Archived press release

Date Published: 10/07/08

Five community groups will benefit from a share of nearly £5,000 thanks to the latest round of ‘micro grant’ awards

Community projects across Aylesbury Vale have been given a cash boost from a special funding initiative.

Administered by Aylesbury Vale District Council and the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust, the Community Chest scheme has made a significant difference to a range of groups and organisations across the area since its inception in March 2007.

Five community groups will benefit from a share of nearly £5,000 thanks to the latest round of ‘micro grant’ awards. These are easily accessible grants of up to £1,000 which are awarded to projects and groups for a range of different uses, such as purchasing new equipment, training volunteers and organising community events.

Eaton Bray Lions AFC, a youth football club based at Edlesborough School, has been allocated £1,000 towards new facilities. The club is aiming to provide a floodlit training pitch for its boys and girls teams.

Organisers of the Aston Abbots Open Air Music Festival and the Steeple Claydon Village Fayre have received a cash injection from the Community Chest fund to help cover the costs of running these popular events. Both events will benefit from £1,000 in grant funding.

The Aylesbury Development Education Centre, currently based at Hampden Hall, has received £1,000 towards its move to Ivinghoe Village Centre. This project includes removal costs, along with the work, fittings and equipment needed to refurbish the organisation’s new office.

The Quarrendon and Meadowcroft Community Association will use their £833 grant towards purchasing three new recycling bins for the Meadowcroft Community Centre, as part of a drive to promote and increase recycling amongst groups using the centre.

Matthew Applegate, Chief Executive of The Trust, said: “It would appear, from the comments we receive, that micro grants are having an effect on our communities well above their ‘micro’ status. Last year, across the Vale, over 53,000 residents benefited from the activities supported by the micro grants. This year we are hoping that even more residents will enjoy living, working and playing in the Vale, thanks in part to the Community Chest.”

Micro grants can be applied for at any time and are awarded on a monthly basis. To be eligible to apply, groups must be formally constituted, not-for-profit and operate within Aylesbury Vale, for the benefit of local residents or visitors to the area.

To find out more about grants available from the Community Chest, visit the AVDC website at www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/communitygrants or call 01296 585634.