The Philip J Milton Fund, set up last year to celebrate their 25th anniversary, and as part of the Devon Community Fund, has awarded their first grant. "Digging for Gold", the Children's Summer Club from Barnstaple has been given £250 to support youth work in the Gorwell and Frankmarsh area of the Town. 

Says Christine Brennan, stalwart coordinator of the Club "Philip is a keen member of Croyde Amateur Dramatic Society, so when he heard that the Club is putting on a production of Snow White on January 18 at the Barnstaple Ex Servicemen's and Social Club, he hot footed it down to one of our rehearsals.  A very big thank you to Philip from Snow White, the Seven Dwarves, Wicked Queen Belladonna et al!"
 
Laura Hewitt from DCF added “We are delighted to be working with the Philip J Milton & Company Plc Fund to support this fantastic group. It is groups like this working on the frontline that are so essential to our communities. It’s what makes DCF so important to ensure that together with donors and local groups we can build strong and vibrant communities for everyone in Devon, both now and for the future.”

Individuals can make donations direct to the Devon Community Fund and if they desire any further details on how to establish funds or make donations, as one of the North Devon Ambassadors for DCF, Philip welcomes approaches.  Indeed, he has fielded many enquiries from local concerns seeking grants for their activities.

Says Philip "We are very pleased to recognise such worthwhile causes as the Children's Club.  I have known of its activities for many years and it is people like Christine Brennan, one of the unsung heroes of the Town, who do so much on a voluntary basis to help keep communities thriving and together.  She is an inspiration and I hope that by this token grant, she feels some appreciation too.  It would be good to think that perhaps it will encourage more people to get up and help in their own communities, rather than 'leaving things to others' or only doing so 'if they're paid to do it” 

“Can I also commend the work the young people are doing with their pantomime – if you would like to see it for yourselves the performance will be taking place on Wednesday 18th January 2012 at 7 p.m. at the Legion Club, St George’s Road, Barnstaple.  The cost will be just £3 for adults and £1 for children”

For more information please contact Philip Milton on 01271 308095