Tewkesbury’s young twirlers receive major Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund boost

Published
Mystique Twirlers, a baton twirling group for children and young people, is set to benefit from a £1,200 investment as part of Gloucestershire County Council’s £1.1 million Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund.

The funding awarded by Cllr Dr Kate Usmar, county councillor for Tewkesbury East, will help the group keep training session and membership costs low for families, ensuring more children can take part. It will also be used to purchase new costumes and equipment to support performances and training over the coming year.

Mystique Twirlers is a vibrant, inclusive group that brings together children and young people to take part in baton twirling, a fun activity that combines dance, movement and performance. The group provides a welcoming space for young people to build confidence, learn new skills and express themselves creatively.

Through regular practices and performances, members develop coordination, strength and flexibility, while also building friendships and a sense of belonging. Baton twirling can help improve confidence, teamwork and concentration, supporting young people both physically and emotionally.

Weekly sessions include:

  • Baton twirling practice, dancing and performance skills
  • Opportunities to build confidence and creativity
  • A fun, supportive environment where young people can enjoy themselves and make friends

Cllr Paul Hodgkinson, cabinet member for public health, communities and fire at Gloucestershire County Council, said: “Groups like Mystique Twirlers play an important role in supporting children and young people to stay active, build confidence and feel part of their local community.

“The Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund is all about supporting local groups like this to grow and reach more people, helping to improve health and wellbeing and creating stronger, more connected communities.”

Cllr Dr Kate Usmar, county councillor for Tewkesbury East, said:
“I’m delighted to support Mystique Twirlers with this funding. It’s a fantastic local group that offers children and young people the chance to take part in fun, creative activities while building confidence and friendships.

“Keeping costs affordable is so important for families, and this grant will help ensure more young people can get involved and benefit from everything the group has to offer.”

The Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund gives each of the county’s 55 councillors up to £20,000 to invest in local projects that improve health, wellbeing and community resilience. Grants between £250 and £5,000 are available for initiatives that tackle inequalities, strengthen communities and help people to connect.

For more information about the Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund, visit: Grassroots Neighbourhood Fund. Watch a short video of the project.