Groups in Lottery windfall (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Groups in Lottery windfall

CHARITIES throughout north and west Wiltshire will benefit from the latest round of National Lottery funding under the Awards for All scheme.

Children, people with special needs and the disabled are among those to receive much-needed funds.

The Warminster Civic Trust have been awarded £929 to extend their Blue Plaque Trail in the town, an initiative part-funded by the Civic Trust and Warminster Town Council, with support of donations from the owners of the buildings involved.

Judith Green, of the Civic Trust, said: "The idea is to highlight buildings of architectural rather than historic interest."

Buildings earmarked for the new plaques include The Chantry, The Old Bell Hotel, Sambourne Workhouse, Chinn's Court and Portway House.

The Calne branch of the Royal British Legion has been awarded £500 to enable children at schools and playgroups in the area to make a giant remembrance wreath which will go in Calne Town Hall. Poppy appeal organiser, Valerie Procter said: "I hope by making this each child will learn about the importance of Remembrancetide.

The Wiltshire and Bath Independent Living Trust have been awarded £3,945, which covers the complete cost of plumbing and electrical work on their demonstration kitchen and bathroom, enabling disabled people to test out equipment that can help them in their own homes.

Jeannette Greer, of the Trust, said: "This enables us to fulfil our purpose people who come to us for help want to try things out, and now they are able to do that."

Disabled Online, based at the Court Mills Centre in Trowbridge, will use £5,000 to run IT sessions for people with behavioural problems.

Co-ordinator Keith Turner said: "We are so pleased, this will make such a difference to so many people."

Carers Support West Wilts were awarded £3,175, which they plan to spend on equipping a small room in their new Semington offices as a 'getaway' space for carers, offering them relaxation time away from their homes.