Funding for seven projects across Dacorum

Seven projects in Dacorum will receive grants this year after Councillor Terry Douris secured funding from Hertfordshire County Council's Members locality budget.

Since its launch in 2009, the county council's locality budget scheme has funded thousands of worthwhile projects, making a positive difference to many Hertfordshire communities throughout the years.

County Councillors work closely with local communities to identify local issues and have £10,000 each year each to spend on projects in their area.

In light of the pandemic, this funding has been increased this year to help support Covid-19-related schemes, with an extra £5,000 made available to each councillor to allocate.

The following projects in Dacorum will receive funding:

Electric Umbrella

Councillor Terry Douris (Bridgewater) has awarded a grant of £1000 to Electric Umbrella, a charity combating social isolation and challenging the perceptions about adults with learning disabilities.

Cllr Douris said: "Very early on in the pandemic, I was delighted to fund a number of projects by Electric Umbrella who very quickly harnessed the internet to provide a variety of virtual entertainments which could be enjoyed by both their members and the wider audience.

"In those dark days their enthusiasm and spirit lifted the hearts of everyone who enjoyed their performances."

Great Gaddesden Cricket Club

Councillor Terry Douris (Bridgewater) has also awarded a grant of £750 to Great Gaddesden Cricket Club, a local cricket club that plays both league and friendly cricket matches in and around North Herts and South Beds.

Cllr Douris said: "The club plays at Bridens Camp in Great Gaddesden on a quintessential village green, but their club was in great need of some refurbishment.

"When they approached me I was very pleased to be able to support their efforts with some funds from my Hertfordshire Members Locality Budget.

"Their smart clubhouse will stand them in good stead for years to come and will attract spectators to this great game in beautiful surroundings."

Northchurch Cricket Club

Additionally, Councillor Terry Douris (Bridgewater) has awarded a grant of £500 to Northchurch Cricket Club, whose pavilion and bar offers a space for players, families, and the local community to visit, socialise and relax. The club runs senior sides along with junior teams.

Cllr Douris said: "The club has been saving hard to fund replacement nets at their ground in Northchurch.

"It a big project and they can do with every bit of help. I was very pleased to be able to chip in some funds from my Hertfordshire Members Locality Budget to enable them to reach their goal, and in doing so remembering the late Alan Fantham who was such an integral part of the club."

Friends of Little Gaddesden School

Councillor Terry Douris (Bridgewater) has awarded a grant of £500 to Friends of Little Gaddesden Primary School, a school PTA group who focus on raising money for the school and forging links with the local community and organisations.

Cllr Douris said: "This little school has a big heart and a passionate band of parents from a wide area who have worked hard to support the plans for the regeneration of the School Grounds Project around the playground and adjoining grassed area.

"It is so important for pupils to be able to enjoy the open air and surroundings, even when Covid-secure, and I was happy to help out with funds from my Hertfordshire Members Locality Budget."

Westfield Primary School and Nursery

Councillor Terry Douris (Bridgewater) has awarded a grant of £1000 to Westfield Primary School and Nursery, in Northchurch.

Cllr Douris said: "The school in Northchurch was keen to re-build its library and provide reading material that will stimulate the pupils and encourage them to enjoy a love of literature.

"Books are not cheap and they needed some support to start this most important project and to enable them to develop their new in-school library as time progresses.

"I am sure that my contribution from the Hertfordshire Members Locality Budget will go a considerable way to achieving this aim."

Markyate Scout Group

Councillor Terry Douris (Bridgewater) has awarded a grant of £500 to Markyate Scout Group, who run a variety of groups benefiting the youth of Markyate, including Beavers, Cubs and Scouts.

Cllr Douris said: "Scouting brings so much pleasure and promotes activity, but there is always a possibility that the scout hut could be vulnerable to undesirable elements.

"The Markyate Scout Group have been raising funds to complete their fence to make the hut more secure and I was very pleased to be able to contribute some funds to help bring their plans into reality."

Flamstead Parish Council

Councillor Terry Douris (Bridgewater) has awarded a grant of £500 to Flamstead Parish Council, who are responsible for raising funds to spend on local services and facilities. The grant is for the Sports Pavilion project.

Cllr Douris said: "All big building projects can finish up with a need for those little extras which are so important for the completion of the project; so it was with the brand-new sports pavilion and I was pleased to be able to step in with a contribution from my Hertfordshire Members Locality Budget to help with the completion of the project."

For more about the Members locality budget click here.