A bright New Year for local groups
JONATHAN GEDDES
19 community groups across Cambuslang can look forward to a bright New Year after landing a cash boost from the local community council.
£5,000 worth of funding was handed out by Cambuslang Community Council just prior to Christmas as part of their activity grant scheme, giving some yuletide cheer.
Local groups were invited to apply for funding of up to £500 for activities which will enhance the lives of local people in Cambuslang.
Michelle Farmer, Vice-Chair of Cambuslang Community Council, managed the grant scheme together with Community Council colleagues and support from senior community development officer, Jan Taylor at the Healthy n Happy charity.
She said: “We received many worthwhile applications from across the community that it was difficult deciding on the awards.
We followed the principle that all ages should benefit across all the neighbourhood areas within our Ward with a focus on awarding what we perceived as the highest need.
“So, we have awarded grants to the St Bride’s Eat Up initiative and the Whitlawburn Co-op to help give local people a good meal. Elderly groups will benefit from the awards to Busy Fingers, Happy Days and Peel Court Tenants Association.
“Young people and those involved in sports will gain from the support for the Stonelaw Boys’ Cub, Cambuslang Jog Scotland, the Cambuslang Football Academy, the James Aiton Parent Council, the Springhall and Whitlawburn YD Team and the Clyde Cycle Park.
“We have given support to events and outings for Universal Connections (ASDAN Arts, Community Walking Group, and Dance & Exercise), to Cambuslang Summerfest, and to the Cambuslang Remembrance Garden Group for their planned VE75 Day event.
“And there will be improvements to the environment from the awards to Friends of Douglas Park, Friends of Holmhills Wood Community Park, and the Central
Cambuslang Tenants & Residents’ Association for their community garden.”
Michelle is hopeful that the added funding can provide a small lift to those that need it,
The money was formally warded on December 17, at the Community Council’s last meeting prior to Christmas.
Michelle added: “We had a really happy awards event at our Community Council meeting – the local groups were delighted to receive their cheques. It shows that even small amounts of money can make a difference.
“The activities by so many local groups show the strength of community spirit in
Cambuslang. We have many problems but people are working together to improve lives
and well being which is a strong foundation on which we can build. All of us on Cambuslang Community Council would like to thank the local groups for their hard work and commitment to make Cambuslang a better place to live.”
The Cambuslang Community Activity Grant scheme was set up by the Community Council to allocate ‘microgrants’ through funding which they were awarded by South Lanarkshire Council from the Council’s Renewable Energy Fund Micro Grant Scheme.