The fourth anniversary of Uley Community Stores is just around the corner and we have saved the date to share our thrilling announcement about the Community Spirit grant scheme we launched in January this year: more than £3500 has been distributed to local groups.
It has taken a lot of hard work from our team of dedicated volunteers to get to where we are today, and the fruits of their labour – and the loyalty of our customers – are now giving back to the community.
UCS set up the Uley Community Spirit scheme in the new year to provide grants to registered charities which benefit Uley and Owlpen residents. The funding for this exciting scheme was sourced from the store’s profits and was initiated by the Management Committee to ensure that the shop provides and gives back to the community which supports it, while also encouraging mutual enterprise in the local area.
A multitude of applications were received, all from worthy causes, supporting young and old. Many of the charities’ gatherings are hosted at Uley Village Hall and it’s evident that the collective projects will enable greater participation and enjoyment, especially for the senior residents in supporting a valued social life and interests. The following charitable groups were successful in the first round of grant-giving:
- Uley WI – microphones for use during talks
- Uley Playing Field Trust – garden project
- Friends of Uley School – replacement of ageing books
- Uley Under 5s Playgroup – Kindles, teacher tablet and software and a small climbing frame
- Uley Society – laptops, stand and pointer for use during talks
- Uley Village Hall – PA system
There will be a further round of grant applications coming soon, and all applications will be welcome once again. The next round will feature wider acceptance criteria, and as such UCS will be able to help more local endeavours to grow as we grow alongside them.
We look forward to receiving and granting these new applications and if you’d like to join our happy social enterprise, please drop in to the store to ask about volunteering opportunities in the shop or behind the scenes. Alternatively, email us.
We’ll be celebrating our fourth anniversary at the Uley WI afternoon tea and craft exhibition on Sunday 3 July at Uley Village Hall and will be treating all volunteers who are attending to a free cream tea to thank them for their commitment and hard work. We’ll also be formally presenting our grants to some of the local groups. Please join us.