23rd May 2022
Charitable community groups and individuals in the Borders area are being encouraged to apply for financial support from a wind farm supported community benefit fund.
The Beck Burn Wind Farm Community Fund and Beck Burn Wind Farm Community Fund Educational Bursaries was established by EDF Energy Renewables in 2017. The company donates in excess of £170,00 each year into the funds, which are managed by Cumbria Community Foundation.
Projects and individuals in the Cumbrian Parishes of Rockcliffe, Westlinton, Arthuret and Kirkandrews on Esk, along with the Scottish Community Councils of Springfield & Gretna Green, Gretna & Rigg, Kirkpatrick Fleming & District, and Canonbie & District are eligible to apply for funding.
At a recent grants panel, eight individuals over the age of 16 were awarded a share of £7,540 to support education and training to help them develop their skills and employability.
Three community grants were awarded grants to improve a community play area, provide gardening equipment at a primary school and install three community defibrillators.
In recent years, Springfield & Gretna Green Community Asset Trust have embarked on enhancing the facilities available at Springfield Playing Field.
The group received £8,000 to install new play equipment, including trampolines, a carousel/roundabout, a basket swing, and an accessible gate.
Mike Phillips, Chairperson at Springfield & Gretna Green Community Asset Trust, said: “We are delighted to have received this grant which will allow us to continue our work in developing the playing field to benefit all age groups within our community.
“In previous years we have added amenities for other groups, but we are aware that the children’s play area has not received any upgrade since 1970.
“The grant will enable us to purchase three new items of equipment and we are confident children will enjoy these for many years to come.”
Kirkpatrick Fleming, Hollee and Irvington will benefit from three defibrillators thanks to a grant of £14,134. The installation of the defibrillators will mean that in the event of an emergency, people will be able to collect this life saving equipment quicker than having to travel to the existing one located at the Kirkpatrick Fleming Village Hall.
Gretna Primary School PTA received £5,000 and will use it to provide additional opportunities for children and families at Gretna Primary School to have access to a nurturing garden area to promote wellbeing, to experience gardening projects and to have the chance to be involved in growing and cooking fresh produce.
The fund is intended to support a wide range of activities with awards to community and voluntary organisations and projects which are community based or community led. Activities can include supporting biodiversity and habitat conservation, energy efficiency and sustainability, sports and recreation, health and wellbeing, children, young people and older people, culture and heritage.
The deadline for the next round of applications is 17th June 2022.
Lisa Blackwell, Grants & Programmes Officer at Cumbria Community Foundation, said: “This fund provides a valuable, long-term, sustainable and reliable source of income for the local communities. Since the funds were established, £895,000 has been invested into the community. The support from EDF Energy Renewables provides assistance to groups in the area that are helping to meet the priority needs of their community.
“It is flexible funding that can address what is really important to communities and we’re delighted to administer this funding which has been making a difference to the communities.”
For more information or to apply visit, http://www.cumbriafoundation.org or call Lisa Blackwell, Grants Officer on 01900 820827 or email Lisa@cumbriafoundation.org