Action stations

5th July 2007

• LAT members Jill Male, Dot Prince, Steph Parrot, Dorothy Catney and Pauline Wheeler.

THE ‘A’ stands for Action, which is exactly what Cheddar LAT is all about.

After forming more than three years ago, the group has gone from strength to strength. It works closely with police, Sedgemoor District Council and Cheddar Parish Council to promote local activities and works to fight crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour.

Chairman, Jill Male, said: “Our main project at the moment is getting a skate park in Cheddar.  We have done lots of fund-raising already, holding events such as a teddy bears’ picnic last summer. We received a £10,000 grant from Lord Bath and £3,500 from the High Sheriff’s Fund.

“We would probably need around £17,000 for the skate park, so we always need more fund-raising ideas. When it is built, and it is when rather than if, it will be suitable for major skating events.”

Not only is the group busy raising cash for a skate park on Sharpham Road playing fields, it also runs a youth drop-in centre at the Methodist Hall, in Cliff Street, on Tuesday nights.

Jill said: “We need some more members to help with the drop-in sessions. People can help organise games or serve in the tuck shop. At the moment it is a tough job so a few more hands would make life easier.”

The group is not just about doing things for other people though, the members have a giggle together and meetings often turn into a social event as well. Jill added: “We had a team in the Dragon Boat Race at Cheddar Reservoir last week which made it to the semi-finals.

“We also have plans for a ‘walkabout’ supper where a group of us would have a starter at one person’s house, then go to different houses for the remaining courses. It will be to raise funds for the park but to also have fun as well.”

THE FACTS:
• Name of club:Cheddar Local Action Team (LAT).
• Founded: 2002.
• Membership: 10.
• Who the club caters for: People in Cheddar who want to make a difference in the community.
• Meeting place and time:  The first Monday of every month at 7.30pm in Hannah More Cottage in Lower North Street.
• President/chairman: Jill Male.
• Who to contact for more details: Jill on 01934 740358 or Mary Buxton on 742050.

• The youth drop-in centre is always popular.