As usual, there is bad news and good news.
The Bad News
In May we entered a competition being run by WREN, hoping that our scheme would be selected to win a contribution of £82,000. We succeeded in getting through the first round, when half of the competitors were eliminated, and were then placed in a group of four applicants competing for a prize in this part of the country. Unfortunately, we have since been eliminated at the semi-final stage.
The Better News
We are now submitting applications for the same amount under other schemes run by WREN and TOE. (These organisations administer the distribution of Landfill Tax funds to worthy causes such as ours.) We hope for decisions by the end of March.
The Good News
1. Two weeks ago the District Council awarded us a grant of up to £9,020. This is conditional on WREN and TOE approving our applications in full.
Councillors were impressed by the fact that 45 households in this village have promised to contribute a total of £5,555 when the scheme goes ahead. This demonstrates Upton’s commitment to the scheme in a remarkable way. It is very helpful to be able to refer to this when applying for grants.
2. We have recently received two cheques for £100 from former residents. Clearly they have happy memories of the years they spent living among us.
3 As stated elsewhere, “Memorable Meals” raised £477. This is the latest of a series of events this year, including the jumble sale and “Open Gardens”, through which a total of £3,427 has been raised.
Brian Simpson.