New Generation has new future after cash boost

Saved...Vicky Billington (back right) from the New generation Dance Troupe says a massive thank-you to the Chronicle and her anonymous donors. Pictured at the front are (left) Bethany Wright and Kia Greaves.

A DANCE troupe has been given a new lease of life thanks to a plea in the Chronicle.

The New Generation Dance Troupe faced the axe as they couldn’t stump up the funds to keep up with mounting running costs.

But the 30-strong group are delighted that they can carry on for at least another year, thanks to a generous donation, after we printed articles asking for help.

Vicky Billington, group principal, said the group needed over £7,000 to stay afloat, but the dancers managed to attract the attention of a an anonymous individual who has paid for the room hire.

They have also managed to obtain funding of £5,900 from Kerrching, which will pay for costumes, petrol, music equipment, bus insurance and garage hire.

Vicky said: “I would like to thank the Chronicle for the stories that went into the newspaper about our dance troupe.

“One man rang us saying he had seen both pieces in the newspaper and thought we were quite desperate — which we believe we were.

“He has been so kind in helping us pay for our bus MOT, room hire and even got us some sweatshirts with our group name on — we are so grateful.

“Also, we want to say a massive thanks to Kerrching Funding who gave us a grant.

“Without the generosity of these people our voluntary group would not have been going this year!

“We had been doing really well in our competitions and I would have been distraught if it had to end.”

Now the group are looking forward to the year ahead with training on Tuesday nights at their new training room — Higginshaw Rugby Club in Shaw Road, Oldham.

They will also be entering competitions every Sunday across the region, and weekend championships at Pontins’ holiday sites.