Charities Supported by the 2019 Festival
Stow Disability Association
The Stow Disability Association (SDA) was set up in 1995 by people with disabilities for people with disabilities, no matter how minor, and their carers.
Membership is open to all ages and, in particular, the younger generation who have very little choice of clubs or activities in the area. Meetings are held every Wednesday and transport can normally be provided. Members take part in art and craft activities or do their 'own thing', playing Scrabble, dominoes or other board games. Interacting with each other is an important part of the day. 'Away days' are also organised which have included trips to Westonbirt, Slimbridge, Kew Gardens, Windsor, Craft Fairs, Boat trip, Pantomimes and many others.
Stow Alms Houses
The Stow Almshouse Charity provides accommodation for people who find it difficult to afford to rent a property in the town. There are six one-bedroom homes for single occupancy only.
The properties are old and need to be improved and maintained. In the last 18 months central heating has been installed but there are a number of other projects that need funding. A five-yearly report was commissioned by the trustees from the surveyors of the Almshouse Association about three years ago. This indicated that approximately £250,000 would be required to bring the properties up to scratch. The only income the charity receives comes from the small maintenance charges paid by the residents.
Stow Community & Family Hub Charity
The Stow Hub was formed in September 2017 following the closure of the Children’s Centre at Stow Primary School. The Hub has its own building with a Meeting Room, kitchen, toilets and two offices. It aims to provide community activities for people of all ages and to support families and their children. In particular, it aims to support vulnerable children and their families.
Currently there are sessions going on during the week that involve a wide cross section of the community. They have included: Mother & Toddler Group, Lunch Club for the older citizens, Yoga, Gong Bath, Breakfast Club, Camera Courses, Computer Courses, Children’s Parties, Health support and other services. During the school day children are supported by the staff in the Hub to ensure that their social and emotional needs are being met. Support for parents is also available.
Sam Pilcher Trust
The Trust is, as usual, manning the car park. Sam lived in Upper Slaughter and attended Swell Primary School. He was diagnosed with T-Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia in 2008 and bravely battled this dreadful disease until 2010 when he died aged 11. The Trust now provide ongoing support to children suffering from leukaemia and their families.