Several projects aimed at improving the community and supporting the lives of residents are now taking place thanks to nearly £30,000 of further funding from Newark and Sherwood District Council’s Community Grant Scheme.

After a successful first round, when £100,000 was distributed to 20 groups, further funding was then allocated to more community groups across the district.

From local art clubs to parish councils, 12 groups have received much-needed funding to help improve the local community in the second round.

Local groups were able to apply for funding by submitting an application form outlining how their project would support the district council’s Community Plan objectives.

Each application was carefully considered by the relevant council portfolio holder, and recommendations were presented to its Cabinet for approval. The second round has seen £29,076 split among the chosen recipients, with the grant contributing to part or all of each project.

Coun Tim Wendels, portfolio holder for Homes and Health, said: “After a successful first round I have been extremely impressed with the impact this grant scheme has had on our local community and I’m so glad this funding has been issued again.

“Local good causes play a key role in our communities especially during this time of economic uncertainty. By providing this much-needed funding we can cater for more opportunities for our residents to take part and enjoy services being provided by dedicated local groups and clubs.

“Now, more than ever, these groups are key to supporting residents, especially those who are struggling but also building relationships and growing community spirit.”

A wide range of groups were chosen to receive grants, including:

Bilsthorpe Emergency Team (BET)
Dukeries u3a
Collingham and District Cricket Club
Edwinstowe Parish Council
Egmanton Village Hall
Epperstone Parish Council
Let’s All Eat
Newark Art Club
Sherwood Forest Trust
The Furniture Project
Thorney Play Park
Weston Parish Council

Simon Chapman, of Collingham and District Cricket Club, said: “The additional funding secured from the NSDC Community Grant Scheme made it possible to deliver the club’s new three-lane practice nets a year ahead of schedule.

“This means that our expanding women’s and juniors’ teams will benefit this summer from the additional coaching capacity that the club now enjoys. Our players and coaches are very grateful for this invaluable support from the council.”

Coun Michelle Home, of Epperstone Parish Council, said: “The council is extremely pleased to receive funding from the community grant scheme. The scheme is allowing a makeover of the village bus stop in the centre of the village.

“Decorating the bus stop waiting area and general cleaning is already planned, along with new planters filled with herbs and seasonal flowers.”

John Bower, chair of the trustees at Egmanton Village Hall, added: “The NSDC Community Grant of £4,000 has been a very important contribution to the Egmanton Village Hall Funds and allowed us to proceed, before the winter set in, with the installation of new windows to replace the leaking and draughty ones, which were making the hall unpleasant to use and unviable to heat in colder weather.”