Penzance Council Awards Over £20,000 to Boost Local Community Projects

Local organisations receive funding for vital community services and projects

Penzance Council has awarded over £20,000 in grant funding to five local community organisations, aiming to support a variety of projects that will directly benefit the residents of the parish. The funding was approved during the Full Council meeting on 15 July and the Finance & General Purposes Committee meeting on 19 August, both held at St John’s Hall.

Who Received the Funding?

The council’s funding allocation is as follows:

• Paul Cricket Club – £10,000
• Growing Links CIC – £8,313
• St Piran in Penwith – £2,956
• Gulval Village Community Association – £1,000
• MusicAbility CIC – £2,520

Supporting Local Sports and Recreation

The largest grant of £10,000 was awarded to Paul Cricket Club. This funding will be used to replace the club’s 25-year-old practice nets, which are no longer safe for use. The new nets will not only benefit the club’s players but will also be made available to local schools and community groups.

Sharon Dee, Hon. Secretary for Paul Cricket Club, expressed the club’s gratitude, stating, “This grant now gives us the necessary funds to allow us to start work as soon as this season ends. Exciting times for Paul Cricket Club thanks to Penzance Council!”

Helping Vulnerable Adults in Penzance

Growing Links CIC, an organisation dedicated to making the local food system accessible and affordable, received £8,313. The funds will be used to purchase kitchen equipment for their move to the new Safe & Well Hub at the former John Daniel Centre. This move will allow Growing Links to continue their Street Food Project, which provides meals to vulnerable adults, while also offering vocational skills training in catering and self-care.

Director of Growing Links CIC, Lynne Dyer, highlighted the importance of the funding, saying, “This funding will help us to purchase a commercial kitchen which will cook for those that need it but also provide vocational skills for our volunteers and beneficiaries.”

Celebrating Local Culture and Heritage

St Piran in Penwith, an organisation dedicated to celebrating the local heritage, was awarded £2,956. The funding will cover the costs of rigging and de-rigging the St Piran flags in the town, as well as providing a saffron bun and pasty voucher for children participating in the 2025 St Piran’s Day celebrations.

Jakki Williams, Chair of St Piran in Penwith, expressed pride in the ongoing partnership with Penzance Council, acknowledging the council’s continued support.

Enhancing Village Safety and Wellbeing

Gulval Village Community Association received £1,000 to replace the defibrillator at The Coldstreamer Inn, ensuring the village has access to this life-saving equipment.

MusicAbility CIC was awarded £2,520 to continue providing a weekly music therapy group for adults with learning difficulties. Ruth Boulton, Director and Music Therapist at MusicAbility CIC, described the sessions as providing “a confidential setting for personal expression and vital social communication.”

A Positive Impact on the Community

Mayor of Penzance, Stephen Reynolds, noted that the grants reflect the council’s commitment to supporting community participation in sport, aiding vulnerable members of the community, and championing local culture. These efforts align with the council’s objectives to benefit the residents of Penzance parish.

Residents and local groups interested in applying for future funding can find more information on the Penzance Council’s grant application page. For further inquiries, contact the council offices at 01736 363405 or via email at info@penzance-tc.gov.uk.