COMMUNITY groups and organisations are invited to apply for a share of £10,000 to support community events being held to celebrate the King’s Coronation.

Rother District Council has agreed to allocate funding from the authority’s Community Grants Scheme to pay for special Coronation grants of up to £500 per project.

The King Charles III Coronation Grant Scheme will match the funding pound for pound for commemorative or celebratory events being held over the official celebration weekend of 6 – 8 May, 2023.

Cllr Susan Prochak MBE, Chair of the Community Grants Panel, said: “Rother District Council is delighted to make funding available to local groups and organisations across Rother to help our communities celebrate the wonderful occasion of the King’s Coronation in May.

“We would like to help as many events as we can and with £10,000 available on a first come first served basis, I would encourage parish and town councils and local community organisations to apply as soon as possible.” 

The King Charles III Coronation Grant Scheme is now open for applications. Full details about eligibility and how to apply is available online at www.rother.gov.uk/benefits-grants-and-funding/community-grants-scheme/king-charles-iii-coronation-grants-scheme

The scheme will close when all the funds have been allocated or on Sunday, April 23, 2023, whichever is sooner.

In addition to the announcement of the King’s Coronation grant scheme, Rother District Council has also recently awarded over £41,000 to local community groups through the second round of this year’s Community Grants funding.

Small Community Grants have been awarded to Hurst Green Parish Council (£1,000) and Strandliners Community Interest Company (£400).

Battle Local Action Plan, a community group established to enhance the quality of life for the local community, has been awarded £1,723 which will help establish a weekly 2km junior park run on Battle Recreation Ground.

Icklesham Parish Council received a grant of £5,588 to install two adult outdoor exercise bikes in four recreation grounds around the parish to encourage residents to exercise, and Staplecross Social Club were awarded £3,000 to install an inclusive toilet and baby changing facility.

£30,000 was also granted to Burwash Playing Field Association to redesign the playground layout at the Swan Meadow playing field, provide new playground equipment and create a Multi-Use Game Area.

Cllr Prochak continued: “These latest grants are great examples of the wide range of projects Rother District Council’s Community Grants Scheme can assist with.

“It is particularly pleasing that three of these awards are for projects that are in line with the council’s recently adopted Rother Health and Well-Being: Leisure Facilities Strategy, which aims to get more residents outside and exercising.

“The first round of funding for 2023/24 Community Grants Scheme opens next month, and I strongly encourage volunteer groups, local societies, Parish Councils and charitable organisations to speak to their local district councillor and see if they are eligible to apply for support for their project.”

For more information on the Community Grants Scheme visit www.rother.gov.uk/benefits-grants-and-funding/community-grants-scheme

Published: 15th March 2023