THE Hadyard Hill Community Benefit Fund is continuing to provide much-needed cash for projects across Carrick, its chairman has announced.
In his annual report to the AGM, Peter walker told members the board has had another successful year in dispersing £92,303 funding to 18 voluntary community projects from Scottish and Southern's Hadyard Hill Windfarm.
And he said to assist acce
ssibility the board has also set up a small local grant fund to be dispensed by each of the community councils for the benefit area of Barr, Dailly and Pinwherry & Pinmore.
Each of the community councils will receive £5,000 per year and be able to fund projects up to £500per group in any one year. Local voluntary groups are encouraged to make application to their respective community council.
Mr Walker said: "The board will continue to accept funding bids of over £500 directly from any voluntary organisation with projects of benefit to the local community. Over the year there have been applications from organisations whose projects have failed due the type of project. The board cannot fund nor replace funding which is within the statutory responsibility of the Government or local council.
"Others have been for large projects which only have a one-off benefit and were not sustainable.
"Groups are encouraged to seek match funding where possible and the board are keen to assist groups with this where possible. The Hadyard Hill Community Benefit Fund should be seen as first funders which can assist groups to achieve the match funding."
A full summary of the year's funding can be seen on the Hadyard Hill Community Benefit Fund website accessed through www.Girvan-online.net. Full details of funding terms and conditions and application forms can be down loaded from this site or by contacting the board's secretariat Horizons, Knockcushan House, Girvan, KA26 9AG. Telephone 01465 716194
Grants awarded include: Carrick Angling Club, £6,500; Barr Sheep Dog Trials, £5,875; Upper Stinchar SWRI, £1,586; Pinwherry & Pinmore Community Development, £9,694; Barr Community Association, £ 3,500; Girvan & South Carrick CAN, £ 2,000; Barr Website Evaluation, £50; Girvan Online (Hadyard Hill Community Benefit website), £5,500; Girvan Folk Club, £300; BTCV £4,414; ACE For Environmental projects with Barr, Dailly & Pinwherry primary schools, £10,000; Barr Community Association, £450; £Girvan Attractions transport/travel from the three villages, £1,200; Dailly Young Anglers, £1,920; Barr Community Council, £8,000; South Carrick Diamonds Club, £7,200; Dailly Bowling Club, £18,314; Barr & District Youth Mountain Bike Club, £5,800.
According to Mr Walker: "Over the next year and beyond, the company would like to see an increase in the number and size of awards granted. This will hopefully be accomplished through wider promotion via the website which should be coming on stream within the next quarter. Press releases of successful projects have also increased the company's profile.
"However, work should continue to further publicise the fund and strive for continuous improvement of the grant process.
"There have been limited numbers of large awards but with increased awareness, and ability to match fund, the size of grants should increase. It is also anticipated that a more strategic approach will be made to award granting.
"The board continue to work closely with the four community councils forming the South Carrick Development Group which is working on the community benefits from the Scottish Power Renewables Wind Farm sites at Mark Hill and Arecleoch.
"The SCDG have commissioned CEiS (Community Enterprise in Strathclyde) to carry out an options appraisal consultation with the local Community Councils, voluntary groups and the public as to the best use of Wind Farm Community Benefits in South Carrick."
He added: "The last consultation takes place this Thursday (tonight] at the Barrhill Community Council meeting."
