Agenda item

To provide a summary of each application received to the Community Fund in this funding period in order that members can determine if they wish to award grant funding for each proposal as set out in this report. A list of all applications made to date with amounts requested is in Appendix 1

 

Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community safety providing a summary of each application received to the Community Fund in this funding period in order that Members can determine if they wish to award grant funding for each proposal as set out in this report.

 

The Chairman started by explaining the process to the applicants and checking the balances available with the Grants Officer.

 

Members agreed to award £4,000 to Gosport Allotment Holders and Gardeners Association contingent upon successful planning permission being obtained at its September meeting,and were updated that the planning permission was still pending.

 

Members agreed to award £4,000 to the Rowner Bowling Club as a contribution toward a new perimeter fence per its September grant application as all outstanding queries about the proposed fence had been answered.

 

i)              Willow Incredible Garden

 

The applicant wished to thank the Members that had visited the site, and confirmed that the grant applied for would purchase the materials required to create an outdoor learning space. Previous works had been carried out by volunteers who had trade experience and it was hoped to do the same again.

 

Members asked the applicant to provide more details of the proposed outdoor learning space structure to the planning department to determine if it would require planning permission.

 

Members were advised that due to the increased price of materials other grants would be sought to make up the shortfall.

 

Members wished to congratulate the applicant on what had been achieved so far and recognised the value of the project to the community. A future visit was agreed.

 

Members agreed to award £5,000

 

ii)             Hub4Stuff

 

Members were advised that the organisation is staffed only by volunteers and collects unwanted furniture and household goods to redistribute to those in need. They also provide new cooking facilities such as microwaves and hot plates, and no one is ever turned away. The money would also be used to pay the costs associated with the delivery van.

 

Members agreed that Hub4Stuff provided an invaluable service and worked closely with the housing and homeless departments to provide for the most in need in the community.

 

Members agreed to award the full amount of £1,500

 

iii)           Lee Rangers Football Club

 

Members who are familiar with the club advised that it is a well organised team which takes on players from a young age right through to adulthood.

 

Members agreed to award the full amount of £1,000

 

iv)           Green Dragon Football Club

 

Members were advised that the club had been started in 2010 as a five a side, but had grown over the years, but kept many of the original players. They play in the Sunday league and consist of two teams. The club had been involved in many fundraising schemes for other community groups.

 

In answer to a Members question the applicant advised that the jackets would instill a feeling of team spirit and belonging into the players, and a sense of pride.

 

The applicant also described other team equipment items it regularly needs to replace.

 

Members agreed to award the sum of £2,000

 

v)            Gosport Rovers Football Club

 

Members agreed to defer this application

 

vi)           Gosport Cricket Club

 

Members were advised that the grant would fund the purchase of two sightscreens, as the current ones are falling apart. These type of screens are an accreditation requirement, without which the teams can’t play in the Southern Cricket League.

 

The applicant explained that they had been recognised as the most improved ground last year and wished to continue to improve in order to raise perception of the ground and inspire more people to train there.

 

Members wished to recognise the commitment and opportunities created for such a mixed group.

 

The applicant invited the members to visit next season and advised them of the Friday café.

 

Members agreed to award the full amount of £3,042

 

vii)          GADSAD

 

Members were advised that GADSAD provide sporting activities for the disabled overseen by 8 volunteers. They offer activities to help with a range of physical and mental health issues, and provide respite for carers and offer company and a sense of community.

 

The applicant explained that the decision had been made to hire a mini bus when their own finally had to be scrapped, and the grant would fund this vital element of the group, along with replacing sport equipment.

 

Members were advised that the hall is rented out to other groups and this was an area they were hoping to expand on along with other types of fundraising.

 

The Chairman suggested applying for a HCC grant to make up the request.

 

Members agreed to award £4,000

 

viii)         The Ritz at St Vincent.

 

Members were advised that a team of volunteers staged a cinema screening once a fortnight at St Vincent. The hire of the venue and the cost of renting the films had both jumped to a point where they are losing money at most screenings.

 

The applicant explained that they had been awarded a grant to show a particular directors films, and were confident that commercial advertising at the screenings would help increase the income. There had been collaborative screenings at venues such as Thorngate Hall and the Diving Museum, but worked to complement the Gosport Community Cinema and not clash on screening days.

 

Members hoped that the Council could help promote the screenings as part of its own events marketing.

 

Members agreed to award the full amount of £1,221

 

ix)           Gosport Community Cinema

 

Members were advised that although cinema is at the heart of this application it is also a community service which tries to reach people for whom visiting a cinema would be impossible, and provides a break from the loneliness and social isolation felt by many.

 

The applicant explained that the grant would be used as match funding to attract Lottery type grants and would cover the running costs up to April so the team could focus on delivery of a screening day per week and exploring the possibility of commercial sponsorship.

 

Members were advised that Thorngate had been extremely supportive of this project but realistically may not be able to increase this support if the screenings were held more often.

 

Members agreed to award £4,522

 

x)            Late item from Bridgemary Rowner and Woodcot Community Association

 

By reason of special circumstances, the Chairman determined that the following item be considered at this meeting notwithstanding the fact that the item had not been available for public inspection in accordance with the provisions of Section 100B94)(a) of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985

 

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board agreed to take the late item.

 

Members were advised the association has been based in the grounds of Bridgemary school since 1947. It consists of a hall and lounge bar which is hired out to a wide variety of community groups. Three hundred members use the bar area.

 

The applicant explained that they had recently  refurbished the hall and kitchen. The grant would be used to replace the front doors, to facilitate greater accessibility, and decorate the lobby area to make the area safer and more inviting.

 

In answer to a Member’s questions officers were asked to confirm terms of the underlease.

 

Members agreed to award the full amount of £5,000 subject to the terms of the lease.

      

 

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board

 

Considered the applications in the report and:

 

1.    A grant of £5,000 to be paid to the Willow Incredible garden

2.    A grant of £1,500 to be paid to Hub4Stuff

3.    A grant of £1,000 to be paid to Lee Rangers Football Club

4.    A grant of £2,000 to be paid to Green Dragon Football Club

5.    Defer the application from Gosport Rovers Football Club

6.    A grant of £3,042 to be paid to Gosport Cricket Club

7.    A grant of £4,000 to be paid to GADSAD

8.    A grant of £1,221 to be paid to The Ritz at St. Vincent

9.    A grant of £4,522 to be paid to Gosport Community Cinema

10.  A grant of £5,000 to be paid to BRW Community Association subject to confirmation of the terms of the underlease.