More than 20 Island groups have had a cash boost thanks to the Rotary Club of Minster-on-Sea and Sheppey’s generous public.

Members had almost £4,000 to give out from a Community Chest – money collected at various fundraisers, including the Aviator Beer Festival, Christmas lights donations and the raft race, last year.

Organisations bid for a share of the pot and the successful applicants received cheques at Minster Working Men’s Club, Union Road, Minster, last Wednesday.

President John Gurton explained where the cash had come from and past-president Kevin Hofman made the presentations.

Groups to benefit were: Sheppey and Sheerness United FC (£150) towards cost of hall hire; Sheppey Blind Club (£150) travel costs for an annual outing; Sheppey Your Way (£150) for its munch bunch project; Mothers’ and Toddlers’ Playgroup (£260) for play equipment; HMS Bulwark, Albion and Centaur Association (£50) for a wreath and plaque; Hopscotch Dancers (£150) to stage a show; 2nd Sheppey Scouts (£150) for replacement tents; Sheppey Age UK (£150) for vehicle replacement fund; Minster Primary PTA (£150) towards a playground project; Minster Gatehouse Museum (£150) to help create a timeline; Freedom Centre in Sheerness (£150) funding towards a respite break; Meyrick Minstrels (£200) for its music fund; Four of a Kind (£200) towards a show; MS Sheppey (£200) for therapeutic massage; New Road Community Centre (£150) to replace shutters; Minster Girls’ and Boys’ Brigade (£200) fleeces for members; Isle of Sheppey Sailing Club (£200) building repair fund; Guides’ camp fund (£150) towards new tents; Sheppey Sea Cadets (£200) replacement engine stands; Sheppey Matters’ interact group (£200) towards its house project in Eastchurch; Harmony Therapy Trust (£100) towards new IT equipment; and Holm Place Anglers (£440) for fishing courses.

Spokesman Kevin Roberts said: “Rotarians were pleased and surprised that despite sending out 40 invitations more than 120 people attended the presentation evening.

"What a pleasure it was to be giving £3,900 to so many worthy causes locally.”