Sewing the seeds of community growth: Rural projects share £238k investment
A creative sewing class bringing women together to transform fabric rescued from landfill into handcrafted products is one of 22 local projects to receive support through the Government’s Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF).
In total, more than £238,000 is being invested in rural communities across the Cotswolds, from village hall roof replacements and sports club upgrades to energy-saving measures and improved green spaces.
The money will help enhance everyday life for residents while supporting sustainability and local enterprise as the fund aims to ensure that rural areas have what they need to develop and meet the evolving needs of their communities.
One of the successful projects is Remnant Revolution, a female-led, fully sustainable social enterprise based in the Cotswolds. The initiative empowers local women through upskilling classes and provides meaningful employment by transforming unwanted textiles into homeware.
Founder Pinky Laing said the grant comes at a crucial early stage for the business, enabling investment in new sewing machines and the creation of a permanent space where women can come together to learn and share skills. “We are incredibly grateful to have been awarded a grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund,” she said.
“At the heart of everything we do is the belief that sewing brings women together, building a supportive, creative community where skills, confidence, and friendships can flourish.”
Other successful projects include the installation of solar panels at Didmarton Village Hall, energy efficiency upgrades at New Brewery Arts in Cirencester, new floodlights at Moreton-in-Marsh Tennis Club, and footpath extensions in Somerford Keynes.
Cllr Tristan Wilkinson, Cabinet Member for Economy and Council Transformation, said: "This investment will make a real difference to our rural communities – whether it’s making our community buildings greener, improving local amenities, or helping small businesses to grow. The Rural England Prosperity Fund is about making sure our villages and market towns have the facilities, opportunities and infrastructure they need to thrive well into the future."
The £238,500 allocated in this round will be delivered by the council to projects that met the REPF’s priorities. These include supporting new and existing rural businesses to develop new products and facilities that will be of wider benefit to the local economy; and supporting new and improved community infrastructure, providing essential services and assets for local people and businesses, helping to strengthen the local economy.
To find out more about the Rural England Prosperity Fund, visit: cotswold.gov.uk/repf
Contact Information
Cotswold District Council Communications Team
Notes to editors
Notes to editors:
Photographed:
Remnant Revolution sewing class
Full list of funded projects:
- New Brewery Arts – Energy efficiency measures – £25,000
- Cirencester Tennis Club – New club house – £10,000
- Fairford Town Council – Keble Path resurfacing – £10,000
- Tetbury Goods Shed – Energy efficiency measures – £19,000
- Notgrove Farm – Notgrove Village Shop – £8,000
- Avening Parish Council – Village Hall roof replacement – £15,000
- Cuckoo Pen Play Park committee – Replacement of play park in Winstone – £8,000
- Didmarton Village Hall – Solar panels – £8,000
- FWAG – Zerodig project at the RAU – £15,000
- Hatherop Social Club – Refurbishment – £4,500
- Coln Community Store – Energy efficiency and access improvements – £10,000
- Redesdale Hall – Contribution to phase II restoration – £18,000
- Court Barn Museum – Chipping Campden noticeboard – £5,000
- Somerford Keynes Parish Council – Footpath extension – £25,000
- Moreton-in-Marsh Tennis Club – Floodlights – £5,000
- Rest and Root – New furniture/homeware store – £10,000
- Iris and Wilf Flower Farm – Additional polytunnel and improved facilities – £5,000
- Remnant Revolution – Machines for inclusive sewing project – £8,000
- Condicup Stables – Installation of training gallop – £10,000
- Lower Slaughter Village Hall – Secondary double glazing – £10,000
- Northwick Bowling Club – Upgrade clubhouse – £5,000
- Chipping Campden Cricket Club – Caged net training facility – £5,000
Total funding awarded: £238,500