COMMUNITY groups in Ilminster stressed the importance of the town’s support for their survival.

Representatives from the 2381 Squadron Air Cadets, Cygnets Pre- School, Sunny Ile Pre-School, Ilminster Entertainment Society, Ilminster Youth Centre and the town’s information centre spoke at the annual town meeting.

They thanked the town council for grants allocated to them and said without the support they would struggle to continue.

The town council handed out the following grants:

  • £2,500 to Ilminster Youth Centre
  • £1,500 to Cygnets Pre-School
  • £1,295 to Sunny Isle Pre-School
  • £955 to Ilminster Air Cadets
  • £800 to Ilminster Information Centre
  • £500 to Ilminster Entertainment Society
  • £250 to the Sensory Centre

 

Flt Lieut Steve Penny, Officer Commanding of 2381 Squadron for Ilminster Air Cadets said they used the money to buy first aid equipment so their youngsters can learn basic lifesaving skills, such as CPR.

Sue Dixon, of Cygnets, said they used the £1,500 to buy new furniture.

Sunny Isle installed air conditioning with their grant – the building they use gets very hot and uncomfortable for children, so the system will help keep the temperature down but also act as a heater for the winter months.

The entertainment society renovated its foyer to attract more people into the building to watch shows.

Gordon Charles, of the youth centre, said the money it received helps to keep the service running for young people.

The information centre also thanked the council for its grant, saying it helps it produce leaflets to bring people into Ilminster and spend money in its shops, cafés and restaurants.