Three community groups have been awarded a total of £2,777* following a meeting of the Southern Rural Committee on 3 March.
Pirton Players was awarded £1,500 towards the purchase of new LED stage lighting equipment and control desk to replace the current set up that is 40 years old and some of which is broken and beyond economic repair. The group performs plays and musicals, as well as runs workshops at Pirton Village Hall.
Peter Johnson, from Pirton PlayersArtistic Committee, said: “The grant has come at an opportune time for our group as it enables us to buy new lights and control desk ready for our next production of ‘Sweet Charity’ at the end of this month. We will have four performances with the audience coming mainly from the village and surrounding area.”
Pirton JoyCare was awarded £750 towards a tea party for over 60s to help celebrate the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. This group supports older people in the village of Pirton by assisting with shopping, medical appointments and home visits. They also arrange social activities such as lunches, film matinees, outings and events, providing a vital opportunity for older individuals to find companionship, combat loneliness and enhance their wellbeing. The afternoon tea party using volunteers will be one such event, and will include refreshments, decorations and entertainment such as music and a quiz. Assistance to and from the venue will also be provided for those who need it.
Elaine Derrick, Secretary of Pirton JoyCare, said: “We are extremely grateful for the grant which will enable us to host an afternoon tea party to bring together Pirton's residents who are over 60 so they can celebrate the enormous achievements over the last 70 years. As well as providing an afternoon of fun and celebration, not to mention a first-class traditional afternoon tea, the event will provide a great opportunity for our more elderly community to reacquaint with old friends, build new companionships and access new social activities.”
Preston Parish Council was awarded £527 towards the purchase of a new cabinet for the community defibrillator in the Red Lion Pub car park, which has started to come to the end of its life. The defibrillator is a vital resource for an emergency because of the rural nature of Preston and the distance and time required for ambulances to reach the village.
Councillor Faye S Frost, North Herts Council’s Southern Rural Committee Chair, said: “We are very fortunate to have so many enthusiastic, active organisations, groups and individuals across the Southern Rural area providing opportunities for our residents. As a committee, we are more than happy to offer support to enhance these provisions. Pirton Players, Pirton JoyCare and Preston Parish Councilare at the heart of their communities.”
More information: Community grants
*subject to completion of the necessary formalities
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