Two hard-working community groups in Wigton had their efforts officially recognised this week when each was presented with a cheque from the High Sheriff of Cumbria, Martyn Hart.

The High Sheriff’s Crimebeat Fund, administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, enables community groups to provide activities for young people who are involved or in danger of becoming involved in crime or anti-social behaviour.

Wigton Youth Station received £1,700 towards their ‘You Can’t Catch Me’ pilot programme. It aims to inform and educate young people about all elements of criminality within the youth justice system. Sessions run weekly and include activities on perception of young people, consequences of crime and drama workshops.

Angela Bicknell, Centre Manager for the Youth Station said: “Support like this is extremely important and enables young people to demonstrate the positive contributions they have to make within their communities.”

Borderlines provides weekly angling sessions for young people who are unable to cope with mainstream education and have been involved in anti-social behaviour. They received £2,126 from the fund.

Chris Bowman, Borderlines Company Secretary and angling instructor said: “This project develops skills around team building, effective listening, practical angling skills, raising awareness of environmental issues and encouraging responsible behaviour towards each other and the various locations we fish at.”

Martyn Hart said: “A large part of my work is spent meeting the outstanding groups and individuals in our county who – so often voluntarily – provide selfless, invaluable assistance to others.

“I have witnessed the significant individual and social benefits that participation in angling can bring to young people. The use of angling and the environment together with a personal and social development approach has great potential to engage and transform outcomes for some of the most disadvantaged young people.”

For further details about the fund, click here or contact Annalee Holliday on 01900 825760.

A multi-use games area is soon to be opened at the Kirkby & Furness Community Centre thanks to a wind farm windfall.

The Kirkby & Furness Community Centre is the latest project to benefit from RWE Innogy UK’s Kirkby Moor Wind Farm Community Investment Fund. The Community Centre is turning rundown tennis courts into a multi-use games centre that will play host to five-a-side football, tennis, netball and basketball games. The fund which is administered by Cumbria Community Foundation, recently awarded £2,000 for the much needed repair work.

Roger Rushton from Kirkby & Furness Community Centre said: “Not only will this new facility offer the four sports where previously there was only tennis, but it will now be free of charge to all residents of Kirkby. People of all ages can join one of the village sports clubs or can just get a group of friends together and turn up for an informal game anytime the courts are free.

“We are very grateful to all our sponsors, both national and local, who have made this exciting re-development possible.”

Work on the games area is already underway and could be ready for use by the end of August.  The Community Centre is also in partnership with the village school, who will start using the new facility from September.

Katy Woodington, RWE Innogy UK Community Investment Officer said: “The Kirkby & Furness Community Centre brings people together and provides local and easily accessible sports facilities. The multi-use games area will provide further opportunities to improve health and fitness and we’re delighted the Kirkby Moor Wind Farm Community Fund could help to make this project happen.”

Annalee Holliday, Grants and Donor Services Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation said: “This fund provides a valuable, long term, sustainable and reliable source of income for the local communities in Kirkby Moor. The support from RWE Innogy UK provides assistance to groups in the area who are helping to meet the priority needs of their community.”

The Kirkby Moor Wind Farm fund is administered by independent charity Cumbria Community Foundation. Applications for funding must be received by Friday 15th August for a decision on 9th September. For more information on the Kirkby Moor Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund or to apply online, click here or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org.

For more information on Kirkby Moor Wind Farm visit www.rwe.com/kirkby-moor