IN BRIEF
COURTNEY GETS HER WHEELS
FUNDING AVAILABLE FOR GOOD CAUSES IN WOOLTON
Voluntary groups in Woolton are being urged to apply for charitable funds which aim to improve recreational and educational opportunities in the area .
The Woolton Educational and Recreational Charity was set up following the sale of the Woolton Village Club in 2000 . The club was sold for £ 300,000 and the Charity uses the interest on the proceeds of the sale to fund local projects aimed at improving the quality of life for everyone . Since its inception the Charity has given approximately £ 15,000 annually to support such projects .
In November last year , a fundraising night was held in Crosby , Liverpool to raise funds to purchase a specialised wheelchair bike for 20-year-old Courtney Pownall .
On the evening hosted by Ronnie Orr , nine singers including Billy Strand , Asa Murphy , George Gallagher , Soul Jam to name but a few , all gave their time for free .
Courtney was born with multiple conditions . She loves to sing and during lockdown she entertained everyone via Facebook and wanted to raise £ 200 for Claire House her favourite place . She raised £ 25k and Courtney was nominated for Pride of Britain and was a winner of the Northwest Region .
The bike was ordered and specially made for her and delivered to Courtney on Wednesday 18th January .
Courtney ’ s Dad , Neil Pownall said “ We are delighted that Courtney now has her mobility , freedom and independence , we can now take the dog for a walk and Courtney is able to come along with us and we can ’ t thank Julie Lawson enough for this .”
In 2022 a host of great causes local to the Woolton area benefitted from the charity . These included the Friends of Reynolds Park who received £ 2,000 to install new play equipment ; Old Xaverians Cricket Club which benefitted from £ 5,000 to help finance a practice facility ; and Woolton High School which received £ 2,000 to fund new musical equipment .
Local groups and organisations have until 31 March 2023 to submit a bid for funding .
How to apply : Application forms are available from Mr Robin Thomaides , Liverpool City Council , Cunard Building , Pier Head , Liverpool L3 1DS . Telephone 0151 351 1108 . Email : robin . thomaides @ liverpool . gov . uk
Councillor Malcolm Kelly , the Chair of The Woolton Educational and Recreational Charity , said : “ The village hall was gifted to the people of the village by William Dodge James in 1896 .
“ Since its sale , we have used the proceeds to invest in the local community and support many fantastic initiatives from local groups .
“ The application process is open to anyone in the Woolton area who wants to use the funding to help improve recreation and education in the area . We look forward to receiving your bids .”
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