Dover District Council Offices Photo: HG SCOPIX
Fifteen rural businesses and community groups were awarded funding from the Rural England Prosperity Fund and the first two projects have now been completed.
Two community groups have unveiled their completed projects following a funding boost from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
Woodnesborough FC Chairman Gary Ambrose with DDC leader Cllr Kevin Mills, deputy leader Cllr Jamie Pout and Woodnesborough Community Project trustee Calvin Wood Photo: Dover District Council
Dover District Council (DDC) was allocated £400,000 of REPF funding for 2023-2025 and invited rural businesses, charities and local groups in the district to apply for a share.
Businesses had to show how the money could be used to support new jobs and growth, and non-profit making organisations had to demonstrate how funding would support the local community.
Fifteen successful applicants were given a share of the funding and the first two projects – a refurbished clubhouse for Woodnesborough FC and a Community Shed for the Jubilee Centre in Sandwich – have now been completed.
Woodnesborough Community Project is a charity dedicated to providing facilities that promote health, fitness and recreation to local people, and runs grassroots football club Woodnesborough FC.
The group received £20,000 of REPF funding for refurbishment work to its clubhouse, which is more than 40 years old, to increase its use and attract new players and groups.
Trustee Calvin Wood said the changes have already made a difference.
“It has only been a few weeks since we completed the refurbishment of the new flooring, the decorating and the new patio outside, and the feedback has been amazing,” he said.
“People who have been coming to our clubhouse for years commented that they can’t believe how much bigger the place feels.
“New visitors, especially from other football clubs, have said how lucky we are to have such a brilliant setup.
“The work has made the clubhouse much more welcoming which will in turn increase the use of it.”
The team behind the Jubilee Centre in Sandwich is also celebrating after completing work on its Community Shed, following a £35,000 REPF grant.
The Shed consists of two containers linked by accessible pathways and an outside area, located in the grounds of the Jubilee Centre.
Retired architect Jill Griffiths (who helped with the Jubilee Centre plans) and Jubilee Centre trustee Clare Ungerson.
One container is a workshop where people can develop hobbies, such as woodworking, while the other will provide a store for tools and equipment.
Clare Ungerson, Jubilee Centre Trustee, said: “We were thrilled to receive this grant.
“It’s provided a great opportunity for the Jubilee Centre to develop a range of creative projects in its grounds, including a woodworking workshop, a Community Garden and a Repair Cafe.
“The new Shed will be formally opened on Saturday, 26 October, and there will be music from the Railway Swing Band and the Sandwich Concert Band to make the whole day go with a swing!”
Cllr Kevin Mills, leader of DDC, said: “It’s always a pleasure to see how the grants we have allocated have been spent, particularly in cases like Woodnesborough FC and the Jubilee Centre, which both do so much for local people.
“These completed projects have made a big difference and will ensure a bright future for these groups and the community.
“I’m looking forward to seeing more of the REPF-funded projects once they are completed.”
To see the full list of successful applicants go to www.dover.gov.uk/repf