Two Cowes community groups have received equal shares of £25,000 raised at the town’s Southern Co-operative store. Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society and the Friends of Northwood Cemetery each received £12,500 from the Community Support Card scheme ran by the store over the last year.
The scheme has now been re-launched in aid of two new recipients this year – Cowes Sports Football Club and the 2nd Cowes (St Mary’s) Sea Scouts. The Co-op said it hopes, with the support of customers, the same amount will be raised over the next year.
The Community Support Card scheme works by the Co-op making a donation to the fund every time customers have their special community cards swiped. The groups which will benefit are chosen prior to the start of the scheme by a representative panel of local people.
Treasurer of the Friends of Northwood Cemetery, Jon Matthews said: “We are endeavouring to restore the east chapel at the cemetery to bring it back into use for funeral services. Thanks to the Southern Co-op’s scheme, £12,500 of funding is now available for us to do some vital building repair works.”
Cowes Amateur Operatic and Dramatic Society president John Plumbly said: “This scheme makes a real difference to community organisations. Our share will enable us to complete repairs to the theatre and purchase new equipment. This is vital to keep the theatre functioning and available for the use and enjoyment of all the community.”
Debbie Cardwell from Cowes Sports FC said: “We are thrilled to have been selected to be one of the recipients for 2010-2011. It will help us to develop the youth section and continue to support the existing teams.”
Jane Holmwood, from 2nd Cowes (St Mary’s) Sea Scouts said: “We have some major roof repairs to complete and this will go some way to achieving this. Without a decent roof, our building would risk becoming unusable for scouting and the other community groups who use our facilities.”