Find out who’s quids-in following Mick Bates Fund awards

The Mick Bates Community Memorial Fund has completed its third round of grant awards since it was established in 2023 to provide funding to community groups and charities that benefit people across Montgomeryshire, with a particular focus on Llanfair Caereinion and the Banwy Valley.

The groups that were successful in the latest funding round include: Montgomeryshire Agricultural Association; Ffrindiau Ysgol Cwm Banwy; Llanfair Caereinion YFC; Llanfair Caereinion Hockey Club; Montgomeryshire Youth Theatre; Ponthafren; Lingen Davies Cancer Support; Welshpool Town FC and Llanfair United FC.

The Fund was established by the family of former Montgomeryshire Assembly Member Mick Bates following his death from bone cancer on August 29, 2022.

Since its launch in 2023, a total of £16,678.89 has been awarded through grants from £100 up to £1,000 to local groups and charities that make a positive difference in their communities.

Ruth Bates, Mick’s daughter and a Trustee of the Charity, said: “We received a fantastic number of applications to Mick’s Fund in this round, more than ever before, which was wonderful to see.

“I would like to thank the trustees who give up their time to support the Fund and carefully consider each application. We had excellent discussions about the many deserving projects seeking support. But most of all thank you to everyone who has helped raise funds and donated to the Fund which aims to try to keep Mick’s love of community spirit alive.”

In addition to the grants awarded the Fund has also donated to the following groups since it was established:

• Llanfair Caereinion Bowling Club: £1,000 to provide replacement picnic tables for club members and visitors.
• The Institute, Llanfair Caereinion: £2,000 for improvement works to enhance the main hall for community use.
• Friends of Ysgol Bro Caereinion: £2,500 for reusable cups and the to support activities for all pupils.
• Llanfair Caereinion Community Café: £600 to support community connections, wellbeing and reduce loneliness.
• Dyffryn Banw FC: £1,000 to support the development of the girls' team through new equipment and kit.
• Llanidloes Chamber of Trade (Chocolate Festival of Wales): £450 for family and youth activities during the festival.
• Ysgol Cwm Banwy: £500 for a pupil-led Christmas restaurant promoting local Welsh produce.
• New Life Church: £1,000 to provide outdoor activity opportunities for young people.
• Cancer Research UK, Llanfair Caereinion Branch: £500 to support vital cancer research.
• Severn Hospice Llanfair Caereinion & District Supporters Group: £500 to support local hospice services.

The Fund is managed by the Trustees which include Ruth Bates, Wyn Williams, Cllr Gareth Jones, Nic Davies, Betsan Llwyd, Cerys Metcalf and Cadvan Evans.

Powys Association of Voluntary Organisations (PAVO) administer the Fund on behalf of the Trustees.

The Fund is a registered charity and has been set up to support the things that Mick was most passionate about which include supporting young people to reach their potential, the environment, helping those most in need and community development and citizenship.

Cadvan Evans, Chair of The Mick Bates Community Memorial Trust Fund said: "We hope these grants will help local groups continue their valuable work.

“I know Mick would be so pleased to see the Fund being used to bring people together and support the causes that matter most to local people.”