Council supports local communities with £24,000 pledged to Crowdfund Cotswold projects

In the latest round of Crowdfund Cotswold, the Council has supported four new projects with more schemes being considered. The latest projects supported by the Council include; the Ampney Crucis Village Hall Solar Panels project, the Cotswold School ‘Save our Pitch’ Appeal, the Moreton Cinemarsh project and the Kemble Community Gardens Wildlife Haven project.

Local communities have led these initiatives that will provide incredible benefits, from improving energy use in community spaces and enhancing local ecosystems to supporting local sports, arts and culture.

Launched in 2021, Crowdfund Cotswold has successfully raised over £750,000 for local projects, showcasing the incredible community spirit and support within the Cotswold District. Since its inception, Cotswold District Council has pledged over £195,000 towards 37 community projects.

Cllr Lisa Spivey, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “We are committed to nurturing and supporting the diverse and dynamic projects created by our vibrant communities. I’m thrilled that we have been able to pledge a further £24,000 from the Cotswold Community Fund towards these fantastic projects. 

“The pledges from the Council will help projects make significant strides toward achieving their goals, but they still require additional backing from the local community to fully realise their potential. I would encourage all residents and businesses to visit Crowdfund Cotswold and show your support for the many remarkable local initiatives crowdfunding to improve the Cotswolds.”

Simon Willmore, a Trustee of The Redesdale Hall Trust, expressed his gratitude for the Council's support of Moreton Cinemarsh, saying, "We're so grateful to Cotswold District Council for the generous pledge of £2,500 towards our project, Moreton Cinemarsh - community cinema here in Moreton-in-Marsh. This will go a long way and will help buy the equipment we need, creating jobs for local people, and ultimately helping to save the Redesdale Hall. Thanks so much to everyone who has shown us support.”

Anne Bridges, Chair of The Ampney Crucis Village Hall Trustees, also conveyed her appreciation for the Council's contribution, saying, "Everyone associated with the project to install Solar Panels on The Ampney Crucis Village Hall was delighted that the Council has agreed to donate £7,500 towards our fundraising target. They have recognized the environmental benefits of this project and how it will help us achieve our objectives of reducing energy costs, expanding usage of the Hall, and building community engagement. We are now continuing our fundraising to achieve our target, and there is no doubt that the pledge from the Council will give our campaign credibility and a big boost. Thank you."

Jill Steeden, Chair of the Kemble Community Garden Committee, said: “We are delighted that the Council has generously donated £4000 to our project to enhance our gardens for the community and wildlife; a substantial contribution towards our fundraising target of £9399. This donation will go towards building a wildlife pond, providing a much-needed source of water and habitat for wildlife and will enable our visitors, both young and old, to experience the delight of observing nature first-hand and the health and wellbeing benefits it brings.

For more information about Crowdfund Cotswold and to get involved in supporting these projects, please visit spacehive.com/movement/cc/.

People and organisations can pledge as little as £2 towards a project. To view all of the active projects in the Cotswolds, please visit the Crowdfund Cotswold project page: spacehive.com/movement/cc/projects.