A community initiative in Peasedown St John has continued with its fundraising success thanks to a £1,000 grant from the Quartet Community Foundation.
Peasedown St John Residents’ Association, set up in 2013 to run and facilitate projects for people in the village, is soon to be opening the village’s first community library.
The Quartet Community Foundation awards grants on behalf of its fundholders to good causes in line with its mission to help give everyone across the West of England a fair chance of a good life. They awarded a grant to the Association in response to their application.
The grant will be used to purchase new outside tables and chairs and recreational equipment.
Cllr Sarah Bevan (Independent, Peasedown St John) said: “We’re grateful to Quartet for their support. These tables and chairs will come in handy when visitors to the library want to sit outside and read a good book, a copy of the local newspaper, or just to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee.
“This funding from Quartet enables Peasedown St John Residents’ Association to continue to be able to purchase brand new equipment, making sure our residents have the very best services available to them.”
The Association has seen a lot of success in fundraising for projects, with almost £10,000 secured in grants since September 2017.
Nathan Hartley has led the fundraising campaign for the association, which has led to all the money being invested in projects that benefit people living in Peasedown St John.
Nathan said: “The funding we’ve received has enabled us to host events; build a community garden; provide free wifi for visitors to Peasedown Community Library; purchase new tables and chairs; buy equipment, insurance and commodities for the village’s new library; and hire play services so local children and families can take part in free recreational events.
“The Association currently runs two projects in the community – a volunteer-led library and a dementia-friendly community garden. Anyone wanting to get involved with either is welcome to get in touch.”
Claire Wynne Hughes from Quartet Community Foundation added: “We’re delighted to support the Residents’ Association and the projects it runs for people in the village.
“Our Vital Signs report highlights the importance of community hubs like this which encourage people to stay and chat, reducing the sense of isolation felt by many people of all ages.”
