Members of community organisations that focus on art, sport and heritage are celebrating after scooping nearly £35,000 from the Lottery.

Awards for All - a Lottery grant programme that aims to help local communities - is set to donate money to ten groups from Basildon, Brentwood and Thurrock that applied for help with a variety of projects.

On a roll - bowling club members John Pearce and Betty Woods Picture: ROBIN WOOSEY

The successful applicants from Basildon include the 5th Wickford Scout Group (£3,225), Essex South Road Racing Pigeons Flying Club (£3,300), and Friends of Abacus Primary (£2,343).

Redwing Football Club (5,000), Essex Squash Rackets Association (£4,995) and Basildon and Billericay University of the Third Age (£1,071) also got the thumbs-up.

Dave Neller, chairman of Essex Squash Rackets Association, said the lottery money will be used to help recruit and qualify extra coaches and referees.

Brentwood-based organisations Burntwood Archers Club (£2,000) and West Horndon Park Association (£5,000) both welcomed the cash boost.

John Simpson, from the archery club, said: "We are thrilled with the award. It is the first time we have applied to the lottery for money and we got the exact amount we asked for."

"We are going to use it to buy more bows, arrows and training targets alongside a new specialist storage container to hold it all."

The Thurrock Local History Society is also to get £3,762 to meet the costs of staging lectures on heritage at town and village fairs in partnership with Thameside Theatre.

Bowling enthusiasts in Castle Point were celebrating today after landing a lottery windfall.

South Benfleet Bowling Club was awarded £3,800 to cover the costs of replacing the tarmac on the drive leading to its clubhouse.

Two other groups - Benfleet Operatic Society and Canvey Island Youth Football Club - were also in the money

The operatic society got £2,410 which will help local children take part in workshops And £5,000 for the footballers will help meet the cost of staging their annual tournament.

Published Wednesday, June 11, 2003

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