CHARITY workers in Ilkley are hoping the launch of issue One of their newsletter will provide a major boost to voluntary organisations.

'Grapevine' has been published by the Ilkley Council for Voluntary Service (ICVS) and includes news and other details about the voluntary sector in the area.

ICVS chairwoman Gill Bowskill said: "We have got quite a few organisations that have associations with us and we are moving forward - it is a good way to let the community and all the other organisations know we provide a service."

The newsletter provides details of how other voluntary groups can get in touch with the ICVS to got access to funding and other help.

Mrs Bowskill said: "We are hoping eventually that all the voluntary organisations such as scouts and guides will associate themselves with us. If there is any

funding coming up we can let them know it is available. If any groups are struggling we can help them. I think it is good for Ilkley."

The newsletter also acts as a notice board to appeal for volunteers for groups which need more willing hands at the pump.

Among the appeals is one for urgently needed volunteers for Insight, a group which helps the partially sighted in the Ilkley area.

Members meet once a month in the Jack Lofthouse Annexe of the Clarke Foley Centre on Cunliffe Road.

They arrange transport, speakers and outings but the group needs more helpers to keep running. Anyone who can help should ring the ICVS co-ordinator Sue Watkins on 01943 603348.

The employment of a full-time co-ordinator is another example of how the ICVS is handling more and more work at the moment.

"There is so much work coming through the office, we needed someone full time," said Mr Bowskill.

The ICVS, which is based in an office at the rear of Christchurch, Riddings Road, has also been in

discussions with Bradford Council's volunteering unit to co-ordinate and make its work more effective in the community.

Mrs Bowskill said: "We have got a lot of potential and expertise in the community and we are trying to get people to give a bit of time and use that expertise."

As well as appealing for volunteers and inviting other organisations to join the umbrella group, Grapevine also offers important information about group funding from various sources.

"Helping groups to find and apply for appropriate funding is one of the most important functions of a Council for Voluntary Service," said Mrs Bowskill.

There is also a facility on offer to use a high-tech computer programme based in Keighley to help groups get the money they need.

Copies of Grapevine can be picked up at Ilkley Library but if anyone thinks they should be on the direct mailing list they can telephone the office on the above number. Mrs Bowskill said that if there was enough information needing to be published the newsletter could be brought out as often as once a month or once every two months.