Two local charities in Somerset will benefit from support from Radstock Co-operative Society over the course of the coming year.
At their annual general meeting, members of the co-op were able to vote for causes or community projects they wanted the to back. They selected two organisations from a list of charities shortlisted by the board: YMCA Mendip and Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band.
Dating back to 1868, the society comprises of 15 convenience stores, a large supermarket with non-food offering, a food hall, a travel agency and a dairy farm, all based in the Somerset area.
Each charity will receive an initial donation of £1,100 and further support over the next 12 months. To be considered for the financial donation, applications had to contain relevant background information relating to the charity and details of the positive impact on the local community.
YMCA Mendip provides 53 accommodation units across the district and a café style drop in centre in Frome. It also runs eight youth clubs and provides a safe environment for young people.
The charity has been active in the area for 125 years. To celebrate its legacy, YMCA will be holding a celebratory event at Wells Cathedral on Saturday, 21 October at 2pm. Those interested in attending can RSVP to [email protected].
A spokeswoman for the society said: “It is important that young people have available to them the support mechanisms and services that are aimed at their specific needs. The Mendip YMCA is particularly focused on tackling the issue of housing and homelessness which is becoming more prevalent amongst the young as they battle with social exclusion, mental health problems and financial difficulties. We admire the work of the Mendip YMCA in bringing much needed help and support to individuals within our trading communities.”
Also partnering with the society, Midsomer Norton and Radstock Silver Band was formed in 1980 by Angela Lowe using instruments from the old Radstock Silver Band, money held in trust by the former Midsomer Norton Band and grants from the local council.
They have since grown in number and were awarded third place at the West of England National Brass Band Third Section qualifier at Torquay in March 2017. Therefore, the brass band will compete at the National Brass Band Championship finals for the second successive year at Cheltenham in September.
Trevor Curtis, the band’s chair said: “We are delighted to be supported by the Radstock Co-operative Society this year and are extremely grateful for their generous donation of £1,100. Instruments are extremely expensive and even the smaller beginners instruments can cost several hundred pounds. This donation is also very welcome at a time when concert fees from the local councils are diminishing. We look forward to working with Radstock Co-op to enhance awareness of our band and its benefits in the local community”.
