29th May 2014 - BRIDEKIRK LUNCH CLUB BOOSTED BY FUNDING
Members of a lunch club for the elderly in Bridekirk are celebrating after receiving a grant for £600 from the Tallentire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund.
Managed by Cumbria Community Foundation, the Tallentire Wind Farm Community Benefit Fund provides grants to support community, educational or environmental activities.
Mary McFadyen, Chair of Bridekirk Friendship Group said: "This money has made a huge difference to our small group. We provide lunches for over 45 older people every week, which was proving difficult having to bring in our own supplies. We can now purchase our own catering equipment, helping our volunteers who provide the lunches.”
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. It is flexible funding that 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 “The fund has so far awarded more than £49,000 to community groups, which will make a real difference in our local community. 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 17th October for a decision on 12th November 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.