Another pot of money known as the community chest is available to local organisations in the Ramsey area – if they meet the right criteria.

The fund has been set aside by Huntingdonshire District Council. Like the last three years, a share of it will be offered to local community groups and organisations that are working on small-scale projects that are of direct benefit to Ramsey or one of its neighbouring villages.  The money will be distributed through the Ramsey Area Partnership, a community based initiative which brings together local groups with the aim of achieving improvements to the quality of life for all who live, work and visit the town and its surrounding villages.

Last year, 9 projects successfully gained funding through the community chest and are now in full swing and benefiting the people of Ramsey and surrounding area.

Matt Taylor from Ramsey Cricket Club said, “The Ramsey Area Partnership has helped enormously towards our goal of receiving an ECB Clubmark accreditation by providing us with the funding. This will mean that we will be recognised by the England and Wales Cricket Board as being a well run and safe place for the community to play cricket and stay active.”

Peter Hazell, chairman of the Ramsey Area Partnership, appealed to local organisations to apply for this year’s share of the community chest and take advantage of money set aside to directly support people living in the Ramsey area. He said: “It has been really pleasing to see so many local projects in and around Ramsey being able to take projects forward as a result of this funding. I urge more groups to apply this year for their share of the pot.

Funding of up to £1,000 is available and the closing date for applications is Friday 21st June 2007.

Leaflets containing information about the fund and criteria for eligibility are available from: Ramsey Community Information Centre, Ramsey Library, through the Ramsey Area Partnership’s website: www.ramseyareapartnersip.org.uk or by telephoning 01480 388274 or email claire.burton@huntsdc.gov.uk  for an electronic copy.