Grants help local projects to celebrate military connections

Four groups have received grants totalling £80,720 to deliver local projects that bring together the civilian and armed forces communities in the Dover district. The Community Covenant Grant Scheme awarded £69,950 to Langdon Playing Field Association, £6,700 to Tiny Toes Toddler Group, £3,070 to Hellfire Corner Association and £1,000 to 8th Deal (Wingham) Scout Group.

The Community Covenant Grant Scheme is promoted and administered locally by Dover District Council, with funding from the Ministry of Defence.

Langdon Playing Field is a popular recreational space with both the armed forces and civilian communities of Burgoyne Heights, East Langdon, Guston and Martin. Burgoyne Heights was originally developed as married quarters for the former Connaught Barracks. The funding will go towards new play equipment for children, and a multi-use games areas with outdoor gym equipment for adults. There are also plans for a picnic and BBQ area.

Tiny Toes Toddler Group has recently moved to a new facility to serve another community with strong military links. Based on the site of the former OId Park Barracks, Tiny Toes plans to bring together military and civilian families through the informal and fun atmosphere of a toddlers group and family days.

Hellfire Corner Association has long been involved in commemorating and celebrating Dover's military connections, organising the annual Armed Forces Day in Pencester Gardens. The funding will be used to stage a remembrance concert and service at Dover Town Hall, bringing together serving personnel, veterans, and cadets from all three armed forces along with the wider community.

Members of the 8th Deal (Wingham) Scout Group will be visiting Belgium thanks to their grant. Their trip will take them to the Menin Gate in Ypres, and Commonwealth War Graves Commission cemeteries as part of their project to find out more about the 26 men named on the Wingham War Memorial.

Applications are being invited from local projects for the next round of funding from the Community Covenant Grant Scheme which closes on 1 September 2014. For more details and an application form visit www.dover.gov.uk/communitycovenant.