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Good causes set for welcome windfalls

blackmorevaleOctober 6, 20210 Comment0

Town councillors in Gillingham look set to pour thousands of pounds into the coffers of local causes and groups after finance committee members met to discuss grant applications.

Among many applications for funding for the 2021/22 tax year was one for £1,350 from Gillingham Carnival Committee. The committee has recommended that Full Council approve the request.

Gillingham Craft and Chat Group asked for £200, which was also backed, and Gillingham Duke of Edinburgh Open Award Centre was recommended to receive £1,000. Cllr Barry von Clemens and Cllr Cullingford abstained from voting on that application. Gillingham Enterprise CIC stand to receive £507 and Hipp!!Bones was recommended to receive £480. Read Easy Blackmore Vale North will receive £485. North Dorset Disability Information Service (NorDIS), should see a grant of £1,000.

However, when it came to an application from North Dorset Rugby Football Club for £1,000, concerns were raised over the financial need of the club. Cllr Poulter proposed they recommend Full Council to decline the application and Cllr Kilcourse seconded that. But there were no votes in favour of that proposal. Cllr Gould proposed backing the £1,000 grant but this proposal was not seconded. Cllr Kilcourse proposed a grant of £500 should be put forward and Cllr Evill seconded the proposal.

However, this was not carried as there was no majority, after Cllr Hill abstained from voting as he had declared a personal interest. It was agreed consideration of the application from North Dorset Rugby Football Club will be considered by Full Council at their next meeting.

Open Door (Gillingham Community Church) applied for £1,000, however councillors were unsure whether or not a council is prohibited from awarding funds to cover costs associated with the affairs of a church. The application was also deferred to Full Council.