Since its inception in 2008, the Hambledon Community Fund is pleased to have awarded 21 grants to a wide variety of community groups and individuals. We are confident that the Fund will go on supporting the Hambledon community (and the wider community who use the numerous facilities and organisations based here) both now and in the future.
The latest, and to date the largest, grant was given in 2017 when the Fund contributed £5,000 towards the cost of a new disabled toilet for Hambledon Village Shop, café and Post Office. Some other examples of grants made by the Fund are summarised below.
Almshouses The Almshouses have received two HCF grants to date. The first helped to fund the cost of the recent planning application to renovate and extend the houses. After the application was accepted, another grant was used to pay architect’s fees for the pending project.
Cricket Club Creosote was purchased with HCF funds to give the Cricket Paviliona much needed new winter coat and new nets were bought with a more recent grant. The nets have been well tested by the 100+ Colts who use the facilities throughout the cricket season.
St. Peter’s Church TheFund contributed towards the purchase and installation of a hearing loop and other audio-visual equipment. This has brought the church up to date with modern technology and wonderful services can now be heard by all!
Hambledon Football Club Two contributions from the Fund helped the football club to reach its fund-raising goal. After a mammoth fund-raising effort, work began on building the club’s new changing rooms. These facilities have enabled the club to enter into new leagues and expand its youth teams.
[Photo by Peter Gardner – Picturespread Photography http://www.picturespread.net]
Grants for individuals The Fund has already given grants to several individuals in the village. If you or your group know of anyone in our community who would benefit from HCF support, please contact us. Such applications will be processed in complete confidence and won’t be publicised.
Hambledon Nursery This OFSTED rated ‘outstanding’ nursery, was keen to build a new outdoor classroom in order to continue inspiring its pupils with creative learning experiences. The Fund was pleased to donate a small sum towards the building costs.
Examples of other groups and projects the HCF could support
- The elderly and vulnerable
Groups who work within the community to help reduce isolation, provide transport and/or care and arrange events and activities for the elderly might benefit from HCF support (e.g. those who arrange coffee mornings, excercise classes, transport to appointments, outing costs, etc.)
Examples: A West Horsley group received a grant of £2,500 to cover the cost of activities and outings for elderly people and a grant of £3,000 was awarded to cover the weekly costs of transporting elderly individuals from the villages of Bramley, Wonersh, Blackheath and Shamley Green to the Four Villages Day Centre.
- Youth
The HCF could support groups and organisations who provide facilities, training, experience, outings and actiities for young people (e.g. those who run youth clubs, sporting activities, Scouts & Guides, etc.)
Examples: £4,386 was granted to Ewhurst Village Youth Club to purchase equipment and £794 was granted to purchase a tent for the Scout group in Farnham.
- Children
Those providing facilities and activities for children or supporting families, parents and carers would be eligible to apply. (e.g. to cover the running costs for a toy library, new equipment for parent & toddler groups, parent support and training groups or individual families in need)
- Advice & Support
Grants could be given to people and organisations who provide support and advice to locals. (e.g. those who run Good Neighbours Schemes, parenting groups. etc.)
Examples: In Ash Village, £1000 was given to Stagcare to support volunteers who run a good neighbours scheme. The costs of an Adviser to come to Chiddingfold from Citizens Advice were subsidised. A grant of £1,000 was given as a bursary to cover the costs of supporting disadvantaged children at a school in Cranleigh.
- Community facilities, activities and events
Projects to raise funds to build new facilities, maintain and update exisiting ones, purchase/repair equipment or run community events could all attract grants.
Examples: £1,500 was granted to maintain the Ewhurst Village sports pavilion and youth club. £1,500 was given to Blackheath Cricket Club to buy 3 new cricket nets. In Box Hill £2,800 was granted to the a group who ran an over 50’s club which wanted to buy computer equipment for the village hall and provide PC training to those in need of it. £4,800 was also given for repairs to the Box Hill Village Hall. In Haslemere, £2,500 was given to organisers to support the Haslemere Arts Festival.
- Heritage & Environment
Improving and maintaining village heritage, culture and the environment are important activities which can all be supported (e.g. the maintenance of village pathways, wildlife areas and important buildings).
Examples: A grant of £6,500 was awarded for the restoration of Shamley Green Pond. Funds were raised in Chiddingfold to restore the old Forge and a grant was given to Horsley Preservation Society to helpmaintain and create trails and walks around the Horsleys.