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United Utilities’ West Cumbria Supplies Project launches Legacy Fund and Tree Fund

Community groups in Allerdale and Copeland are being offered the chance to apply for grants thanks to two new funds set up with money donated by United Utilities.

The water company has set up the Cumbria Legacy Fund which is being managed by Cumbria Community Foundation and the Cumbria Tree Fund, managed by Cumbria Woodlands.

John Hilton, West Cumbria Project Director at United Utilities, explained why the schemes had been launched: “We are carrying out a crucial infrastructure project across one of the most environmentally sensitive parts of the UK and we knew from the outset that we wanted to give something back to the communities that would be affected by up to five years of disruption.

“These funds will help leave a lasting legacy after our work has finished, helping improve the environment and the lives of people in West Cumbria.”

The Cumbria Legacy Fund is open to applications from community groups which provide activities that benefit people or the environment in the Allerdale and Copeland areas. Successful bids can expect to receive a community grant of up to £10,000 or a strategic grant of up to £30,000.

Funding will be available from 2018 to 2020 and the grants will be allocated in four phases across each year. The deadline for applications for the first phase is 23 February 2018.

Andy Beeforth, CEO of Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “The Community Foundation is very pleased to be working in partnership with United Utilities who have created a significant Legacy Fund.

“The fund will be spent over the next three years and will provide valuable investment in people and communities helping to keep West Cumbria strong and able to embrace the challenges we face.”

The Cumbria Tree Fund is aimed at landowners and community groups who want to plant trees, hedges or woodlands in West Cumbria. Grants will be available for plants, trees, fencing and protective materials, as well as support and advice from Cumbria Woodlands. Applications are encouraged before the end of March 2018.

Neville Elstone at Cumbria Woodlands said: “We want to see applications that will enhance the landscape, benefit wildlife, protect the environment and involve the local community. Even if you only have a rough idea of what you want to achieve, we can help pull those ideas together into a scheme that will have a lasting benefit.”

For more information on the Cumbria Legacy Fund click here or contact Annalee Holliday on 01900 825760.

For more information on the Cumbria Tree Fund visit www.cumbriawoodlands.co.uk or contact Neville Elstone on Neville@cumbriawoodlands.co.uk or call 07966 758594.

United Utilities will be on hand to answer any questions about the project, or the grant schemes, at a regular drop-in session for the public every Thursday (starting 18th January) between 10am and 3pm, at the Visitor Centre at 32 Lake Road, Keswick, CA12 5DQ.

Pie-ping hot support for Winter Warmth Appeal

Cranstons Quality Butchers are warming the homes of older people in Cumbria this winter with the sale of a very special pie.

Andy Beeforth and Philip Cranston

Cranstons are supporting Cumbria Community Foundation’s Winter Warmth Appeal, which helps older people who are having to choose between eating a meal or heating their homes. The butchers will donate 30 pence from every ‘Steak and Eden Best Ale’ pie they sell from Tuesday 2nd January to close of business on Saturday 10th February.

Philip Cranston, owner of Cranstons Butchers, said: ‘’We are delighted to be helping to raise funds for the Winter Warmth Appeal, which helps some of the county’s most vulnerable elderly people with their fuel costs. Our steak and ale pies are a popular choice at this time of year; what’s not to love about a rich steak, ale and puff pastry topped pie? It’s the ultimate winter comfort food! We are hoping to raise awareness of this worthy cause and to donate a sizeable chunk of money to this year’s appeal.’’

Cranstons, who have been members of Cumbria Community Foundation since 2003, will also be taking part in the Big Sleep 2018, which has raised almost £100,000 for the Winter Warmth Appeal. They’ll be joining other fundraisers on Saturday 27th January for a night sleeping out under the stars opposite the Low Wood Bay Hotel in Windermere.

Andy Beeforth, Chief Executive at the Foundation, said: “Older people are more ill in the winter, and it’s very important for them to stay warm so that existing conditions are not exacerbated. When you’re older you don’t cope with cold as well.

“We know that demand for help is greater than ever before, so we are very excited that Cranston’s are helping to raise much-needed funds and promote our Winter Warmth Campaign this year.”

Cranstons Quality Butchers Ltd was established in 1914 by Stanley Cranston in the village of Kirkoswald, and remains a family run business. They have traditional butcher’s shops in the old market towns of Penrith and Hexham, and food halls at Penrith, Orton Grange, Carlisle and Brampton, which opened in 2016.

A winter special, Cranstons Steak and Ale pie combines tender chunks of steak with an Eden Best Ale gravy and dry cured smoked bacon pieces, this tasty rich filling is then topped with puff pastry.

For information about the Winter Warmth Fund Appeal and the Big Sleep, contact us on 01900 825760 or email enquiries@cumbriafoundation.org.