Charities get £221k legacy share at last

A number of Fleetwood charities have received their share of more than £221,500 legacy from a resident who wanted to help the town after his death.
St Wulstan's Catholic Primary Year Six captains with left, Anne Benson representing St Wulstan's Church and right, Solicitor Alan Vincent and headteacher Richard SandersonSt Wulstan's Catholic Primary Year Six captains with left, Anne Benson representing St Wulstan's Church and right, Solicitor Alan Vincent and headteacher Richard Sanderson
St Wulstan's Catholic Primary Year Six captains with left, Anne Benson representing St Wulstan's Church and right, Solicitor Alan Vincent and headteacher Richard Sanderson

It includes significant hand-outs to Fleetwood Sea Cadets (£55,000) and a minibus for community groups, based at St Wulstan’s RC Church (£40,000).

Tony Smith, who died from cancer in January 2014, grew up in Manchester but later moved to Fleetwood and was made so welcome he decided to leave something for the local community.

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Fleetwood solicitor Alan Vincent helped draw up the plans and appealed for charities specifically from the town to come forward. There was a good response - but it has taken around six months, a little longer than expected, for the charities to receive the cash.

Mr Vincent said: “All the groups have now received their share. This is a considerable amount of money which will help all these charities continue with their excellent work.”

Among the other charities in the town to benefit were: Emmanuel Church (£40,000 for various schemes, including an advocacy service); Air Training Corps Fleetwood (£15,000); Ist Fleetwood Scouts (£15,000); Fleetwood Museum Trust (£10,000); St Vincent de Paul Society’s Fleetwood Food Bank (£6,282) West View Community Association (£9,911); Coastwatch Fleetwood (£5,000); Fleetwood Gym Boxing Club (£5,000); Willow Garden Project (£5,000); Fleetwood Royal Naval Association (£5,000); New Venture Club, Warren Street (£3,000); Trinity Baptist Church (£2,500); Fleetwood Rugby Club (£2,000); Refurb (£855).

Shaun MacNeill, vice chairman of West View Community Association, said: “We’re ecstatic to get this money, which will further improve our community centre.”