17th February 2014 - WIND FARM WINDFALL FOR VILLAGE HALL

Gilcrux Village Hall and Educational Trust is the first charitable organisation to receive a grant from the Tallentire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund. The committee was awarded over £15,000 to install solar panels and purchase kitchen equipment.

Managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the Tallentire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund provides grants to support community, educational or environmental activities.

Helen Johnson, Chair of Gilcrux Village Hall and Educational Trust said: "The committee is delighted to have received the first grant from the fund. We are looking forward to the installation of the solar panels, which will enable us to apply for a new energy rating certificate, taking us from a B rating to A. The savings on our energy bills will help the building become more sustainable in the future.”

The six turbines at Tallentire Wind Farm began operating in summer 2013. RES established a community benefit fund with an initial £175,000 and a further £20,833 annually for the lifetime of the wind farm. Funding is available to support the communities neighbouring the Tallentire Wind Farm (Bridekirk, Blindcrake, Gilcrux and Plumbland).

Rachel Anderson from RES said: “Our community benefit funds provide a valuable, long term, sustainable and reliable source of income for the local communities that neighbour our developments. This funding can address what is really important to communities and we’re delighted to see this funding starting to make a difference to the communities surrounding our Tallentire Wind Farm.”

Cumbria Community Foundation was appointed by RES to manage the community fund. The Foundation works with communities to help them decide how funds should be allocated. Using its grant making expertise, the Foundation supports the community awarding grants that deliver a lasting impact.

Annalee Holliday from Cumbria Community Foundation said: “I am delighted to see a popular village hall benefiting from this first round of awards. I hope this will encourage other groups to apply for the next round which is now open.”

Applications for funding must be received by Friday 5th March for a decision on 2nd April 2014. For more information on the Tallentire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund or to apply online, please visit www.cumbriafoundation.org or email annalee@cumbriafoundation.org