Council cash for North Northumberland community groups

11 Jun 2019 ARCHIVED (over 3 months old) - view latest news

Community groups in North Northumberland have been recognised for the work they do in their local community. 

The groups were awarded a grant from the Community Chest, run by Northumberland County Council, and were presented with a certificate at their local area council meeting at St James’ Church Hall.

The scheme awards grants of up to £5,000 to support community groups and organisations county-wide. The funding can help with costs by issuing 75% of the total amount required, towards equipment for community group activities and sports, venue refurbishments, transport facilities and much more.

More than 1,500 projects have benefited from £2.8 million in grants since 2009, which has contributed or helped towards £20 million worth of projects within Northumberland. 

One recipient of the Community Chest, Tillside Cricket Club, was represented by Junior Cricket Co-Ordinator Stephen Nutt. He spoke of being able to honour the memory of a young player who sadly passed away 

He said: “Thanks to the Community Chest, we’ve recently been able to develop our practice facilities.

“We had the opportunity to develop these nets for our members who range from 5 up to senior members in their 60s. This is a huge help to us.

“Tragically one of our young players, who was a student, died at university and we dedicated this practice facility in his memory. We were delighted that the family were able to come along to open them, and in doing so we had a game against a club that this young man also played at. It allows us to extend the hand of sporting friendship and allow them to use the facilities as well.”

Other community groups in attendance included; Lionheart Radio, Amble Christmas Lights, Alnmouth Community Rowing, Berwick Arts Choir, Loving Alnwick, Bailiffgate Singers, Norham Arts Group, Amble Sword, Amble Youth Project, Alnwick Dolphins, Tillside Cricket Club, Glendale Free Music Festival, Glendale Free Music Festival, Northumbria Basketry Group, Wooler Netball Club - Back to Netball, Wooler Bowling Club, Swarland Indoor Bowls Club, Alnwick Lions, Amble Photographic Group, Bell View (Belford), The Coquetdale Lunch Club, Glendale Amateur Boxing & Fitness Club, Local Living and Northumberland National Park Mountain Rescue Team .

Cllr Nick Oliver, Cabinet Member for Corporate Services at Northumberland County Council, said: “The Community Chest Fund is a fantastic opportunity for local community groups and organisations to enhance their services which will ultimately benefit the local community. 

“The scheme contributes to achieving our ambition for Northumberland, which is to support voluntary and community groups and organisations to deliver activities to maintain and create sustainable communities.”


For more information about the Community Chest Scheme click here or email: communitychest@northumberland.gov.uk