Chance to apply for slice of funding pie

Good causes and local groups are being invited to apply for cash awards following a Santa's Sleigh tour around Rugeley at Christmas.

The town's Lions and Rotary clubs raised £3,500 thanks to the generosity of members of the public. The clubs joined forces to re-launch the tour after a 10-year absence through Rugeley's streets, as well as in nearby villages. The cash was split between the clubs and now the Rotary Club of Rugeley is ready to dish out its half.

Rotarian Gerry Walsh said: "The Rotary Club of Rugeley raises funds through various activities during the year.

"The Santa's sleigh last Christmas was a particularly enjoyable and well supported event. The fantastic amount of funds raised will be distributed both to local good causes and to Rotary Charities.

"The Rotary Club of Rugeley would now like to help local small groups who do good work in our community and applications for small grants are now invited. We can't contribute to general fundraising, but we may be able to help with that one-off item, or group of small items, which would make life a little easier for your group."

Mr Walsh said the maximum for each award is likely to be no more than £150 as the club hopes to help a variety of causes.

He added: "Please tell us what your group does, where it operates, how many people you help or support and how long your group has been doing this work.

"Then tell us what it is you are applying for, and the cost. Please give us your name, full contact address with postcode, telephone number and an email address if you have one. "Our grants committee meets regularly, so we should be able to reply to you within eight weeks. We may in the future publicise how we have awarded money in the community, but we won't identify specific individuals or groups without your written permission."

To apply, write to The Rotary Club of Rugeley, c/o The Secretary Lea Hall Social Club, Sandy Lane, Rugeley, WS15 2LB.