Skipton sheep trail’s £12,600 for good causes (From Craven Herald)

Skipton sheep trail’s £12,600 for good causes

1:30pm Friday 27th January 2012 in Skipton & District

Several youth groups and support organisations for older people have benefited from the sale of Skipton’s model sheep.

A larger-than-expected £12,600 was raised by the town council from the sale of the 22 sheep which formed the town’s hugely-successful sheep trail held during the summer of 2010.

The sheep were sold off as part of Art In The Pen and, of the 37 groups who applied for some of the money, 26 were successful.

The council has now handed out almost £11,000, and the remainder will go into its community funding pot for the rest of the year.

Lytham play area received the largest amount, £750, towards new equipment, and £450 went to the Stepping Stones II project at Aireville Park towards the cost of polytunnels and watering systems.

Skipton Dreamscheme, where disadvantaged young people can save for trips away in exchange for working in the community, received £500 towards new equipment, and £500 went to Skipton Exercise, for people recovering from heart surgery.

Dave Parker, chief officer of Skipton Town Council, said: “We were all amazed and delighted that the Flock To Skipton sheep raised so much money for worthy local causes – particularly as the council itself wasn’t able to make its own grant distribution this year.

“It was a perfect way to wrap up what was a very successful event. The sheep sculptures attracted thousands of extra visitors to Skipton and got us some well-placed publicity.”

Mr Parker added: “We’re looking at our budgets for the next financial year and are hopeful that we will be able to add a decent amount to the leftover funds from the sheep auction.”

Beneficiaries were: Coulthurst Craven Sports Centre (Sandylands), £500; Craven Citizens’ Advice Bureau, £351; Skipton Extended Learning for All, £450; Friends of the Wilderness, £500; Skipton Exercise, £556; Craven Volunteer Centre, £500; Friends of Lytham Play Area, £750; Stepping Stones II Project, £458; CRUSE Craven and Bradford, £305; Skipton In Bloom, £495; Skipton Civic Society, £220; Skipton Cricket Club, £230; 1st Skipton Rainbows, £150; St Andrew’s Playgroup, £200; Craven Open Door, £300; Alzheimers Society, Skipton, £750; 1st Skipton Brownies, £150; Skipton Dreamscheme, £500; Skipton Bowling Club, £500; 3rd Skipton Beavers, Cubs and Scouts, £620; Duke of Wellington Association, £150; Royal British Legion, Skipton, £230; Holy Trinity Parish Church, £500; Little Feet Creche, £500; 5th Skipton Scouts, £500; Skipton Greenfingers, £507.