Members of Gosport Borough Council’s Grants Sub Board last night made some individuals and community groups very happy as they awarded them Grants for a variety of different projects.
First successful recipient was the Gosport Branch of the Association of Search & Rescue Hovercraft. After a major refurbishment of their hovercraft, the group were asking for a grant to help equip the vessel to make it operational. The panel awarded a grant of £700 towards the cost of lifejackets and flotation suits to allow the crew to continue their important role.
Next to address the panel were the Friends of Leesland Park. In 1998, following the development of a new community park on the old allotment site off of Daisy Lane, The Friends of Leesland Park were formed. They currently have 26 members aged between 6-60 who look after the park and organise events for the local community. The group requested a grant to help them put on a Free Community Event to allow others who don’t know about the Park, to discover it and enjoy its benefits. The event will take place on September 22 and the panel awarded £520 towards the cost.
Gosport & Solent Ice Hockey Club requested money to assist them in providing training equipment which can be loaned to members who are unable to purchase it themselves. They also wish to assist members in achieving coaching qualifications so they can go on to help others within the club and even introduce a new women’s team in ice hockey. The panel awarded £1,200.
Gosport Borough Cricket Club was devastated when they lost their Privett Park Club House to fire. Now, with a new building currently being erected, the Club are looking forward to a bright new future. The club were requesting money for new nets and cricket bays, lost during the demolition work on the club, to aid the training of members both young and old. The panel were delighted to help and awarded £1,060 towards replacing the equipment.
The next recipient was 12 year old Harry Fielder, a member of the Youth Music Theatre who, although accompanied by Mum, insisted on giving his presentation himself. Harry explained to members how he began dancing aged 4 and has since progressed his career, winning one award and achievement after another. His skills don’t just cover ballet and tap but Latin American, Ballroom and Line-Dancing. After passing around a folder containing many of his achievements, Harry requested a grant to help him attend a 17 day residential musical theatre course. The course is to prepare him for appearing in a newly commissioned Youth Music Theatre production called Dance! which takes place in Belfast, in August this year, for which Harry has already been selected.
“This young chap was an incredible speaker and could put many a Councillor to shame in the way he addressed the panel,” said Chairman, Councillor Peter Chegwyn. “It takes a lot to sit before a panel of strangers, many adults feel intimidated by it, but Harry was clear and concise in putting forward his case.
The panel were unanimous in awarding him the £387.50 he was requesting towards his course which will enable him to expand his skills even further. I’m sure we will see this young man on the stage or the screen in the very near future and we wish him every success.”
Gosport BMX Club was newly formed in 2006 and currently has around 40 members, most of who live in Gosport. The Club requested a grant to enable them to develop the club to provide a first rate facility for young people in the Borough. Top of
their requirement list are things like First Aid courses, CRB checks and safety equipment such as helmets, first aid kits etc. Then there are everyday items required for the running of the club, simple things such as rakes, brooms, ear defenders, safety boots and wheelbarrows etc. The panel awarded the Club £1,000 which they were delighted to receive and which they will be used for priority safety requirements.
Residents of Mill Pond Estate formed ROME in 2002 to get the community together and give residents a say in what happens in their neighbourhood. Although they organise many outdoor activities, they currently have nowhere indoors to meet or hold events. The group have now been given the opportunity of converting a disused cleaners store on the estate into a Community Centre. This will enable them to form a mother and toddlers group and to provide a place for events and for local groups to meet. The Group requested a grant of £4,000 to help them with the conversion of the building, but the panel were so impressed by their project the panel awarded £5,000 – a £1,000 more than requested.
“Groups like this make such a difference to a community. They provide a central hub, or heart, a place where people feel safe and can meet and have a chat or get some advice from a friendly face. They have already done an incredible amount for the community and with this new facility I’m sure that work will continue to go from strength to strength,” added Chairman Peter Chegwyn.
Last before the panel were the Gosport Opportunity Group who are based in Rowner and provide a place for children, up to the age of 12 who have physical/learning difficulties, to meet and enjoy playgroup activities. Following a break-in earlier in the year the main door of the centre was damaged and needs replacing. Sadly because the building is of wooden construction it is not covered by insurance so the group must foot the bill. Also the chain link fencing around the Centre has seen better days and, in an attempt to improve security for the children, the group wish to replace it. The panel were delighted to award the £1,500 requested. Advice was also passed on to the group on other avenues to checkout for funding.
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