Swallowdale cash can make real difference in resort

The Gazette has once again teamed up with the Swallowdale Childrens’ Trust, which is giving away a massive £25,000 worth of grants to help young people across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre

The grants are available for deserving groups and individuals under 25 years of age who are in need of a helping hand.

The deadline for applications passed yesterday and now bidders face an anxious wait to see who will be chosen.

Among those asking for cash is Coun Lily Henderson.

She wants money to improve access to tennis for young people in Blackpool.

Coun Henderson runs a tennis club at Highfield Road Park and she is keen to see it expand.

She said: “We received money in the past which was put to good use buying equipment.

“There’s even a little left.

“But I want to do more. There’s an area at the side of the courts I’d like to set aside for really little ones.

“We want the Lawn Tennis Association to recognise what we do, to get involved. It’s all about making tennis a big sport in Blackpool.

“We have football facilities, great places for things like dancing. Why not tennis?”

Coun Henderson currently pays for youth tennis coaching out of her ward budget. But she is hoping the tennis group can grow and begin to raise it’s own funds.

Swallowdale Children’s Trust has, for more than 100 years, provided assistance to disadvantaged children living in Blackpool Fylde and Wyre.