Community money - invested by the community

Radstock and Westfield Big Local’s Dragons’ Den 3 a big success!!!

Radstock and Westfield Big Local’s Dragons’ Den 3 a big success!!!

Source: Somerset Guardian, November 29, 2015:

Ten community groups, charities and causes have shared £5,000 thanks to the Big Local Radstock and Westfield Dragons’ Den event.

Seventeen groups put forward their pitch ideas asking for up to £500 before local residents were given the chance to vote on for their favourites.

Chairman of the Big Local steering group, councillor Robin Moss, used the occasion to announce a new funding initiative that will support larger projects. He encouraged anyone with a good idea to contact the Big Local committee which is tasked with spending £1million worth of lottery funding that was given to the area back in 2010 on lasting community initiatives.

The audience backed a number of causes which will soon be sharing their good fortune with local people.

Breast cancer survivor, Helen Adams, was given overwhelming backing from voters after she was joined by her young children to tell her story and why she wanted to see a Coppafeel day held in Radstock.

Radstock Museum had two projects receive £500 worth of backing each. Cash will go towards funding a larger project which will see the clock on the front of the museum restored. The other grant will help pay for the museum café makeover.

Fun is coming to Clandown thanks to the Circus Fun Giant Picnic which will bring together families for a Sunday get-together. Performances at Radstock’s Victoria Hall will be more illuminating from now on thanks to funding towards new lighting and young actors from Confessions of the Youth Theatre Company will be making drama accessible to more children by offering affordable sessions.

Mums and babies are also in for a treat when the NCT Baby Cinema comes to offer screening that welcome babies.

Football Friends, a group of young players from Tyning, were given cash to help buy sports and storage equipment to bring together youngsters looking to play the game together while would-be musicians will have a chance to learn guitar thanks to free taster lessons.

Regular Zumba classes will be hosted by charity SWALLOW to give its members with learning difficulties the chance to enjoy the exercise classes. Members of the organisation gave a Zumba demonstration on the night to show the audience how much they loved the activity.

Residents can find the guidelines and application form for Radstock and Westfield Big Local’s Big Fund by going to www.radstockwestfield.org.uk

Read more: http://www.somersetguardian.co.uk/Walking-Den-lot-money/story-28240261-detail/story.html#ixzz3xmiCdKEd
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