20,000 Reasons to Celebrate for Successful East Lothian Groups

Cala Homes Press releases

West Barns Women's Institute Scottish PR agency

A DIVERSE range of groups carrying out important community work in East Lothian have each been recognised – and will receive a share of a £20,000 fund.

 

The successful 20 causes were selected from 129 high quality applications at the recent panel meeting, with groups from all corners of the region represented in the submissions.

 

Set up by CALA Homes (East), in partnership with the East Lothian Courier, the bursary reflects the developer’s ambitions to deliver long-term benefits to a wide section of the East Lothian community.

 

Philip Hogg, Sales and Marketing Director with CALA Homes (East), said: “When we first launched this initiative we simply did not expect the number of applications we eventually received – and each and every one was inspiring.

 

“It confirms the strong sense of community in this part of Scotland – and we are delighted to be able to support that further by creating and distributing from this central fund.”

 

The panel of judges comprised of CALA staff drawn from varied areas of the business and the East Lothian Courier Editor, Robbie Scott.

 

Speaking after the panel meeting, Robbie said: “The painstaking process of selecting the successful groups was made especially challenging due to both the quantity and quality of applications across the board.

 

“I feel we have chosen a selection that really represents our region and its people – and this money will make a tangible difference to the lives of many people.”

 

The successful groups will now feature over the coming months in a series of features, tracking the progress of the recipients as they use the funding, while shining a light on the work each group is doing.

Haddington Hockey club CALA Bursary Scottish PR agencyHaddington Hockey Club

Awarded: £1500

 

The club look to increase participation across all age groups, with particular focus on bridging the gap for female participation.

 

It is currently merging its Haddington Ladies Hockey Club and Haddington Junior Hockey Club with the aim of providing a clear pathway from youth into adult years through the sport and encouraging the maintenance of an active and healthy lifestyle.

 

Suzanne Laing, Head Coach at Haddington Hockey Club, said: “We were absolutely delighted to be accepted for the bursary funding. We weren’t expecting it at all because it’s a small town so we thought lots of other groups in the area would be applying.

 

“You have to be in it to win it but it was still a huge shock when we found out.

 

“The funding has come at a crucial time for us as we’re merging Haddington Ladies Hockey Club and Haddington Junior Hockey Club. This kind of big move can often be quite daunting, but this funding has really given us a kick start and created a bit of buzz and excitement.

 

“It’s fantastic to know what we’re doing has been recognised as a great idea and CALA is keen to support it.”

Women's Institute CALA Bursary Scottish PR agencyWest Barns Scottish Women’s Institute

Awarded: £1000

 

Passing life lessons down the generations is the ambition of the West Barns Scottish Women’s Institute (SWI). The group are the only East Lothian SWI branch remaining and were originally formed by mostly the partners of local farm workers.

 

Nowadays the group convene at the local bowling club to discuss all life matters, pass on experience and skills – and attend talks from chosen speakers.

 

Patricia Wilson, group co-ordinator for The West Barn’s SWI, said: “The grant means we will be able to buy a projector and screens for our presentations which is just great.

 

“Hosting interesting speakers is something that the group loves to do and the grant will make it easier for us to host more of these events, as well as pay our rent at the bowling club for meetings.

 

“It just takes the pressure off and means we don’t have to worry as much about money – a welcome change!

 

“I hadn’t told anyone in the group I had applied for the bursary because I didn’t’ think we would be successful so when I told the group we had gotten it they were so happy. It was great to surprise them and just shows it’s worth applying for these sorts of things.”

The full list of recipients receiving a share of the £20,000 CALA Community Bursary:

East Lothian wide
East Lothian Dragons Basketball Club

Belhaven
Belhaven Community Garden

Cockenzie
1st Cockenzie/2nd Port Seaton Brownies

Dirleton
Dirleton School Partnership

Dunbar
Clark Community Choir
Dunbar Surf Lifesaving Club
The Ridge Café
Robertson’s Martial Arts

Haddington
Friends of the River Tyne
Haddington Hockey Club

Macmerry
Macmerry Men’s Shed

Musselburgh
Clark Community Choir
Scratch the Surface

North Berwick
North Berwick Community Centre Management Committee
North Berwick Playgroup

Pencaitland
Committee for Pencaitland Playgroup

Prestonpans
Prestonpans Brownies

Tranent
Bronx Boxing Gym
Ross High Rugby Club Youth Section

West Barns
West Barns Christmas Lights
West Barns Scottish Women’s Institute

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