You may have seen our technicians Colin & Andy out and about planting wildflower seeds during September. The yellow rattle planted in 2019 has now taken effect in the majority of areas it has been planted and we are ready to move on to the next stage. We are planting more yellow rattle at Torridge View as it hasn’t been as effective on this verge.
With guidance from RHS Rosemoor, and Dave Squire we have chosen a perennial mix that should be well suited to the soil conditions. Establishing wildflowers is a long process, so there may not be masses of visible wildflowers in the first year; we are hoping that by 2025 we will all be able to fully appreciate the wildflower areas at Linden Close and Greenbank.
Management of Weeds:
In the early summer Great Torrington Town Council members, officers and technicians met with representatives of Devon Wildlife Trust to discuss plans and issues associated with reducing the use of harmful chemicals in the management of weeds.
Several factors were highlighted during this meeting, which contribute to the growth of weeds. The very wet and warm weather we had for many weeks this year definitely encouraged the rapid growth of weeds, and it was quite noticeable. These additional contributory factors were also noted:
· Cracks in the surface of roads and pavements.
· Debris on pavements and roads provides ideal substrate in the spaces provided by the cracks and at the edges of roads and pavements.
· The prevalence of on-street parking in some areas throughout the day reduces the effectiveness of the road sweeper lorry (scarab) – as there is no access to the edge of the road.
· The loss of the traditional habit of clearing and sweeping your own doorstep.
· Reduction of the use of harmful chemicals for weed management.
The issue of weed management can be a divisive one, so we are trying to work in a way that supports the environment and is considerate of the various opinions within the community. We have been contacted by many residents with differing viewpoints about issues with weeds and weed management in the past few months.
At our last Environment Committee meeting in early August, we discussed ways of addressing the issues raised during the meeting with Devon Wildlife Trust, and the practicalities of implementing the ideas suggested. For full minutes of this meeting
For now, we will continue to minimise our use of harmful chemicals, and trial other methods such as white vinegar. Our technicians will also continue to hand weed and hoe in some areas. We are going to consult with other local councils to see if we can learn from each other, during this time of changing ideas and approaches. We would also like to engage with local businesses to discuss a shared approach in reducing the use of harmful chemicals for managing weeds in our community.
Great Torrington Town Council is currently part of the Snow Warden scheme with Devon County Council. Our technician Andy is our trained Snow Warden and receives relevant updates from Devon County Council (DCC). Further information about the scheme is available on their website: www.devon.gov.uk/communities/opportunities/snow-warden-scheme
During the spell of snow in December 2022 Great Torrington Town Council officers received several phone calls, social media messages and emails about grit bin locations and problems with ice, which was making it difficult for people to safely leave their homes in various housing estates. The main roads through Torrington are gritted by DCC, and our technicians clear the Square as a priority to allow people to access food and medicines etc. Great Torrington Town Council is in the early stages of considering extending the Snow Warden Scheme to include a small team of volunteers. These volunteers would be given some training and would receive updates from the Snow Warden and could potentially grit areas of the town which would not be included in DCCs route, or be gritted as a priority by the Snow Warden. This could help more people to continue to access employment, appointments, and shops more safely.
If you would be interested in volunteering for Great Torrington Town Council as part of the Snow Warden Scheme, please get in touch 01805 626135 or email admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk
This year Remembrance Sunday falls on the 12th November 2023. Great Torrington Town Council and The Royal British Legion will hold a Remembrance Ceremony at the War Memorial in the Cemetery, commencing at 10.50am.
There is a change of location for the forming up of the Parade this year, details below:
The Parade Route: The Parade will assemble in the driveway at Woodland Vale Care Home and parade “UP” New Street to the Cemetery. Please note: There will be NO VEHICULAR ACCESS to Woodland Vale Care Home. LIMITED PARKING will be available at the Old Bowling Green; however, we encourage all participants to walk to the event if they are able to do so.
Dismissal at the end of the Service: Following the National Anthem at the end of the service, the Mayor will thank the Parade, who will then be dismissed in the cemetery as last year. The order for dismissal will allow for those at the back to be the first to leave.
Standard Practice: Will take place at the Town’s Band room in Castle Street. Further information will be sent to individual organisations nearer the time.
Ordering of wreaths will be the same as last year and should be ordered directfrom the Royal British Legion in plenty of time. A wreath can be ordered by contacting the Royal British Legion on 0345 845 1945. The wreath will be posted out to you.
Recent feedback has suggested that our original closing date for Grant Applications in the first week of September, falls at a busy and difficult time of year for many organisations – therefore we have extended the application deadline for this year and will be discussing an amended deadline for future years.
If your organisation would like to apply for a Grant and has not already submitted the the application form, please get in touch as soon as possible, and by 5pm Wednesday 4th October at the very latest. Forms can be obtained electronically HERE or in paper format from the Council office. Please contact Charlotte Kirby, Assistant Town Clerk on 01805 626135 between 9am and 1pm Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday or email her on admin@great-torringtontowncouncil.gov.uk for more information.
This deadline will be final, if you have any queries about the process please get in touch.
JoJo Maman Bébé – Deadline 15th August 2023 – New Post!
JoJo Maman Bébé Helping Hands Community Grant Fund is open!
Helping people has always been an important part of the JoJo ethos. And they want to make a difference to the communities around them.
Helping Hands is their charity initiative designed to shine a spotlight on the cause that matter to their customers…. Providing grants of up to £10,000.
These community grants are open to applications from not for profit organisations, charities, and community projects in the UK, Ireland and Channel Islands.
A shortlist will be selected by the JoJo Board of Directors and the final winners voted for by customers, through an online poll on their website. The grant is a one-off payment of up to £10,000.
Only one application per charity or community project will be considered, the application for the project that is submitted first will be the one that is reviewed. If you are unsuccessful you may apply again during the next application period.
Projects which benefit a diverse range of individuals, demonstrate environmental awareness or support pregnant women and young children are especially encouraged to apply. However, they will consider all applications.
If you wish to apply to try to win one of the six cash grants please visit their website to download an application form: JoJo Maman Bébé
d/Deaf and Disabled people’s organisations – Lloyds Bank Foundation – Deadline 31st August 2023 – New Post!
This programme is for small and local charities with an income between £25,000 to £500,000 which are led by and working with d/Deaf and Disabled people who are experiencing poverty. Organisations can apply for a three year unrestricted grant of £75,000.
TechX Clean Energy Accelerator – Deadline 1st October 2023 – New Post!
Clean energy start-ups can apply to take part in the TechX Clean Energy Accelerator starting in February 2024. This is a programme of mentoring, business support and prototype development along with a grant up to £100,000 to support innovative start-up businesses in the clean energy sector.
Your business must be developing a novel clean energy technology in the one of the following focus areas:
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage
Low carbon hydrogen
Alternative fuels and green chemicals
Renewable power
Digital solutions
Decarbonised industrial heat and cooling technologies
All technologies accepted to the programme need to have the potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Technologies must have industrial applications: technologies solely with commercial or residential applications are out of scope.
Applicants must be committed to participating in the 15-week programme which includes travelling to Aberdeen for three in-person weeks
Endangered Crafts Fund – Heritage Crafts – Deadline 6th October 2023 – New Post!
Thanks to support from the Sussex Heritage Trust, Ashley Family Foundation and Essex Community Foundation – Heritage Crafts invites craft practitioners and organisations in the UK to apply for small grants to fund projects that support endangered crafts (the craft must be listed as endangered or critically endangered on the current Red List of Endangered Crafts).
Applications may, for example, include:
training for yourself to learn a new craft or technique;
training for an apprentice so that you can pass on skills and knowledge;
investing in more efficient tools and machinery;
developing reduced-carbon routes to market;
exploring the use of alternative materials while maintaining the heritage character of your practice; or
innovative approaches to supporting and promoting endangered crafts.
New Stories, New Audiences – Association of Independent Museums (AIM) – Deadline 31st October 2023 – New Post!
AIM know that all museums need to increase and widen their audiences to enhance their sustainability, and to widen participation to groups that are currently under-represented. They want New Stories New Audiences to inspire museums to stay relevant to their audiences and to increase their impact.
Funded by National Lottery Heritage Fund, New Stories New Audiences is open to all AIM members in the small museum category (up to 20,000 visitors).
They will fund projects up to £15,000 that result in a wider range of people being involved in heritage at your organisation. They expect you to have identified a new story that you wish to tell and undertaken some initial research to identify who the new audience will be. They also expect you to work with a new partner, to work differently and to try something new.
Successful projects will be allocated an experienced project mentor and will take part in the New Stories New Audiences network with other successful applicants. At the end of your project, you will be brought together to share learning, contribute to the evaluation of the experience and inform the creation of new resources.
Branching Out Fund – the Tree Council – Deadline 3rd December 2023 – New Post!
The Branching Out Fund is now accepting applications towards the costs of community planting projects.
Branching Out supports applications ranging in value from £250 up to £2,500, with specific criteria for those under £500, and those above £500.
Schools, community groups, residents’ associations, Parish Councils, charities and many others are eligible to apply,
You will find everything on their website that you need to know, from the types of trees that qualify, to recommendations around protection.
Visit the website for the budget sheet and application form: treecouncil.org.uk
Ironmongers Company’s Grants Programme – Deadline 15th December 2023 – New Post!
Registered charities (including Schools that are registered as charities for young people with disabilities) that work with disadvantaged children under the age of 25 can apply for funding of up to £10,000 through the Ironmongers Company’s grants programme.
Projects must meet all of the following criteria:
For children and young people under the age of 25 who are disadvantaged
Consist of educational activities that develop learning, motivation and skills
Have clear aims and objectives to be met within a planned timescale
Are within the UK
The Company is particularly interested in enabling primary age children to develop a strong foundation for the future. Projects could, for example:
support special educational needs,
address behavioural problems
promote citizenship, parenting or life skills.
Preference will be given to projects piloting new approaches where the outcomes will be disseminated to a wider audience.
The next deadline for applications is the 15th December 2023.
Applications must be received by the end of February or the end of August to be sure of consideration at the Spring or Autumn Meetings.
All applications should be sent in writing to: The Inman Charity, BM Box 2831, London WC1N 3XX
Requests for support should be made by letter confirming the registered Charity Number, the aims and objectives of the Charity, and any other relevant factors. In order for the appeal to be considered, the applicant must provide a copy of their latest annual report and a set of the most recent audited accounts.
The directors will support specific projects. In this case please provide details of the total amount required, contributions received to date and proposed timing to completion. The directors do not acknowledge applications and will only contact those to whom grants are awarded.
Tarka Country Trust – Biodiversity Awards 2023 – Deadline 31st August 2023
The Tarka Country Trust are pleased to launch their Biodiversity Awards for this year. The Awards are for individuals and community groups to carry out projects to help local wildlife. Each award comes as a package, which includes a grant of up to £1,000 and individualised support from the trustees.
The awards cover two themes:
Addressing the loss of localised biodiversity
Reversing the decline of Devon’s primroses
The Trust would be pleased to receive applications from
owners of land, which is of poor value in terms of biodiversity which would benefit from improvement
groups working together to improve biodiversity within the local area
individuals who want to improve the quantity and diversity of local wildlife
In the 2023 awards there are five awards of £500 to be spent on efforts to improve land for wildlife. There are also batches of 100 primrose plug plants for planting in suitable locations.
For each award, as well as funding, each successful applicant will be assigned the dedicated support of one of the trustees of the Tarka Country Trust to provide expert advice and support.
The deadline for these applications is 31/08/2023. To find out more and to apply for an award go to the Tarka Country Trust website at www.tarkacountrytrust.org.uk and complete the application form.
Women Make Music – Are you a budding songwriter? – Deadline 11th September
“Women Make Music” is a grant up to the value of £5,000 available to individual women in need of financial support in creating new music in any genre in the United Kingdom, from the PRS Foundation.
Digital Fundraising Training Course – Deadline 18th September
Get Grants Digital Fundraising Training Course will give you the practical insight and information you need to successfully plan and deliver digital fundraising for your organisation. This course will help you understand the benefits of different digital platforms and tools, and where to focus your efforts to maximise your digital fundraising success.
This NEW Course has been designed to give you access to expert insights, practical information, and friendly advice to help you develop a digital strategy that works for you.
Get Grants Digital Fundraising Training Course will help you to grow in confidence and motivation to develop a digital strategy to boost your organisation’s digital fundraising., whatever stage you are at.
Landscape Recovery Scheme – application – Deadline 21 September 2023
£15 million is available for the second round of the Government’s Landscape Recovery scheme which supports landscape and ecosystem recovery through long-term projects. Three Devon projects were successful in the first round of the scheme: East Dartmoor; Killerton Three Rivers; and the Axe Landscape Partnership.
Landscape Recovery forms part of the Environmental Land Management Scheme, together with the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship.
The scheme represents a new approach to supporting long-term, significant habitat restoration and land use change, with the aim of delivering a range of outcomes, focussing on net zero, biodiversity and water quality.
For Round Two, the funding is for projects that support net zero, protected sites, and wildlife-rich habitat.
Landscape Recovery is open to all private land managers and landowners, either individually or as part of a group. Your project must be on a broadly connected area of at least 500 hectares (ha) in England.
If successful, you will be awarded project development funding over two years. The aim is to progress to the implementation of the project over a 20-year period.
For full guidance and the criteria for applying, visit the GOV.UK website
Siggery Fund – Deadlines 30th September 2023 / 30th November 2023 & 29th February 2024
Grants of up to £1500 area available which facilitate peer support for the visually impaired in Barnstaple and the surrounding areas.
The fund is in honour of Brian Siggery for his works in the blind and visually impaired community.
There are four application deadlines:
30th June 2023
30th September 2023
30th November 2023
And 29th February 2024
To apply, of to find out more about the fund, contact admin@ndvs.org.uk
For a full list and downloadable / printable versions of ALL current funding opportunities please click the “Full List” link below:
An early reminder that this year Remembrance Sunday falls on the 12th November 2023. The Royal British Legion will once again hold a Remembrance Ceremony at the War Memorial in the Cemetery, commencing at 10.50am.
Further details will be included in the October edition of the Crier (and shared on our website and social media pages).
Ordering of wreaths will be the same as last year and should be ordered direct from the Royal British Legion in plenty of time. A wreath can be ordered by contacting the Royal British Legion on 0345 845 1945, and will be posted out to you.
Sadly, there have been some disappointing incidents over the past couple of months, which have caused damaged to council property, and cost a considerable amount of money in work hours for your council.
Firstly, there was an incident of criminal damage in the skate park, where obscene drawings and writing were drawn all over the ramps in permanent pen. This incident required our technicians to spend several hours attempting to clean off the most offensive words and images, which included having to sand down the boards to remove the damage. Although some people may feel this is part & parcel of a skate park environment, it should be made clear that this was reported to the police as a criminal offence; this wasn’t artwork by any stretch of the imagination. This incident occurred in an area designed to be accessed by children, it involved obscene images and offensive language where individuals within the community were named. The estimated cost of dealing with the incident so far is approximately £400. If anyone has any information about this incident do contact us or Great Torrington School and we can pass it on to the police.
Secondly, over the past few months we have found several small pieces of the Grade II Listed fountain in the town square broken off and scattered in various places. This historic fountain is very fragile; it isn’t suitable for climbing on, or for standing or sitting in the flower beds. Any damage caused is expensive given the specialist skills required for the repair work. As well as the damage caused to the fountain, there is potential for injury if any attempt is made to climb/sit or stand on any parts of the fountain.
As ever, it is the few creating problems for the many, as we are very aware that the majority of people in Great Torrington of all ages behave in a respectful way towards each other and towards their environment. We should all have pride in the lovely town we live in and be glad that these incidents are the exception and not the norm.
N.B. Photos taken prior to the incidents taking place.
Forces for Change Programme – Armed Forces Covenant – Deadline 17th July & 13th December 2023 – New Post!
This programme will award grants of up to £15,000 for community projects that reduce isolation and promote integration in local Armed Forces communities.
Under this programme, they want to make a big difference to Armed Forces communities that are facing particular challenges due to cost-of-living challenges, or where there are hidden or complex needs within local Armed Forces communities and a local project could help address problems that vulnerable people are facing.
If you apply for a grant, you need to show how this would help specifically help to address compelling or specific needs in a meaningful way; and where you can clearly tell us about the current gap that exists in provision and why this project might help.
To be eligible to apply, your organisation must be one of the following:
A registered charity or Community Interest Company (CIC) with substantial recent experience of supporting Armed Forces communities and have been registered for at least one year at the time of your application
An Armed Forces unit or base
A local authority
A school
A statutory body that delivers or co-ordinates NHS care
There will be two application deadlines this year: 17th July and 13th December 2023.
Seed Sourcing Grant – Deadline 17th July 2023 – New Post!
The Seed Sourcing Grant (SSG) is now open for applications. The SSG is a competitive grant to provide support for activities that enhance the quality, quantity, and diversity of tree seed sources in England.
The government aims to at least treble tree planting rates in England by 2025 and has set legally binding targets to increase tree and woodland cover to 16.5% of total land area by 2050. SSG will help to ensure the availability of planting stock to meet these targets. The SSG is looking to support projects that will increase the quality, quantity, and diversity of Seed Stands and Seed Orchards on the Forest Reproductive Material (FRM) Register of UK Basic Material.
Considering the projects that were awarded funding in round 1 of the SSG, they welcome proposals in round 2 to:
identify and register Seed Stands of the following species where no such work is currently underway: beech and Norway maple
develop new Seed Stands and/or Seed Orchards of the following species where no such work is currently underway: aspen, elder, common hawthorn, holly, Norway maple, whitebeam, wild apple
Management of existing Seed Stands, to ensure they are productive for seed collectors. Seed stands must either already be registered on the National Register of Basic Material or should be registered on the National Register of Basic Material as part of the proposed project. This may include bringing current Source Identified (SI) seed sources under management and registering them as a seed stand as part of the project.
Desk studies and field studies to identify and bring additional seed stands onto the National Register of Basic Material.
Planning and planting of new seed stands, and their registration on the National Register of Basic Material.
Planning and planting of new seed orchards and their registration on the National Register of Basic Material.
Proposals can include a combination of activities from the list above.
To be eligible for funding:
the project proposal must be relevant to the production of tree seed from species covered by the UK FRM scheme (including those in the voluntary scheme)
the Seed Stand or Seed Orchard must be in England
the work to be funded must not have commenced, and must not commence until a funding agreement is in place
activities must be associated with an eligible FRM category
Eat It Up is a new grant fund aimed at finding and supporting creative approaches to reducing food waste. The £200,000 fund, launched by Hubbub in partnership with Starbucks, is offering grants of up to £40,000. The aim is to support projects that have either been tested and need funding to support their expansion or are at an earlier stage with a concept ready to trial.
Projects need to do some or all of the following:
address pre-farmgate waste
prevent food from being wasted at manufacturing and processing stage
minimise food waste from retailers
find ways to use surplus food in creative ways in communities or at home
UK organisations can apply including registered charities, social enterprises, Community Interest Companies, schools, universities, colleges, local authorities and small businesses with a clear social purpose.
To register your ‘Expression of Interest’ by 21 July 2023 visit: HubBub.org.uk
Big Bike Revival- application – Deadline 31st July 2023 – New Post!
The Big Bike Revival is about helping people to begin or return to cycling through a programme of free activities and services, delivered by local community organisations.
If your organisation can help to get more people cycling more often by running events that give people the skills they need to ride a bike safely, you can apply for a grant of up to £2,000.
Grants can be used for equipment to expand capacity, venue hire for learn events or instructors to lead bike rides.
Community-based organisations such as volunteer-led groups, not-for-profit organisations and social enterprises can apply.
For more information on the grant application, process and how to apply visit the Cycling UK website.
Tarka Country Trust – Biodiversity Awards 2023 – Deadline 31st August 2023 – New Post!
The Tarka Country Trust are pleased to launch their Biodiversity Awards for this year. The Awards are for individuals and community groups to carry out projects to help local wildlife. Each award comes as a package, which includes a grant of up to £1,000 and individualised support from the trustees.
The awards cover two themes:
Addressing the loss of localised biodiversity
Reversing the decline of Devon’s primroses
The Trust would be pleased to receive applications from
owners of land, which is of poor value in terms of biodiversity which would benefit from improvement
groups working together to improve biodiversity within the local area
individuals who want to improve the quantity and diversity of local wildlife
In the 2023 awards there are five awards of £500 to be spent on efforts to improve land for wildlife. There are also batches of 100 primrose plug plants for planting in suitable locations.
For each award, as well as funding, each successful applicant will be assigned the dedicated support of one of the trustees of the Tarka Country Trust to provide expert advice and support.
The deadline for these applications is 31/08/2023. To find out more and to apply for an award go to the Tarka Country Trust website at www.tarkacountrytrust.org.uk and complete the application form
Landscape Recovery Scheme – application – Deadline 21st September 2023 – New Post!
£15 million is available for the second round of the Government’s Landscape Recovery scheme which supports landscape and ecosystem recovery through long-term projects. Three Devon projects were successful in the first round of the scheme: East Dartmoor; Killerton Three Rivers; and the Axe Landscape Partnership.
Landscape Recovery forms part of the Environmental Land Management Scheme, together with the Sustainable Farming Incentive and Countryside Stewardship.
The scheme represents a new approach to supporting long-term, significant habitat restoration and land use change, with the aim of delivering a range of outcomes, focussing on net zero, biodiversity and water quality.
For Round Two, the funding is for projects that support net zero, protected sites, and wildlife-rich habitat.
Landscape Recovery is open to all private land managers and landowners, either individually or as part of a group. Your project must be on a broadly connected area of at least 500 hectares (ha) in England.
If successful, you will be awarded project development funding over two years. The aim is to progress to the implementation of the project over a 20-year period.
For full guidance and the criteria for applying, visit the GOV.UK website
Edith Maud Ellis 1985 Charitable Trust – Deadline 31st December 2023 – New Post!
Seed funding grants of between £1,000 and £5,000 are available to UK registered charities, social enterprises and public bodies for innovative ideas in the UK or overseas that offer the potential to bring about a more peaceful, just and sustainable world.
The Trust’s focus is on supporting a small number of UK registered charities and not-for-profit organisations that have innovative proposals to bring about a more peaceful, just and sustainable world. Organisations that find it difficult to attract funding from other sources tend to be favoured.
Grants are awarded against the following categories:
Climate change mitigation
Interfaith and ecumenical understanding
Peace-building and conflict resolution
Quaker work and witness, and
Work with forced migrants, including internally displaced people
Funding is not available for:
Core funding for organisations
Education bursaries
General appeals
Healthcare, disability and medical support services
Humanitarian relief appeals
Individuals
Infrastructure organisations, or
Medical research
The Trust next opens to applications on Tuesday 11th July 2023 with a deadline for applications of Sunday 31st December 2023. However, the Trust likes to receive applications as early as possible.
Further information, guidance and an online application form is available on the The Edith M Ellis website.
Small Grants Programme – Theatres Trust – Deadline 12th January 2024 – New Post!
Theatres Trust’s Small Grants Programme, supported by The Linbury Trust, funds small projects that make a big impact to a theatre’s resilience, sustainability, accessibility or improving the diversity of audiences.
This scheme provides grants of up to £5,000 for essential works to enable not-for-profit theatres across the UK to be viable and thrive in the future.
To be eligible to apply to the scheme, applicants must demonstrate that they:
Own or manage theatres with titles or signed leases of more than five years on buildings in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland
Run a year-round programme of live performance, of no less than 30 performances a year
Have a UK charitable or not-for-profit legal structure and be able to provide certified or audited accounts for at least two years.
Deadline for applications is noon 12 January 2024. To download a grant application form, terms, and conditions please visit the Theatre Trust website.
North Devon Coast Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty – Sustainable Development Fund – Deadline end Jan 2024 – New Post!
Grants for People, Nature, Heritage and Climate are available for projects to be carried out by the end of January 2024.
The grant scheme is open to community groups, schools, businesses and parishes with grants of up to £4,000 for projects within the coastal parishes of the Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB) in North Devon and Torridge.
The fund is supported by the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DeFRA). Its purpose is to help deliver the policies and actions in the AONB Management Plan. Last year, 12 new projects were funded with grants averaging £1,800 matched with cash and in-kind time. Supported projects must have an environmental, community, economic or social benefit or connect people with the landscape, heritage and nature of the AONB.
The 14 eligible parishes this grant scheme covers are:
Abbotsham
Alwington
Berrynarbor
Braunton
Clovelly
Combe Martin
Geoergeham & Croyde
Hartland
Ilfracombe
Mortehoe & Woolacombe
Northam & Westward Ho!
Welcombe
West Down
Woolsery
You can find a full list of successful projects from last year as well as information on how to apply at the North Devon AONB website. For an informal chat contact Laura Carolan on 01271 388268 or email aonb@devon.gov.uk
The Circuit £1 million defibrillator fund – New Post!
The government is inviting community organisations to bid for funding for an automated external defibrillator (AED) for their area
Organisations across England are being invited to bid for a share of £1 million of government funding to buy life-saving defibrillators for community spaces like town halls, local parks or post offices.
An estimated 1,000 new defibrillators are to be provided by the fund, with the potential for this to double as successful applicants will be asked to match the funding they receive partially or fully.
As part of the grant award, applicants will be asked to demonstrate that defibrillators will be placed in areas where they are most needed, such as places with high footfall, vulnerable people, rural areas or due to the nature of activity at the site.
Examples could include town halls, community centres, local shops, post offices and local parks, to ensure that defibrillators are evenly spread throughout communities and easily accessible if someone is experiencing an unexpected cardiac arrest.
To update the details in your expression of interest, submit a new response from the same device you used for the original submission.
Sports Foundation for the Disabled – New Post!
Grants up to £5,000 are available to enable people with physical disabilities and visual impairments from Southwest England and Wales to take part in sport, physical activities and sporting challenges.
The Sports Foundation for the Disabled provides funding for organisations that support people with disabilities and for individuals with physical disabilities or visual impairments. Organisations must be not-for-profit and can include local community sports clubs, community groups, parish/town councils, charities and youth organisations. Individuals must be part of a sports club, sporting pathway or linked to a National Governing Body.
The funding can be used for:
New equipment and kit specifically for disability sport activities
Training courses
Costs relating to a sport project for people with physical disabilities or visual impairments
Costs relating to sporting challenges including travel, equipment, sustenance and accommodation.
The Tolkien Trust is a UK registered charity, established in 1977 by the four children of the author, J R R Tolkien, to enable the Tolkien family to give regularly to its chosen charitable causes.
The Trust is wholly discretionary, which means that the trustees decide whom to benefit on the basis of their own knowledge of charities operating in areas of interest to them. However, the Trust does not accept unsolicited applications as it does not have the capacity to assess them.
The Trust has traditionally supported a wide spectrum of charitable causes throughout the world including: Arts, Education, Environment, Homelessness, International development, International relations and peace building, Migration, Prison Reform, and UK and international health, and medical research.
Further information about the Trust can be found on its website: Tolkien Trust.
Applications are accepted by invitation only from UK registered charities working in the UK and/or overseas. A letter of introduction, using the address below, is thought to be the best way to approach the Trust in the first instance,
Nerissa Martin,
The Tolkien Trust C/o Maier Blackburn LLP Prama House 267 Banbury Road Oxford OX2 7HT Tel: 01865 339330
Digital Fundraising Training Course – Deadline 18th September – New Post!
Get Grants Digital Fundraising Training Course will give you the practical insight and information you need to successfully plan and deliver digital fundraising for your organisation. This course will help you understand the benefits of different digital platforms and tools, and where to focus your efforts to maximise your digital fundraising success.
This NEW Course has been designed to give you access to expert insights, practical information, and friendly advice to help you develop a digital strategy that works for you.
Get Grants Digital Fundraising Training Course will help you to grow in confidence and motivation to develop a digital strategy to boost your organisation’s digital fundraising., whatever stage you are at.
Applications must be received by the end of February or the end of August to be sure of consideration at the Spring or Autumn Meetings.
All applications should be sent in writing to: The Inman Charity, BM Box 2831, London WC1N 3XX
Requests for support should be made by letter confirming the registered Charity Number, the aims and objectives of the Charity, and any other relevant factors. In order for the appeal to be considered, the applicant must provide a copy of their latest annual report and a set of the most recent audited accounts.
The directors will support specific projects. In this case please provide details of the total amount required, contributions received to date and proposed timing to completion. The directors do not acknowledge applications and will only contact those to whom grants are awarded.
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Cyclists and walkers can now benefit from improvements to a path on the Commons in Torrington that runs alongside the River Torridge.
Councillor Saywell at Rolle Road
Work has been completed to clean and fix the surface of part of Rolle Road between the old creamery site in Taddiport and the Tarka Trail at the Puffing Billy. Using recycled road planings, we have filled in some of the worst parts of the traffic free section and cleaned back the old mud and debris on the route.
It follows approval from the Torrington Commons Conservators to allow cyclists along this path which is part of the former Rolle Canal and still suffers from very damp sections after spells of rain.
Re-using the road planings for the surface is a cost-effective way of enabling the worst sections of the path to be repaired and new signage directs all users to share this path.
We are continuing discussions with the Conservators to achieve further improvements along the remainder of the route.
Councillor Stuart Hughes, Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said:
“The improvements by the County Council have made this path more suitable for walkers and cyclists and it has ensured that the recycled road planings have been put to good use. Hopefully the upgraded surface for this traffic-free route will encourage more people to choose active travel for short local journeys which will benefit their health and the environment. Our thanks go to the Torrington Commons Conservators for allowing permission for cyclists to use this path and I’m sure it will be well used.”
Councillor Andrew Saywell, County Councillor for Torrington Rural, said:
“I’m pleased we have seen these improvements made to the Rolle Road, which are a key part in securing a pedestrian and cycle link between Great Torrington and the Tarka Trail. I am grateful to the Commons Conservators for allowing these works to take place. I look forward to the County Council and the Conservators continuing to work together so that improvements can be made to the remaining sections of the Rolle Road which I hope will coincide with the long awaited regeneration of the old Dairy site by Taddiport.”
Cyclists will be able to use this path to link to and from the Tarka Trail to Taddiport and Great Torrington. However, users should be aware that the route will remain damp during some weeks of the year.
