The Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund is helping 18 organisations in Greater Manchester and Cheshire, with grants worth more than £30,000 to a variety of community-led schemes.
In its latest round of funding, a total of £31,898.96 was pledged to 18 organisations for use on projects as varied as the recommissioning of a boat for a local Sea Cadet group, the creation of an allotment and sports equipment for basketball and cricket clubs, and even a local bagpipe band. The fund, established in 1997, receives £100,000 a year from the Airport as well as proceeds from noise pollution fines levied on airlines.
Among those to benefit are the Agricultural and Rural Centre (ARC) , based in Stockport, which supports those with disabilities, mental health issues and social exclusion through a community farm. They were granted £534.56 towards the improvement and development of a tool storage room (pictured). The ARC’s Charlotte Robinson explained:
This tool room will be an important focal point for the users and volunteers to have the opportunity to develop their social skills, gain friendships and to have access to building and construction materials.
“It will not only contribute to our local community by promoting and advancing social welfare, but will also give our participants the opportunity to learn new skills which could be transferred to the home or workplace.”
Four cricket clubs were also among beneficiaries; Mottram Cricket Club will get £2,824 towards equipment including a mobile cage, nets and benches. The club is at the heart of the community in the Mottram and Hattersley area, providing facilities for playing and practicing cricket for all age groups. It runs eight teams, from Under 9’s to Over 40’s. Mottram Cricket Club’s Philip Mellor said:
With Covid restrictions on social distancing now in place this mobile practice facility and seating will be ideal to keeps groups practicing at a safe distance.”
Pickering Lodge Allotment Association, in Trafford, were awarded a total of £2,200 to support an ambitious project that will turn a brownfield site into a new community allotment. Les Ditchfield, who applied for the grant on behalf of the Allotment Association, said that the project would “benefit the environment by replacing an eyesore with a functional and productive green space.” He added:
“It will also enable members of the community to experience the benefits, both physical and mental, of the joys and rewards of producing fruit, vegetables and flowers from their own labours, which has been shown to reduce the stresses of the current pandemic situation.”
Karen Smart, Managing Director at Manchester Airport, said:
We are thrilled to be able to assist 18 organisations with an amazing array of community-led projects which will make a tangible, positive difference to the communities that these groups serve.
“These donations underscore our commitment to our neighbouring communities, particularly during these challenging times.
“If your organisation is based within 10 miles of our airport and you need some support with a community project, please do take the time to apply.”
The full list of organisations to have accessed this latest round of grants from the Manchester Airport Community Trust Fund, can be found below:
- Denton Town Football Club
- Ashley Cricket Club
- Ryder Brow Community Allotment Society
- Pickering Lodge Allotment Association
- Altrincham Sale and Stretford Sea Cadets
- Independent Options North West
- Fianna Phadraig Pipe Band
- The Open Arms Youth Project
- The George Mallory Foundation
- Agricultural and Rural Centre
- Manchester Basketball Club
- Mottram Cricket Club
- Gorse Hill Studios
- Make a Space
- 306th Manchester Scouts
- Stockport Garrick Theatre
- Offerton Cricket Club
- Stretford Cricket Club