£7,275 grant to community fund

Under the 2010 grant scheme, members supported 10 of the 12 applications from local community groups.

The minutes of a recent Leisure and Amenities Committee meeting stated: ‘Following public advertisement for applications under the 2010/11 Community Festival Fund Grant Scheme 12 applications were received by the closing date of 29th April 2010.

‘The applications have been checked for completeness and assessed and scored in accordance with the criteria set out in the guidance notes for the Community Festival Fund.

‘The Director advised that the 2010/11 Community Festivals Fund budget is 8,000.00 of which 50% is grant aided by the Department of Culture, Arts & Leisure. She also advised that 725.00 of the budget would be used to meet administration costs. This left a fund of 7,275.00 to be allocated. The Director circulated a schedule detailing all the applications including the name of the festival, duration, events to be held and the scoring results.

‘The Director advised that the following conditions should apply to the offer of grant: 50 % grant to be paid in advance, monitoring and evaluation forms and vouchers for eligible expenditure to be submitted within 3 months of the festival end date and balance of grant paid by January 2011.’

It was proposed by Cllr Malachy McCamphill, seconded by Alderman Harry Connolly that Council approve the 2010/11 Community Festival Fund grant as follows and in accordance with the outlined conditions:

1. Cloughmills Community Association for their June Cultural Fair 900.00

2. Stranocum Ulster Scots Cultural & Heritage Society for the Bushvalley Festival 860.00

3. Dunloy Accordian Band for their Ulster Scots Festival 830.00

4. Glebeside Community Association for their Community Week 2010 830.00

5. Garryduff Flute Band for their Ulster Scots Community Festival 600.00

6. Kingdom of Dalriada Ulster Scots Society for their Ulster Scots Festival 830.00

7. Ballybogey Community Association for their Community Week 720.00

8. Killyrammer & District Community Association for their Community Week 450.00

9. Rasharkin Community Association for their Fun for All 685.00

10. Ballymaconnelly Renewal Group for their Community Festival 570.00

Carnany Community Association and Derrykeighan and District Community Association did not meet the criteria.

Speaking at a recent Full Council meeting, Cllr Ian Stevenson praised the grants adding: “They are very welcomed. It is great to support the local community and their festival ideas.”