Community Green Energy Advisory Group Annual report Community Green Energy Grants 2017 The ‘tin tabernacle’, Llandewi Skirrid Village Hall – funding helped to maintain the fabric of a historic yet vibrant community hub Chair’s introduction “This is the first Annual Report of the Community Green Energy Grant scheme. Eight grants were awarded to a range of groups, running a variety of projects, all of which shared the common aim of benefiting their community. This is an ‘open’ grant scheme, meaning there is no pre-determined ‘allocation’ for specific areas or activities. As long as our outline criteria are met – and these are set out on the following page - then the grants committee is keen to support what matters most to communities. Our first grant round has funded a number of schemes designed to preserve or enhance facilities in what can be described as ‘community hubs’ – be they traditional village halls, sport and social clubs, or community spaces within Churches and Chapels. Meeting places clearly matter to people who live in rural communities. We also funded two sets of solar panels, providing energy efficient solutions for community buildings; and projects designed to improve the accessibility and promote enjoyment of outdoor spaces. The grant scheme - which perhaps inevitably was considerably over- subscribed - has got off to a great start. We look forward to future funding rounds - do please spread the word!” John Biggs Chairman, 2017 Report published July 2019 The Community Green Energy Advisory Group (CGEAG) has been set up to advise Community Green Energy Monmouthshire CIC and Community Green Energy England & Wales CIC, on funding applications to the Community Green Energy grants scheme. The scheme distributes up to £70,000 annually, provided by Luxcara, the owners of the Manor Park Solar Farm, Llanvapley. Applications are accepted from groups within the community council areas of Llantilio CC, Grosmont Fawr CC and Llanarth Fawr CC, and where appropriate neighbouring communities. Two Community Councillors from each of the above areas sit on the advisory group that assesses applications and advises on grant awards. Mrs Melanie Mercer is the scheme administrator, and County Councillor Sara Jones acts as a liaison between CGEAG and Luxcara. You can apply if your organisation is a: Voluntary or community organisation Registered charity Constituted group or club Community Interest Company (CIC) Social enterprise Statutory body (including Town, parish or community council) We cannot accept applications from: Individuals Sole traders Organisations that are aimed at generating profits primarily for private distribution Organisations based outside the UK Applications made by one organisation on behalf of another Applications by a grant making organisation You must meet the following criteria before you apply: You are applying for an amount of between £250 and £15,000 for a project that will be completed within 12 months You have a UK bank account in your organisation’s name You produce annual accounts, or set up your organisation less than 15 months ago and have not yet produced annual accounts – if not let us know why. 2017 Grant awards: St Nicholas Parochial Church Council, Grosmont Award: £7,358.00 Project: Easy access pathway “The project has made the Church and nave accessible to wheelchair users and has provided easier access for the ambulant disabled, elderly, and families with prams and buggies. This has allowed many more villagers and visitors to participate in church and community activities, and to enjoy this beautiful building”. St Teilo’s Church, Llantilio Crossenny Award: £1,584 Project: Installation of a water pipe, the first stage of a plan to convert an unlisted stone shed in the churchyard to a toilet facility. “We consider the availability of a permanent toilet facility, close by our church in an existing building, will provide a basic essential that will be available to and appreciated by both church users and walkers on the nearby Offa’s Dyke path. Thank you for your support of the project so far. We are aware that there is considerable demands on the funds available…” Llanvapley Sports and Social Association Award: £7,187.50 Project: Interior decoration of the building, and shower refurbishment. “The completed project has enabled the community to benefit from safe and up-to-date kitchen and shower facilities. The redecoration of the main hall, shower room and toilets has provided a clean and attractive building for people to enjoy”. Llanddewi Skirrid Village Hall Award: £4,250 Project: Repainting the historic village hall “As the hall is an historic listed building dating from the 1870s, and is a rare example of a ‘tin tabernacle’, it is essential that it is properly cared for in order to preserve its life. An agricultural/industrial painting company provided the necessary expertise to protect the tin walls and roof for years to come. The hall plays a vital role in the life of Llandewi Skirrid and the surrounding villages. There are regular sewing classes, yoga, Zumba, and monthly social events. It is also a venue for local organisations to hold fundraising events, while family parties and weddings are also a regular feature, in addition to meetings, elections etc. The hall is a vital community hub so the hall committee works hard to ensure the building is kept in good condition. Half of the £8560 cost of repainting was raised by the hall committee, and the Community Green Energy grant of £4250 provided the balance, for which we are very grateful.” Cwmmera Baptist Chapel Trust Award: £15,000 Project: Refurbishment of roof and installation of solar panels “Following the collapse of a main roof truss, a new roof has been fitted and solar panels installed on the vestry roof; these run two dehumidifiers to maintain a constant damp and condensation free building. In addition two heaters were fitted in the meeting room, which provides a space for community groups and residents to meet, free of charge”. Mrs Elizabeth Pritchard Charity Award: £3,000 (actual spend £1,437.36) Project: Safe space for Llangattock Lingoed “The new fence and gate around the ruined Stocks House is designed to prohibit further plunder of stone from the ruin, thus conserving it for future generations and for further archaeological investigation. It was also intended to reduce the risk of harm to adventurous young children; and to protect wildlife habitats among the stone ruin, (reptiles, slow worms, small mammals etc) and the diverse ground flora and grass species within this part of the woodland area. The removal of dead wood was undertaken early in 2018, and has increased the safety of the public. Larger sections of wood were used to make habitat piles, and the remaining smaller brashings were chipped and spread to replenish the surface of the existing footpath. Overall the site provides a safe space for local parishioners to enjoy”. St Cadoc’s PCC with the Representative Body of the Church in Wales and Penrhos Village Association, together “the group” Award: £15,000 Project: Creation of a community space in Penrhos within St Cadoc’s Church, and provision of a defibrillator. “The grant has enabled the group to purchase a defibrillator which has been installed at Woodlands; training has been provided for community members. In addition to the defibrillator, the grant allows for the provision of a water supply to the Church and new lavatory facilities. The group plan to establish a ‘glamping pod’ within the Church and this initial work has laid the foundations for this income generating enterprise. Repair works to the Church itself, compounded by various legal and technical matters meant that the planned work was not fully completed within the anticipated timeframe. It is anticipated the works will be completed shortly (July 2019)”. Llanarth Village Hall Award: £14,950 Project: Llanarth Village Hall energy makeover “The project - especially the solar panels and battery storage - has significantly reduced the running costs of the hall, allowing hire costs to be kept to a minimum. Internal decoration and new and brighter LED lighting has improved the ambience of the hall; it’s now a space people enjoy going to”. Grosmont Together / Grosmont Events Award: £500 Project: Provision of a 60 amp electric supply for the grounds of Grosmont Castle to support community events. .