TWO organisations in Launceston have benefitted from the latest round of the Co-op Community Fund.

McQueen’s Dance and Theatre School, based at Pennygillam Industrial Estate, and Kensey Vale Bowling Club have been presented with more than £5,000 each for their respective organisations.

Co-op Launceston store manager Andrew Baker and Sammy Stapleton from Co-op Funeral Care presented cheques of £5,143.29 to representatives from McQueen’s and £5,163.51 to Kensey Vale Bowling Club recently.

Alan Addis, honorary secretary of Kensey Vale Bowling Club, was delighted to see the club benefit from such a generous sum.

He said: “Kensey Vale Bowling Club was extremely grateful to the Co-op Community Fund for the generous cheque presented in the Launceston store and thanks all those that supported our appeal.

“Having such a large amount will enable the dated lighting in the club to be replaced which will enhance the short mat bowling experienced and enjoyed every afternoon by club members and after school groups from Windmill Academy and the ever growing group of junior bowlers.

“Any money left will enable the club to continue its ongoing plans to replace furniture as and when funds are available.”

Mark and Rachel Oles from McQueen’s Dance and Theatre Group were also presented with a cheque in the presence of some of their many students and supporters.

Rachel said: “We at McQueen’s Dance and Theatre CIC are blown away by the generosity of the Co-op and all those who chose McQueen’s as their local cause. We are very grateful for the cheque we received and it will go towards what we hope will be an annual Play Day festival in the summer which will benefit the whole community.

“The National Play Day is aimed at bringing families together to play and try new experiences, such as dance, singing, arts and crafts, forest school cooking, aerial skills and much more. We will also have fairground rides, bouncy castles, face painting and stalls. We are in talks with the town council to find the best site for the event and we will be able to provide more details shortly.

“All our students will have the opportunity to perform and help others in the workshops and we are sure it’s going to be very successful.”