MEMBERS of a community-focused sports club have transformed their facilities thanks to a Pride of Place grant.
Ingbirchworth Pétanque Club successfully applied for a grant last year and spent the money on materials for a new wooden shelter. They have also used the £6,500 to install new accessible footpaths around their playing areas.
Club members carried out all the work themselves.
The shelter features a sign with the club’s name, which was handmade by a club member’s husband as part of the Men in Sheds woodwork group. It is also equipped to collect rainwater for reuse.
The pétanque club is one of more than 50 community groups and charities who have enhanced facilities, services or their local environment with help from Pride of Place funding.
Ingbirchworth Pétanque Club co-founder and treasurer, David Hazeldine, said: “The Pride of Place grant has helped us greatly as a club. We now have a place for people to sit and watch the games whatever the weather and can store our kit bags in the shelter as we play.
“We are proud to have completed all the works ourselves but could not have done it without the funding from the council.
“We always welcome new members, so I’d encourage anyone who wants to try out a new sport in friendly surroundings to get in touch.”
Cabinet Spokesperson for Public Health and Communities, Coun. Wendy Cain, said: “This project represents exactly what the Pride of Place scheme is about – giving people in our communities the tools to enhance where they live.
“Ingbirchworth Pétanque Club members can enjoy their great facilities proud in the knowledge that the improvements are all their own work.
“I commend them on the impressive outcome of their efforts and am delighted we were able to play our part.”
The Pride of Place initiative empowers local communities to enhance their environment by investing in heritage assets, green spaces, community centres and events.
In total, £547,124 has been awarded grants ranging from £5,000 to £30,000 to a variety of projects.
The Pride of Place scheme is funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and delivered by our Stronger Communities team.
