Gosport Borough Council Grants Sub-Board Meeting

There were none

Councillors Chegwyn and Burgess declared a Personal interest in any item where a HCC grant had been applied for.

Councillor Cully declared a Personal interest in the item relating to Bastion Number 1

Councillor Hutchison declared a Pecuniary interest in the item relating to Friends of Hardway

There were no Deputations, but 13 representatives had requested to speak to the Sub Board on their aplications.

There were none

RESOLVED: That Councillor Peter Chegwyn was duly elected as Chairman for the municipal year, 2022-23

RESOLVED: That   Councillor Jamie Hutchison was duly elected as Vice Chairman for the municipal year 2022-23

Consideration was given to a report by the Manager of Planning Policy advising Members of the process of the Heritage Fund and summarising the application received.

Officers wished to point out an error in para 1.1 of the report and advised that grants up to 50k could be applied for. They advised that the Appendix 4 which sets out the process note may be updated or revised as lessons are learnt.

i)             Historic Diving Society

Members were advised that only one application had been received in this category, The Historical Diving Society, and Officers drew the members attention to paragraph 3.1 of the Report Update advising that the Society had been successfully awarded an Historic England grant towards the project as referred to in para 3.3 of the Heritage Fund report.

Consideration was given to an application for £15,500 of heritage Grant funds.

Councillor Casey was invited to address the Sub Board in his role as Vice Chair of the Society and Museum Director.

Members were advised that the main priority for the Society was to ensure the removal of the site from the Heritage England Risk Register, and the funds would go towards a project that will enhance the current asset, create employment, extend the current museum and install ramps and a lift to enable disabled access and improve the sustainability of the site by introducing a heat pump and reducing electricity usage.

Members offered Councillor Casey their congratulations for being so successful in  fundraising and were pleased with the work planned, especially the proposed improvements for accessibility.

Members agreed to award £15,500

RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:

-       Noted the process set out in Appendix 4

-       A grant of £15,500 be paid to the Historical Diving Society

Consideration was given to a report by the Manager of Planning Policy advising Members of the process of the Community Fund and summarising the applications received.

Officers explained that the money available for Community Grants came from two sources- CIL money, that would have restrictions and criteria to be met, and funds released from Council budget setting which would have more broad use. The maximum bid would be £20,000, and would not be available to fund ongoing staff costs.

In answer to a Members question, Officers advised that the £20,000 given to Fleetlands FC came from the CIL fund.

i)             12^th Gosport Scouts.

Consideration was given to an application for £7,000 in Community Grant funds towards the renewal of the Scout Hut roof.

John Smith and Paul Dolton were invited to address the Sub Board.

Members were advised that the group had been in St Lukes Road for over 50 years, and currently provides scouting activities for 50 young people every week, and lends the facility to other groups and charities. The premises are owned by Gosport Borough Council leased on a repair lease.

In answer to a Members question, Mr. Dolton advised that without the grant, they may have to cancel meetings and would find it difficult to protect the equipment kept in the building. The grant would equate to 50% of the funds needed with the group using their own funds for the balance. The group is awaiting the results of a bid to HCC for £2,000.

Members hoped that other sources of funding could be found to help with the replacement of the toilets, therefore allowing the group to use its funds for the roof.

Members proposed and agreed to award £6,000 of CIL funding.

ii)            Yellow Edge Gallery

Consideration was given to an application for £13,390 in Community Grant to deliver a series of art courses, demonstrations and talks for local community groups and residents, delivered by professional artists and tailored to the needs of the group.

Stephen Buggle was invited to address the Sub Board.

Members were advised that he had been running the Yellow Edge Gallery as non-for profit for four years in Stoke Road. The proposed workshops would be for those who couldn’t afford to pay, and would be promoted through a number of community groups. Those taking part would be provided with all necessary materials to produce artworks, which would then be displayed in an exhibition in the Gallery. Participants would be free to take home any excess materials in order to continue to create.

In answer to a Members question, Mr. Buggle explained that it would be difficult to put participants together in mixed needs groups, and any charge for refreshments or materials would prevent the very people this scheme was aimed at participating.

Mr. Buggle advised Members that he had been in contact with the Arts Council and his figures were based on their recommended daily rates for artists, and it would take a minimum of £2,500- £3,000 to create a trial session.

The Chairman advised that there were other sources of funding that would be appropriate to joint fund this scheme, the Councils own events budget and in particular the Arts Council, and Members agreed to assist the Gallery in meeting with representatives of the Arts Council on their next visit to Gosport.

Members proposed and agreed to award £2,500

iii)           St.Matthew’s Church

Consideration was given to an application for £4,820 in Community Grant fund towards a proposal to develop an allotment within the Church’s grounds.

Steven Smart, the Operations Manager was invited to address the Sub Board and explained that the need for the allotment space had come out of a project that had been running since May 1922.

Members were advised that the Church offered a number of facilities for the community including a growing community café, a warm space, and in particular an opportunity for all ages to learn more about how food grows and enjoy the excitement of growing and harvesting your own food. The many local schools would be amongst those benefitting.

Members agreed that increasing allotments was very much a desire of the Council and were pleased that the security of any chickens that might be housed had been seriously considered.

Members agreed to award the sum of £4,820

iv)           Friends of Hardway

Councillor Hutchison left the room and did not take part in the deliberations or decision.

Consideration was given to an application for £4,900 in Community Grant fund to provide 7 days of free watersports events.

Members were supportive of the scheme and wanted to ensure that the provider of the activites was approved.

Members agreed to award £4,000

v)            The Repair Café Gosport

Consideration was given to an application for £400 of Community Grant funds to provide specialist bike repair tools.

Keith Brady, the Committee Chair was invited to address the Sub Board, and advised Members that since 2021 the Repair café had not only repaired goods which had prevented 767kg of waste, but had also taught members of the community how to repair their possessions.

Members were advised that bike repair required specialist equipment, and a lack of appropriate tools limits the work that can be done. The club does not insist that attendees bring their own tools as that could be a barrier.

Members recognised the benefits of encouraging more people to mend their bikes, and the reduction in waste and emissions help Gosport to meet its Climate Change targets.

Members agreed to award £400

vi)           Victoria Sheath. This application was withdrawn

vii)         C2U Gosport

Consideration was given to an application for £800 towards hosting a community street party in Gosport High Street for the Coronation of King Charles III.

Gary Walker was invited to address the Sub Board and advised Members that the plan was to hold free activities and entertainment in an area in front of the empty shops at the Town Hall end of the High Street.

Members were advised that the plan would not affect the market traders, but would bring potential customers on the day.

The Chairman advised Mr. Walker to liaise with the Councils events team, Hampshire Cultural Trust and the new market operator in order to make the event as successful as possible.

Members agreed to award £800

viii)        Friends of Bastion Number One

Councillor Cully addressed the Sub Board but took no part in the deliberations or decision.

Consideration was given to an application for £10,000 of Community Grant funds.

Councillor June Cully was invited to address the Sub Board and advised Members that she was representing the voluntary group that had been formed in 2018 with the aim of having the site removed from the Heritage at Risk Register.

Members were advised that a plan had been drawn up to enhance the garden of the vicarage and the parade ground- the only parts that can be touched. The plan would provide a welcoming usable space whilst offering interpretation of the monument.

Members were advised that the group were working with the local residents and had plans to fundraise to provide benches and flowers. A member suggested that it could become one of the wildflower sites created by GBC.

The Chairman stated that other sources of money should be found to fund this type of scheme, and suggested a meeting with the Chairman of the Community and Environment Board, and representative from Streetscene to find funding. 

Members agreed not to award funds.

ix)           Stoke Road Community

Consideration was given to an application for £12,700 of Community Grant funds towards hosting a free community event in Stoke Road.

Georgina Reid was invited to address the Sub Board and advised members that she represented a community group which included the churches, businesses, groups and residents from the Stoke Road area.

Members were advised that the group had organised previous events and had been overwhelmed at the support and attendance. The businesses involved can give time but no money and it was important to the group that the activities and entertainment were offered free of charge.

Members noted the success of the previous events, appreciated the enthusiasm of the group and were keen to support.

The Chairman suggested that there might be alternate funding for this event and suggested a meeting was held with the Councils events team and HCT to identify suitable budgets.

Members suggested an amount could be awarded to help start the process.

Members agreed to award £1,000

x)            Gosport Community Cinema

Consideration was given to an application for £532 of Community Grant funds to provide two free screenings to appropriate groups, with the primary target being the deprived and socially isolated.

David Marks was invited to address the Sub Board and advised Members that his group intend to show films at community venues in order to develop the audience for cinema.

Members were advised that it is a not for profit group, and has received support from Thorngate by only being charged the utility costs, which if prove popular would turn into a regular self funding scheme.

Members suggested venues such as the Elson Hub that might be interested in hosting such screenings, and were keen for children and young adults to be catered for if possible.

Members agreed an award of £532

xi)           Montserrat Events

Consideration was given to an application for £4,000 of Community Grant funds towards the purchase of a sound system and stage cover.

Members requested that Montserrat Events consider making the sound system available to other community groups for a nominal sum.

Members agreed to award £1,000

xii)         Portsmouth Harbour Marine

Consideration was given to an application for £2,000 of Community Grant funds towards the Gosport Marine Festival 2023.

Chris Groves was invited to address the Sub Board and members were advised that the festival had been running since 2015, with the aim of providing free access for as many young people of all abilities as possible to get out on the water.

Members were advised that as well as providing access for all abilities to try watersports, the event also showcases local marine businesses, giving them the facility to promote employment opportunities.

Members were fully supportive of the event and the opportunities it provided, and the footfall it brings to the Town Centre.

Members agreed to award £2,000

xiii)        Gosportarians

Consideration was given to an application for £5,000 of Community Grant funds to enable the purchase of a community mini bus.

Malcolm Dent was invited to address the Sub Board and advised members that the bus is lent out to community groups who would not otherwise be able to afford to hire commercially, and only ask for diesel costs and a small donation.

Members were advised that the previously owned bus had broken down beyond repair, and the urgency was due to the rarity of such a vehicle becoming available.

Members agreed to award £5,000

RESOLVED: That the Board:

-Noted the process set out in Appendix 1

      I.        A grant of £6,000 to be paid to 12^th Gosport Scouts

    II.        A grant of £2,500 to be paid to The Yellow Edge Gallery

   III.        A grant of £4,820 to be paid to St. Matthews Church

  IV.        A grant of £4,000 to be paid to The Friends of Hardway

    V.        A grant of £400 to be paid to The Repair Café Gosport

  VI.        A grant of £800 to be paid to C2U Gosport

 VII.        No grant to be paid to Friends of Bastion Number 1

VIII.        A grant of £1,000 to be paid to Stoke Road Community

  IX.        A grant of £532 to be paid to Gosport Community Cinema

    X.        A grant of £1,000 to be paid to Montserrat Events

  XI.        A grant of £2,000 to be paid to Portsmouth Harbour Marine

 XII.        A grant of £5,000 to be paid to Gosportarians

The Chairman and Members wished to give a vote of thanks to the Officers who had worked so hard to devise and launch the Grants scheme.

By reason of special circumstances, the Chairman determined that the following items be considered at this meeting notwithstanding the fact that they had not been available for public inspection in accordance with the provisions of Section 100 (4)(a) of the Local Government Act 1985

The special circumstances were created by the need to urgently consider the following revenue applications.

      I.        Montserrat Events Coronation Lunch

    II.        Level Up Gosport

   III.        Lee Residents Association

  IV.        Hampshire Music Service

i)             Montserrat Events Coronation Lunch

Consideration was given to an application for £4,000 in Community Grant fund towards the proposal to host several community celebrations for the Coronation of King Charles III.

It was proposed and agreed  to award £800 to host a public Coronation Street Party in Lee-on-the-Solent

ii)            Level Up Gosport

Consideration was given to an application for £4,936 of Community Grant funds to provide a part time Support Worker and a programme to capture the progress of the young people.

Mary Ive, the Chairman of Trustees was invited to address the Sub Board, and advised that as they have successfully received £1,000 from another source, they were looking for the balance of £3,936.

Members were advised that Level Up Gosport (previously known as Loud and Proud) support young adults to gain self-respect and confidence through community volunteering, and 80% of the young people that the charity supports have gone on to secure employment, return to education or taken part in volunteering.

Members were advised that GBC Parks and Gardens have been very supportive and have agreed to pilot a three year work experience programme, but advise that a support worker is essential to ensure the young people have a point of contact.

Members agreed a sum of £2,000 to be paid now with the balance of £1,936 to be given later in the year if an application is submitted.

iii)           Lee Residents Association

Consideration was given to an application for £10,000 or Community Grant funds towards the creation of a location for teaching cycle proficiency and road safety.

John White, Chairman of Lee residents Association was invited to address the Sub Board and advised that the Association was awaiting the results of applications to HCC and the Lottery.

Members were advised that the LRA had identified an area of approximately 600m²  at Lee Rec that had previously been a basketball court but was now a redundant area in a state of disrepair. The scheme would include re-surfacing the area and adding bus stops, zebra crossings, parking bays etc to provide not just a play area but a safe environment in which to learn about road safety.

Members fully supported this scheme and were keen that the work be carried and and/or supplied by local firms.

The Chairman stated that as the land belonged to GBC, other budgets should be looked at to fund the scheme including the play area budget and S106 money. It was suggested that a meeting be held with the Parks and Leisure department, ward Councillors and the LRA to find a way forward.

Members agreed not to award a grant but to find funding elsewhere for the scheme.

iv)           Hampshire Music Service

Consideration was given to an application for £18,850 in Community Grant funds towards a project delivering a fully staged piece of theatre and music.

Members agreed to request that Hampshire Music Service submit a lower application and defer a decision until the next Grants Sub Board.

RESOLVED:

      I.        A grant of £800 to be paid to Montserrat Events for a Coronation Lunch

    II.        A grant of £2,000 to be paid to Level Up Gosport

   III.        No grant to be paid to Lee Residents Association

  IV.        Application from Hampshire Music to be deferred.