Giving to our community

One Community handed out around £6,000 to 14 voluntary and charity groups from across the district to help them continue their valuable work.

Chief executive Sir John Harman said: “We don’t collect for one particular cause. We’re trying to raise funds that will be held in perpetuity for the benefit of the community. We want to show what can be done with a little money in our communities.”

Grants were made from three of the charity’s grassroots funds – John L Brierley, Davy and Longley Farm – during a presentation evening at Tetley’s Stadium in Dewsbury.

Successful groups included Upper Hopton Cricket Club, Holmfirth Musical Festival and Clayton West Scouting Group.

Some of the loudest applause of the night went to swimmer Ruben Reuter, 12, from Borough of Kirklees Special Needs Squad.

“Seven swimmers are going to the Special Olympics National Games in Bath next year,” he said.

“I’m very excited about this and want to win a gold medal like Ellie Simmonds. The trip costs a lot of money so thank you for your help.”

Upper Hopton Cricket Club junior manager Ian Heaton said their grant would help the next generation of players at the club.

He said: “Five or six years ago we set up a junior section. From one team with eight players, we’ve now got 60 kids coming along.

“The money you’ve very kindly given will be used on the coaching side so we can get more kids involved.”

Huddersfield and District Woodturners shared the same aim of sharing their skills with young people.

Chairman Peter Donovan, who lives in Roberttown, said: “We’ve got some original members who started the club and are in their 80s now. They’ve got a wealth of experience they want to pass on to younger people.”

He said the money given would help the club buy new equipment which might be used for work with schools.