Last year, marking the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day, Stratford-on-Avon District Council launched its Community Grant Scheme to support valued community assets across the District.

The scheme was created both in memory of the generation who sacrificed so much during the Second World War and in celebration of the power of community in the 21st Century.

A total of £350,000 has been made available to fund a wide range of local projects, from new kitchens and bathrooms in community halls to improved outdoor spaces and play areas.

The first round of Small Grant applications, for projects seeking between £5,000 and £20,000, closed in January.

More than 20 applications were received from across the District, and three projects have now been approved, with awards totalling over £46,000:

• 1st Shottery Scouts - £10,606 for new electrics and insulation at the Scout Hut.
• Brailes Village Hall - £20,000 for a new kitchen.
• Southam Town Council - £15,425.29 to improve acoustics at the Flying Fields Community Centre.

In total, the Community Grant Scheme has attracted almost 60 applications for both the small and large grants, with funding requests amounting to more than £2 million, demonstrating both the demand for support and the importance of shared community spaces across the District.

The scheme not only helps local groups deliver much-needed improvements but also directly supports the ambitions of the District-wide GO Plan* and the District Council's current Council Plan, which focus on reducing poverty, improving health and wellbeing, and creating opportunities for residents to achieve their potential.

These projects reflect the role local facilities play in supporting community cohesion, access to services, and inclusive opportunities for all.

The Large Grant round, for projects between £20,001 and £100,000, closed in February. Applications are currently being assessed, with awards expected later this month.

Hannah Buckley, Head of Housing, Revenues and Customer Services, said: "We are delighted to be able to support these organisations, each with a unique project to improve their facilities and enhance their offer to the local communities they serve.

"The significant interest in this scheme highlights both the level of need and the importance of these shared spaces. It is a privilege to support these projects, particularly in remembrance and appreciation of the generation who did so much during a time when community cohesion and support were vital."

*The Growing Opportunities 2026-2029, GO Plan, is a District-wide commitment to tackling poverty, improving wellbeing and creating greater opportunities for people of all ages, supported by the Stratford-on-Avon District Social Inclusion Partnership.