Telford residents set to celebrate £800,000 funding success
Members of the public are being invited to celebrate dozens of projects in Telford which have benefited from a share of £800,000 funding pot.
A special event is being lined up for next month for people to learn more about the success of those who have received a grant from the Fair Share Trust.
The funding was allocated to Donnington and Donnington Wood after they were identified as areas that had not received their ‘fair share’ of Lottery money.
More than 30 projects have received funding over a 10-year period but now the scheme has come to an end.
Anna Lynall, Fair Share project officer, said: “The funding has really had an impact on the Donnington and Donnington Wood areas. The grants have been put to a good use and all have made a really big difference to the lives of the people in those areas.
“Each project has fulfilled one of the four priority areas: Community Safety, Housing & Environment; Children & Young People; Widening Access and Healthy Communities.
“The event at Turreff Hall in Turreff Avenue, Donnington on March 9 from 2pm is a chance to showcase the fantastic work of the projects. There will also be an awards ceremony for all those important volunteers who have been involved.
“The mayor of Telford & Wrekin, Kevin Guy, will also be coming along to help with the celebrations.”
The grants over the years have included £50,000 to the Silverthreads Hall in Donnington to pay for restoration work to the community building.
Allotments have also been provided with a £20,000 grant to Lilleshall, Muxton and Donnington Parish Council.
A £40,000 grant went to pay for work at the Donnington Partnership Community Cafe, while nearly £95,000 funded a skatepark.
Mrs Lynall said if it was not for a grant of nearly £20,000 for a new roof, fencing and doors there would not be no scouting or guiding facilities in the Donnington area.
She added: “People who would like to come along to the event should register by emailing contact@cfshropshireandtelford.org.uk or phoning (01743) 343879.
“There will also be an opportunity to decorate some cupcakes at the community cafe stand and at the ‘Chairs and Spares’ stand a chance to see furniture that has been restored. The afternoon is going to be fun and informative.
“Visitors will also be able to find out about any possibilities of volunteering with some of the projects themselves and see a film showcasing some of the work.”
The scheme is run by the Community Foundation for Shropshire and Telford, which offers voluntary groups access to a number of grant programmes.
