ROYTON and Crompton Over 60s are recruiting help from any age group to help them secure some much welcome funding.
The club, that meets every Thursday afternoon at Dovetales Church on Beal Lane, Shaw, is one of 377 community groups in the UK shortlisted for an award of £500 from the Skipton Building Society Grassroots Giving initiative.
Less than half that number – 165 – will receive the cash boost, which is where local residents come in.
They are asked to take part in a public vote which runs until Friday, October 12.
Making a pitch for support, the Over 60s club says: “Our aim to reduce social isolation and loneliness for those in their ‘Golden Age’.
“We meet to undertake a variety of activities in a warm, welcoming and safe environment.
“We also meet once a month on a Saturday starting with lunch at 1pm followed by an afternoon of Fellowship and Fun.
“Our members, most of whom live alone, find Saturdays one of their loneliest days.
“So, having the opportunity of lunch then an afternoon where they have a choice of partaking in games, crafts or simply to sit and chat, is of great benefit to them.
“Our older and more vulnerable members feel less isolated through engagement in new community activities.”
If successful, the Skipton money will be spent purchasing craft materials.
The club said: “We like to do a different project every week, from making cards, to painting, recycling items like old jam jars which we decorate and use as pen/pencils holders, silk painting, making table mats and coasters, Christmas decorations, jewellery making and a host of other projects.
“One of our recently widowed members said she didn’t think it was possible to have so many new friends from one group of folks who understood how low she can sometimes get.
“By attending the group, her spirits are lifted and it encourages her to move forward one step at a time.”
Now in its sixth year, Grassroots Giving has already helped more than 800 community groups across the UK.
To boost Royton and Crompton Over 60s chances of success visit the Skipton website and follow the links via the Grassroots Giving 2018 tab to vote: www.skiptongrg.co.uk