents in the town centre down by 60%, which is brilliant.

“Launceston Youth Project — based at the Orchard Centre — they are carrying on and making a difference with our youth.

“Lanstephan Play Area is another case of persistence, hard work and dedication, and making a real difference to Lanstephan.”

The Lanstephan Pocket Park group is awaiting costings for plans for a play area off St Mary’s Road.

Three hundred pound grants were awarded to: Access Theatre, Barefoot Volunteers, CHICKS, Cornwall Air Ambulance, Dunheved Bowling Club, Eventide Trust, lsight Cornwall, Kensey Vale Bowling Club, Lanstephan Area Play Park, Launceston Golf Club Juniors, Launceston and North Cornwall Motor Club.

Also receiving grants were Launceston Choral Society, Launceston Community Transport Partnership, Launceston Cricket Club, Launceston Electronic Organ Club, Launceston Football Club, Launceston Guide District, Launceston Male Voice Choir, Launceston Memory Café.

Launceston Rugby Club, Launceston Rugby Club Mini Juniors, Launceston Women’s Institute, Launceston Youth Project, LC Phoenix Football Club, Merlin MS Centre, Oksigen Theatre, The Elfords, Town Band, Town Square Events and Upfront Launceston.

Previously agreed annual grants were to: St Thomas, St Mary’s, St Stephen’s churches — £250 each; St Cuthbert Mayne Church — £250; Launceston Carnival — £500; Charles Causley Festival — £3,000; Launceston in Bloom — £500; Youth Council; CCTV; Friends of Launceston Priory; Launceston Municipal Charities — £500; Cyprus Well council tax; Lawrence House Museum — £10,000.

Forms are now available for the next round of applications for grants from the town council.

A copy of the town council’s grants policy and a grant application form can be downloaded via the website www.launceston-tc.gov.uk and by clicking ‘Grants, Awards and Honours’.

Paper copies of the application form are also available at the town council offices.

The submission deadline is Friday, September 30.