OVER 30 organisations were awarded grants at the Launceston Annual Town Meeting on Thursday, April 20.

With over 50 in attendance inside the town hall, comprising of town councillors, members of the public and representatives of the organisations, the mayor Cllr Brian Hogan awarded grants of £300 to 26 organisations while a further 12 received sums for their year-to-year work.

The 26 organisations receiving grants of £300 were: Breathe Easy Launceston and Area, CHICKS, Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, The Elfords, Hawks Tor Netball Club, Kensey Valley Residents Association, Lanstephan Play Park, Launceston Rugby Club’s Minis and Juniors, Launceston Choral Society, Launceston Community Transport Partnership, Launceston Day Care Centre, Launceston Electronic Organ Club, Launceston Eventide Trust, Launceston Foodbank, Launceston Football Club, Launceston Ladies Hockey Club, Launceston Male Voice Choir, Launceston Money Advice Centre, Launceston Pre-School, Launceston Railway Circle, Launceston Town Band, Launceston Town Square Events, Launceston Women’s Institute, Launceston Youth Partnership, Launceston Youth Project and Southgate Colts Football Club.

The organistations awarded their year to year grant were: St Mary Magdalene, St Thomas, St Stephens and St Cuthbert Mayne (£250 each towards churchyard maintenance), Charles Causley Festival (£3,000), Launceston in Bloom (£500), Launceston Youth Council (up to £3,000), Launceston CCTV Partnership (up to £3,000), Friends of Launceston Priory (up to £1,000), Launceston Carnival (£500), Launceston Municipal Charities (£500).

The council tax payment for Cyprus Well, the former home of Charles Causley which has now been turned into a writer’s retreat and centre for literature development, was £1,304 for 2016/17.

Cllr Hogan expressed his thanks to all of the organisations for their work, saying: “We try and support all of the voluntary groups as much as we can. We’re so grateful to all of the work you do to make Launceston a better place for everyone to enjoy.”

As well as the handing over of cheques to the different organisations, who in turn thanked the council for their support, town councillors provided a report for the respective groups they are involved with, while Cllr Paul O’Brien provided the audience with a finance update for the year.

Cllr O’Brien said: “Our finances are currently in a stable position. However central government have taken a bigger interest in budgets. We may see a ‘jump in the precept’ as they make the rules, but it equates to just 46p per week per Band D property. I’d also like to thank Helen Gribble who’s been an absolute star for helping us with the finances.”

In between Cllr Hogan and Cllr O’Brien’s speeches there was also a spread of food cooked by the deputy mayor and former Launceston College cookery teacher, Cllr Margaret Young.

The next annual town meeting will be on Wednesday, April 18, 2018.