High Street Hive dedicates funding from events to local causes

The High Street Hive, formed by businesses on Newton High Street, organises community-wide events throughout the year, as a way of supporting local businesses and bringing residents together.

From March 2022 until March 2023, the Hive held several events along the high street, with the committee of businesses deciding that the money raised is to be distributed to local charities and organisations.

A total of £1600 was available to be distributed, with the committee deciding on three causes that are in the heart of the community.

Business for Youth, a youth organisation, was granted £500, as well as Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club, followed by Newton in Bloom, a volunteer-led group aiming to improve the community, granted £650.

Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club was one of the organisations to receive the funding (Image: St Helens Star)

The three causes received the funding on Monday, April 24.

Mike Roberts, owner of Drinkworthy on Newton High Street, said: "The idea behind the High Street Hive was to connect businesses and the community to support charities, so we’re absolutely delighted as a committee to be able to deliver that.

"Throughout the year, Business for Youth provided us with volunteers on event days, Newton-le-Willows Rotary Club attended all our events and do a lot in the community, and a new one, which benefited the high street that we’re on, is Newton in Bloom.

Newton in Bloom, a new initiative formed to improve the high street, also received a grant to help the project (Image: St Helens Star)

"We’d like to thank every single shop along the high street, the pubs that have donated car parks for us which enabled us to raise the funds, everyone who’s donated prizes, and the public and residents that come along to support our events.

"It just shows by combining businesses for the community, we can do a lot for charity and give back.

"There are bigger and better things coming this year."

Newton-le-Willows West Ward Councillor Terry Maguire, chair and trustee of BFY, added: "We’d like to thank the High Street Hive for considering us and funding us; it’s a fantastic group and we’ve worked closely with them over the past and have great fun with them.

Business for Youth volunteers gave a helping hand to high street business during events (Image: St Helens Star)

"What they do as a group for the high street is absolutely fantastic, they seem to be friends with everybody, and they encourage people to come together and create a great spirit for our community."

The High Street Hive's next event will be on Saturday, May 27, with the committee looking for volunteers to help on the day.