Music, the arts and sport in Helston have all benefitted from town council grants this week – but the town’s gymnastics centre has missed out.

Councillors were asked to consider ten applications for funding at their last meeting.

Members have strict criteria to meet when awarding grants, which state the money must go to improving the lives of more than one person in Helston, and the amount given must be appropriate to the number of people benefitting.

Receiving the largest amount was the Cornubian Arts and Science Trust (CAST): a total of £600, after some debate.

Jonathan Radford-Gaby suggested £500, while Martine Knight proposed lowering it to £250. It was Justine Hornsby’s proposal of £600 that was agreed, with the money going towards an oral history project involving former members of the ‘Green School’ at Penrose Road – the building in which CAST is now based.

Members generally accepted the figures put forward by Ms Hornsby, who had calculated the amounts on a “pro rata” basis.

This led to the Epworth Hall – described as “the potential jewel in the crown of Helston” by mayor Mike Thomas – receiving £250 towards a new front door as part of a larger disabled access scheme, with only Ronnie Williams and Ms Hornsby against. Helston Chamber Choir will receive £250 towards encouraging younger members.

Helston Cricket Club received £250 towards making the front of the clubhouse safe – with paving slabs currently loose and the wall needing to be extended for protection from the cricket balls.

Helston Friendship Club (formerly Darby & Joan) received £200 to give members free meals, and Helston & District Town Twinning Association was awarded £375 to help Helston students make a return exchange visit to twin town Sasso Marconi in Italy.

Helston Flora Day Association received £400 towards replacing the flags on Flora Day, with Mrs Knight saying they looked “wish” this year. Adding: “We don’t want our big event of the year to turn into a bit of rag tag muffin event.”

The Cornwall Air Ambulance Trust, which missed out on a grant from the council in the spring, received £100 after Mr Thomas pointed out: “In the words of former councillor Swift, you will never know when you need them and they will be local to you when you need them.”

It was after Mrs Knight argued the charity was not Helston specific and had funds available already.

However, Swallows of Helston Gymnastic Club failed to receive support in its bid to replace its balance beam.

Earlier in the meeting members had heard from Jason Standing, representing Swallows, who said a lot of the equipment was getting “very old and tired,” with the beam an essential piece in girls’ gymnastics from three years old to adults.

The application split the council, however, with five members in favour of giving a grant but six against.

Children’s charity CHICKS, which provides free respite breaks to children around the UK, was not seen to meet the criteria and also received no grant.