Don’t miss out on these grants, says councillor

MELBOURNE district councillor Martin Fitzpatrick is encouraging local community groups and businesses to apply for grants that will soon be available from South Derbyshire District Council

Cllr Fitzpatrick said: “South Derbyshire District Council has launched two new grant schemes, backed by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund

“The first is the South Derbyshire Community Grant Fund Scheme and is aimed at community and voluntary groups, third sector and not for profit organisations delivering community facilities, projects and initiatives in South Derbyshire The fund has £350,000 available over the next two years

“Capital grants of between £2,000 and £25,000 are available with a minimum project cost of £2,500 Match funding of 20 per cent required Applicants must demonstrate that their project meets one or more of the Shared Prosperity Fund outcomes

“The second fund is the Business Grant Fund and this aims to encourage business development and job creation by supporting private investment in growth-enhancing activities Grants will be targeted at smaller businesses, helping them to increase productivity, purchase equipment, introduce new processes or techniques, start or grow their exports, or introduce new products or services

The grant scheme aims to enhance business resilience, stimulate enterprise and innovation, enable businesses to access new markets and encourage green growth ”

The first call for applications for both funds will end on June 30 and full details on either scheme can be found on the SDDC website

Cllr Fitzpatrick also added: “From the previous community fund, which was set up in 2019, groups in Melbourne did particularly well in receiving nearly 40% of all funds allocated across the whole of South Derbyshire and I am very eager to help groups or businesses with their applications for the new funds

“I can be contacted at martin fitzpatrick@southderbyshire go uk or on 07710 030187 ” keen gardener whose home-made alcohol was legendary!

Sue said: “Anyone who knew Ida will never forget her, whether it was galloping up the steps to raise the flag on the church tower at over 80 or abandoning her car on the highway to remove ragwort or rubbish from the hedgerows or climbing the ladder to trim the climbing rose outside her bedroom window

“Ida Wright could easily be said to be the Boudica of Breedon She was strong-willed, honourable and direct with a laugh that was never forgotten Neither can her unerring kindness, gardening skills and unfailing ability to turn elderberries into a lethal alcoholic potion which surpassed the wine served at the Millennium Ball in Wilson It could clean copper, brass and one’s teeth with equal power A bottle of elderberry wine was actually removed from her person by security guards at the High Court in London and not many 80 year olds can claim that!!

“Ida was simply unique and a proud, dedicated member of our community

“She will be remembered and fittingly commemorated by this bench that has been placed in the village she loved so much ”