A theatre group in Stone will be getting a new portable stage thanks to Stafford Borough Council’s Jubilee Fund.
The council has revealed the first community groups to benefit from its £100,000 Jubilee Fund – and Stone Little Theatre is among them.
The award-winning group was formed in 1980, is run by volunteers and based at Walton Priory Middle School. The £3,000 award will go towards providing a new portable stage, replacing the current stage which is 30 years’ old and at the end of its useful life. The new stage will be available for use by the school and could be hired by other local community groups.
Founder Chris Bell said: “Our project will enable us to continue to provide live theatrical entertainment to the citizens of Stone and district.”
The Jubilee Fund was announced in March to celebrate both the Diamond Jubilee and the London 2012 Olympics. Money must be used to provide a legacy for the club or organisation.
Councillor Mike Heenan said: “I am delighted we are able to announce these initial grants only six weeks after the scheme was originally unveiled. These are all projects that will have a real, tangible benefit for people throughout the borough. I am pleased to say there have been many other applications. Each will be independently assessed and more grants will be announced in June and September.”
Grants are for one-off expenditure up to a maximum of £10,000 which can go to enhancing facilities, obtaining equipment or buying property.
Details of how to apply for the funding can be found at www.staffs-environmental.co.uk Alternatively you can email info@staffs-environmental.co.uk or call 01785 811600.
In addition Stafford Borough Council has also set up a £25,000 Jubilee Sports Grant aimed specifically at sporting groups. Sport Stafford Borough (SSB) are responsible for the selection process for this fund which is independent from its annual grants fund. Application forms and guidance notes for this fund can be obtained from Lorna Francis Secretary of SSB, by email at johnandlorna@ntlworld.com
