Selsey groups '˜delighted' at £200,000 funding award

This came after a surrender of a lease, and with the pay-out Selsey Town Council created the Community Fund.

Applications were invited through the community magazine – Selsey Life – in June and August last year, and successful applications were announced in March.

Becky White, town clerk, said: “This was a unique opportunity for Selsey as the money received meant that the council could consider projects and ideas that are truly local and might not otherwise be funded.

“The panel assessed the applications to try and determine greatest community benefit and the council is very proud to be able to support local community groups and charities.”

The award ceremony took place on April 27 at the annual town meeting, where seven groups were given a share of the funds by councillor Mike Beal.

These groups were: Selsey 1st Responders, 1st Selsey Scouts, Selsey Carers, Men in Sheds, Youth Dream, Snak Shak and Sports Dream.

Sports Dream received £100,000 – almost half of the total funds – and project manager Mike Nicholls spoke of his delight at this award.

He said: “We were absolutely thrilled to receive such a huge amount towards Sports Dream.

“The money will be going towards a joint pavilion for the cricket and football clubs, and when you receive an amount of funding such as this is it a significant step along that way.”

Mr Nicholls is also the chairman of Youth Dream, which was handed £25,000 at the ceremony.

“Youth Dream run a youth centre which offers a range of services for young people,” explained Mike.

“The money will be used towards the ongoing provision of that service.”

Snak Shak, which has run a youth drop-in for young people to meet their friends for more than 11 years, also received £25,000 from Selsey Town Council,.

Marjorie Graham, founder member and fundraiser for the group, said: “I have found it increasingly difficult to raise the funds needed – I am delighted and relieved to receive this generous award.”