Aylesbury Vale Community Chest tops the £1 million mark
Archived press release
Date Published: 07/09/09
The Hardwick Village Community Association is one of the recent groups to benefit from Community Chest funding
More than £1 million has now been awarded to voluntary and community organisations through the Aylesbury Vale Community Chest scheme.
Since the £5 million grant fund was launched in 2007, nearly 200 local groups have received funding for community projects.
The Community Chest is run jointly by Aylesbury Vale District Council and the Vale of Aylesbury Housing Trust. Each year up to 2017, the fund will award around £500,000 in grants to support projects that improve lives in our communities.
Two types of grant can be applied for: micro-grants of up to £1,000, which are awarded monthly, or project grants of up to £25,000, which are awarded three times a year. To be successful, each project application needs to demonstrate local need and involvement plus the benefit to the community.
Councillor Kevin McPartland, Chairman of the Aylesbury Vale Community Chest Grants Panel, said: “I'm delighted that we've reached this £1 million milestone. The Panel works hard to make sure that every single penny is spent wisely, and from the community feedback we have received over the last two years, it is quite clear that the scheme has been an outstanding success.
“I am proud that we funded so many community and voluntary groups and I would urge organisations who think they may qualify for funding to come forward. Each and every application is carefully considered and awards are granted on the merits and benefits being brought to the communities.”
The Hardwick Village Community Association is one of the recent groups to benefit from Community Chest funding this year. Including £8,000 from the Community Chest, its members raised £114,000 through local grants and sponsorship. This has been invested in the restoration work required to bring the local village hall up to 21st century standards.
Major work has been undertaken to update the fabric and feel of the whole building. A ramp has been put in place to assist those in wheelchairs, a new heating system has been installed along with a new stainless steel kitchen and appliances, plus the playground and car park have also been resurfaced.
Originally built in 1871 as the village school, the John Bridle Hall is used today for many local activities including a pre-school group, social evenings, plays and pantomimes. The building was officially re-opened on Sunday 6 September.
Gillian Hogarth of the Hardwick Village Community Association said: “We were delighted to receive the grant from the Community Chest, to help fund the refurbishment of the John Bridle’s Hall, which is at the centre of our community for social and educational activities.”
The deadline for the next round of project grants is 11 December. If you would like more information on how to apply for a grant please see www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk/community-living, call the grants team on 01296 585634 or email communitychest@aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk