Newark charity and community group awarded £1,500 through Notts EnviroGrant scheme

Two progressive projects in Newark have been awarded £1,500 through the Nottinghamshire EnviroGrant scheme.

It is part of the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund run by Notts County Council's waste contractor Veolia, where six Nottinghamshire groups have been allocated generous grants designed to support projects that inspire people to think differently.

The Furniture Project based on Boughton industrial estate, provide affordable home furniture to those in need and was awarded £1,000 towards a new delivery vehicle, while the other £500 was given to Collingham's Men in Sheds - a group of 25 handy-men and hobbyists - to purchase a bandsaw so they can recycle wood and create new products.

"I have to say, I applied for the grant not expecting to get it. So when I got a message back a couple days later, we were absolutely over the moon and delighted," said Dez Williams, chair of Men in Sheds.

Dez explained that his group collect unwanted wood from wherever they can to ensure they can recycle and complete projects free of charge.

He added: "We are going to order the bandsaw at the end of this week and it will enable us to help and make play equipment for the Lovers' Lane primary school in Newark for free.

"The grant will be used for other projects as well but our major one at the moment is helping the school."

The green initiative aims to get people to think differently about waste and resources and offers grants to groups, schools and charities who are committed to helping Nottinghamshire Reduce, Reuse and Recycle.

And The Furniture Project, are doing just that. Carole Batey, project manager, said throughout her 19-years of working with the group, hoped to highlight issues of sustainability and the good in recycling old furniture, as well as being the supply for the "doubled" demand.

She said: "I love my job and coming to work everyday because I want to make a difference in people's lives and a change to the environment, so when we heard that we were receiving the £1,000 grant - everyone was so happy.

"The volunteers, staff and management - you name it. We were so delighted because any donation is welcome these days now we don't have any funding, and we have seen a major demand for furniture since Universal Credit was rolled out. This means a new delivery van will be very welcome so we can reach further afield for our customers," Ms Batey added.

Funding through the Reduce, Reuse, Recycling Fund can be granted for a variety of projects and activities including workshops, practical equipment, education and awareness raising. It is for projects that encourage people to think about their waste as a resource.

Other projects which have received funding through the most recent awards are:

Alderman White School (Broxtowe). Awarded £398.00 to fund recycling bins in the canteen and recycling boxes in all classrooms to be used for paper, plastic bottles etc.

Allsorts Preschool (Underwood, Ashfield). Awarded £400.00 for the purchase of composting equipment, and children’s gardening equipment.

Healdswood Infant School (Ashfield). Awarded £600.00 towards equipment for the development of their Forest Schools area.

Oaktree Conservation Group (Mansfield). Awarded £298.00 to purchase clothing, boots and gloves to ensure the group can continue with litter picking on the Oaktree Heath and surrounding area.