MUSIC and theatre in Callington will benefit from grants totalling £1,000 from the Co-operative Group. Callington Amateur Drama Society (Prim-Raf) and the Callington St Marys Handbell Ringers have each received an award of £500. The donations come from the Co-operative Group's Community Dividend fund, part of the Dividend customer loyalty card scheme which allows shoppers to donate the extra pence in their twice-yearly Dividend payouts to worthy causes. The Callington Amateur Drama Society will use the donation towards the replacement of fireproof curtains at its Prim-Raf Theatre in the town. Martin Linnette, chairman of the society, said: 'The existing stage curtains we have are quite worn and shabby and have almost lost their necessary fireproof protection. 'This grant and some extra funds will mean that we can replace them. 'As the theatre is used by a lot of groups in the town this donation will benefit a large number of people.' The Callington St Marys Handbell Ringers will use its award to buy new handbells. Hazel Jones, who is a member of the group, said: 'This will enable us to ring a wider range of music and to train more players in the art of handbell ringing.' Co-operative Group regional secretary Andrew North said: 'The Community Dividend fund can make a real and lasting contribution to local communities and we are delighted to be of help to these two Callington organisations. 'Many community groups share our co-operative values and could benefit from an award, and we would certainly like to hear from them.' Leaflets on the scheme are available in Co-operative Group stores throughout the region.
