
Funding
Firstly, I must apologise for not putting up the links as I mentioned in my last column. As soon as I’d sent it off, I got a message that I’d got through to the second round of a funding application and so I’ve been talking to people and having meetings about that and working all hours to get it in by the deadline. Work in the “third sector” of charities and community support is often funded to help people and places – from the big grants via government bodies that we’ve seen happen for Wisbech recently, through the various lottery funds, down to the grants available from companies and individuals who want to give something back to their community. Some grants are from bequests that go back decades, and can be quite specific regarding their beneficiaries. While it can seem daunting to look at some of the forms and restrictions of many funds, there is support available. I had some great help from the Care Network, and Cambridgeshire County Council’s Fenland Youth and Community Development co-ordinator. If you have an idea that will help your community or group, it’s worth investigating what’s out there to fund you, as it doesn’t have to be a headline amount, just a small fund can help you get started and make a success of it. Wisbech Projects CIC was set up to help groups find funding as well as run its own local activities and events, so let me know if you’re interested in getting funding and advice and I’ll put you in touch with the right people.
One small group just starting out with help from the Care Network is Wisbech Warblers – they sound like a lot of fun! Singing is good for your physical and mental health, and the group say “there is no requirement to be able to hold a tune”! So if you fancy singing along to songs from the 50s to the 80s, pop along on a Thursday evening, 7-8.30pm at Trinity Methodist Church, PE13 9LH (next door to Wetherspoons), £3.50 including refreshments.
I must also mention Diane Calton Smith’s new book, it’s just been published and is about Wisbech and the Fens early history, from the Bronze Age to the Medieval period. It’s called “Webbed Feet and Wildfowlers” and joins some fascinating books written by local authors about the area (see upstairs at the library). While it is available online, we should keep it local and buy from Etcetera!
The photograph is taken from Peckover House where Diane volunteers and is of Octavia Hill’s Birthplace House, where the Care Network are based and many community groups meet regularly. They also have a lovely tea room!