Gosport Borough Council
Councillors:
28
Wards:
14
Committees:
10
Meetings (2025):
48
Meetings (2024):
47
Meeting
Grants Sub-Board - Gosport
Meeting Times
Scheduled Time
Start:
Thursday, 26th June 2025
6:00 PM
Thursday, 26th June 2025
6:00 PM
End:
Thursday, 26th June 2025
10:00 PM
Thursday, 26th June 2025
10:00 PM
Meeting Status
Status:
Confirmed
Confirmed
Date:
26 Jun 2025
26 Jun 2025
Location:
Council Chamber
Council Chamber
Meeting Attendees
Agenda
0
Community Grant Fund Late Item
Minutes
By reason of special circumstances, the Chairman determined that the following item be considered at this meeting notwithstanding the fact that the item had not been available for public inspection in accordance with the provisions of Section 100B(4)(a) of the Local Government (Access to Information) Act 1985.
RESOLVED: that the Sub Board agreed to take the late item.
Gosport Heritage Open Days
Members were advised that the grant would cover the printing costs of 5,000 leaflets and posters.
Members agreed to award £1,500
RESOLVED: that the Sub Board agreed to take the late item.
Gosport Heritage Open Days
Members were advised that the grant would cover the printing costs of 5,000 leaflets and posters.
Members agreed to award £1,500
1
Apologies
Minutes
Apologies for non attendance were received from Councillor Cox who was substituted by Councillor Westerby
2
Declarations of Interest
Minutes
Councillor Cully declared a personal interest in The Friends of Leesland Park, and Stronger Together Community CIC
Councillor Chegwyn declared a pecuniary interest in The Big Eat Festival CIC
Councillor Hutchison declared an interest in Plan B as it is within his ward and a non-pecuniary interest in Stronger Together Community CIC
Councillor Westerby declared a personal interest in The Friends of Leesland Park
Councillor Philpott declared an interest as a HCC who may have awarded grants previously.
Councillor Chegwyn declared a pecuniary interest in The Big Eat Festival CIC
Councillor Hutchison declared an interest in Plan B as it is within his ward and a non-pecuniary interest in Stronger Together Community CIC
Councillor Westerby declared a personal interest in The Friends of Leesland Park
Councillor Philpott declared an interest as a HCC who may have awarded grants previously.
3
Minutes of previous meeting held on 6 March 2025 and 14 April 2025
Attachments:
- Document Minutes Public Pack, 06/03/2025 Grants Sub-Board 18 Jun 2025
- Document Minutes Public Pack, 14/04/2025 Grants Sub-Board 18 Jun 2025
Minutes
RESOLVED: That the minutes of the meetings held on 6 March and 14 April 2025 were signed as a true and correct record.
4
Deputations
· (NOTE: The Board is required to receive a deputation(s) on a matter which is before the meeting of the Board provided that notice of the intended deputation and its object shall have been received by the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Tuesday 24 June 2025. The total time for deputations in favour and against a proposal shall not exceed 10 minutes).
Minutes
There were no deputations but 10 representatives had requested to speak on their applications.
5
Public Questions
· (NOTE: The Board is required to allow a total of 15 minutes for questions from Members of the public on matters within the terms of reference of the Board provided that notice of such Question(s) shall have been submitted to the Borough Solicitor by 12 noon on Tuesday 24 June 2025).
Minutes
There were none
6
Community Grant Fund Applications
To provide the Sub Board with Community Fund grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.
Attachments:
- Document Community Board Report 26.06.2025 18 Jun 2025
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy and Community Safety providing the Sub Board with Community Fund grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.
1. The Disability Union
The applicant advised that since 2022 they had been organising Sensory Superstars messy play sessions at the Alver valley Garden Centre for 20 families. These sessions last for an hour and there is a waiting list to join.
Members were advised that 95% of the under 2’s that attend do not pay.
The grant will be used to pay for the room hire at the garden centre.
Members agreed to award £1,440
2. Lee Rangers Youth Football Club
Members agreed to defer this application
3. Gosport Rovers Football Club
The applicant advised that the club started in 2023 and meet twice a week for training and games. The club has a family feel, with partners helping out and arranging social events. The team is made up of young adults/teenagers and provides a place to go and a community, but many cannot afford the subs.
They have been successful with finding a sponsor for the home kit, but need money for pitch fees, referees costs etc.
Members were all impressed with the passion and commitment shown by the applicant.
Members agreed to award £2,040
4. The Plan B AP CIC
The applicant advised that the grant had been requested to provide a programme of water activities at Hardway during the summer holidays. Previous programmes had been very well received, with positive feedback from parents whose children had been provided with the opportunity to try new sports. These programmes also had a marked affect on reducing ASB in the area.
The applicant explained that previously they had received support through the Friends of Hardway, but that group has now disbanded.
In answer to a Members question, the applicant advised that the instructors and safety staff were very well qualified with years of experience and that they allocated 1 instructor to 4 participants, well above the norm of 1 to 12.
Members all agreed that this was an excellent project that they wished to support.
Members agreed to award £4,100
5. Tribe Alternative Stage School CIC
Members felt they had questions regarding the application and were not willing to make a decision without the answers
Members agreed to defer this application
6. BRWCA
The applicant advised that the grant would be used to buy tables as part of a bigger project to make the building more accessible and therefore more attractive to groups looking to hire the space. The tables would accommodate mobility scooters and wheelchairs. The current tables are now beyond repair, and enough new folding tables have been purchased for one hall.
Officers agreed to help the applicant approach the grants officer to see if there are suitable grants elsewhere for the roof repairs.
Members agreed to award £3,000
7. Stronger Communities Together CIC
The applicant advised that their group provide an array of support and activities for veterans of the Armed Forces, and those in the 50+ agegroup.
The grant would be used to support a Female Veterans Focused group, providing a space where they can meet others in a similar position, take part in activities and have access to wellbeing coordinators and other support providers.
Members agreed to award £1,520
8. Think Big Do Bigger
Members were advised that the same project had recently been completed in Portsmouth and it was this model that would be launched in Gosport.
The applicant would use contacts and networks built over her ten years working with appropriate groups to find those who would benefit most from the project. Members were advised that a pilot scheme could be produced for £2,000.
Officers agreed to ask the grants officer to assist with sourcing other grants and location.
Members agreed to award £2,500
9. Haven Church
The applicant explained that the church runs an after school hangout for between 30 and 40 young people, providing a game of pool, a hot mealand a safe place to be.
Members agreed to award £300
RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:
Considered the applications in the report, including the late item and agreed:
i) A grant of £1,440 to be paid to The Disability Union
ii) The application from Lee Rangers to be deferred
iii) A grant of £2,040 to be paid to Gosport Rovers FC
iv) A grant of £4,100 to be paid to The Plan B AP CIC
v) The application from Tribe Alternative Stage School to be deferred
vi) A grant of £3,000 to be paid to BRWCA
vii) A grant of £1,520 to be paid to Stronger Together Community CIC
viii) A grant of £2,500 to be paid to Think Big Do Bigger CIC
ix) A grant of £300 to be paid to the Haven Church Gosport
x) A grant of £1,500 to be paid to Gosport Heritage Open Days
1. The Disability Union
The applicant advised that since 2022 they had been organising Sensory Superstars messy play sessions at the Alver valley Garden Centre for 20 families. These sessions last for an hour and there is a waiting list to join.
Members were advised that 95% of the under 2’s that attend do not pay.
The grant will be used to pay for the room hire at the garden centre.
Members agreed to award £1,440
2. Lee Rangers Youth Football Club
Members agreed to defer this application
3. Gosport Rovers Football Club
The applicant advised that the club started in 2023 and meet twice a week for training and games. The club has a family feel, with partners helping out and arranging social events. The team is made up of young adults/teenagers and provides a place to go and a community, but many cannot afford the subs.
They have been successful with finding a sponsor for the home kit, but need money for pitch fees, referees costs etc.
Members were all impressed with the passion and commitment shown by the applicant.
Members agreed to award £2,040
4. The Plan B AP CIC
The applicant advised that the grant had been requested to provide a programme of water activities at Hardway during the summer holidays. Previous programmes had been very well received, with positive feedback from parents whose children had been provided with the opportunity to try new sports. These programmes also had a marked affect on reducing ASB in the area.
The applicant explained that previously they had received support through the Friends of Hardway, but that group has now disbanded.
In answer to a Members question, the applicant advised that the instructors and safety staff were very well qualified with years of experience and that they allocated 1 instructor to 4 participants, well above the norm of 1 to 12.
Members all agreed that this was an excellent project that they wished to support.
Members agreed to award £4,100
5. Tribe Alternative Stage School CIC
Members felt they had questions regarding the application and were not willing to make a decision without the answers
Members agreed to defer this application
6. BRWCA
The applicant advised that the grant would be used to buy tables as part of a bigger project to make the building more accessible and therefore more attractive to groups looking to hire the space. The tables would accommodate mobility scooters and wheelchairs. The current tables are now beyond repair, and enough new folding tables have been purchased for one hall.
Officers agreed to help the applicant approach the grants officer to see if there are suitable grants elsewhere for the roof repairs.
Members agreed to award £3,000
7. Stronger Communities Together CIC
The applicant advised that their group provide an array of support and activities for veterans of the Armed Forces, and those in the 50+ agegroup.
The grant would be used to support a Female Veterans Focused group, providing a space where they can meet others in a similar position, take part in activities and have access to wellbeing coordinators and other support providers.
Members agreed to award £1,520
8. Think Big Do Bigger
Members were advised that the same project had recently been completed in Portsmouth and it was this model that would be launched in Gosport.
The applicant would use contacts and networks built over her ten years working with appropriate groups to find those who would benefit most from the project. Members were advised that a pilot scheme could be produced for £2,000.
Officers agreed to ask the grants officer to assist with sourcing other grants and location.
Members agreed to award £2,500
9. Haven Church
The applicant explained that the church runs an after school hangout for between 30 and 40 young people, providing a game of pool, a hot mealand a safe place to be.
Members agreed to award £300
RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:
Considered the applications in the report, including the late item and agreed:
i) A grant of £1,440 to be paid to The Disability Union
ii) The application from Lee Rangers to be deferred
iii) A grant of £2,040 to be paid to Gosport Rovers FC
iv) A grant of £4,100 to be paid to The Plan B AP CIC
v) The application from Tribe Alternative Stage School to be deferred
vi) A grant of £3,000 to be paid to BRWCA
vii) A grant of £1,520 to be paid to Stronger Together Community CIC
viii) A grant of £2,500 to be paid to Think Big Do Bigger CIC
ix) A grant of £300 to be paid to the Haven Church Gosport
x) A grant of £1,500 to be paid to Gosport Heritage Open Days
7
Community Event Grant Fund Applications
To provide the Sub Board with Community Event Fund grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.
Attachments:
- Document Events Board Report 26.06.2025 18 Jun 2025
Minutes
Consideration was given to a report by the Head of Corporate Policy & Community Safety providing the Sub Board with Community Event grant applications in order that members can determine grant awards.
1. The Friends of Leesland Park
Members were advised that this year marks 25 years of events and to mark this milestone organisers wish to increase the activities for children including additional inflatables etc.
Sponsorship had been agreed which would help cover the costs of the music line up.
Members agreed to award £2,500
2. Star Royalty UK CIC
Members agreed not to make an award
3. Montserrat Events Sunrise Party in the Park
The applicant advised that he saw this event as the start of the festival season in Gosport. It would be a free to attend event with music and culture with visitors encouraged to bring their own picnic. The fairground would be there if visitors wished to use it at an additional cost.
Savings had been made in waste costs by outsourcing bins and skips and the organisers owned the stage and sound system.
Members agreed to award £10,000
4. Gosport Waterfront Festival CIC
Members were advised that there was currently no main sponsor for this years event, far fewer caterers, and 12 stalls 4 of which are for charities and therefore not being charged a pitch fee. Ticket prices had not changed in 20 years, but all costs have risen dramatically.
In answer to a Member’s question, the applicant explained that each festival offered a different genre of music and having a summer full of entertainment gave residents something to look forward to.
Members agreed to award £7,500
5. Montserrat Events Summer in Lee
The applicant advised that this will the 9th year that this event has taken place and it has grown in size and popularity over that time. The event takes place over two days and covers the whole of the seafront with 50 stalls and food vendors as well as music and entertainment. The outdoor company GoSport would be involved in providing activities.
Members were advised that sponsorship would be sought and that local charities benefit from public donations.
Members agreed to award £2,000
6. Monserrat Events Victory Parade
The applicant explained that they wanted to offer an event to end a year of commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day.
The parade including military vehicles and re-enactors would take place on the Saturday of the Victory Festival & Air Display and would be free to watch. A spitfire display and a uniformed march past and salute would be part of the spectacle.
Members agreed to award £4,000
7. Gosport Rotary Club
There was no representative in attendance.
Members recognised that the Rotary Club put on excellent events but voiced concern that they were being asked for a grant for events that make a profit and in turn donate to charities.
Members agreed to award £4,000
8. The Big Eat Festival CIC
The applicant advised that this was the third year they had put on this event, originally borne out of a request by GBC to finish the festival season with a free event on Walpole Park.
Members were advised that the festival would have three music stages each presenting a different genre of music including acoustic, school of rock and many local bands. There would be events for children including a petting zoo, Punch& Judy and magic, and special food vendors from the Food Festival.
Members agreed to award £10,000
RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:
Considered the applications in the report and agreed:
i) A grant of £2,500 to be paid to the Friends of Leesland Park
ii) No grant to be paid to Star Royalty UK CIC
iii) A grant of £10,000 to be paid to Monserrat Events Sunrise Party in the Park
iv) A grant of £7,500 to be paid to Gosport Waterfront Festival CIC
v) A grant of £2,000 to be paid to Monserrat Events Summer in Lee
vi) A grant of £4,000 to be paid to Monserrat Events Victory Parade
vii) A grant of £4,000 to be paid to Gosport Rotary Club
viii) A grant of £10,000 to be paid to The Big Eat Festival CIC
1. The Friends of Leesland Park
Members were advised that this year marks 25 years of events and to mark this milestone organisers wish to increase the activities for children including additional inflatables etc.
Sponsorship had been agreed which would help cover the costs of the music line up.
Members agreed to award £2,500
2. Star Royalty UK CIC
Members agreed not to make an award
3. Montserrat Events Sunrise Party in the Park
The applicant advised that he saw this event as the start of the festival season in Gosport. It would be a free to attend event with music and culture with visitors encouraged to bring their own picnic. The fairground would be there if visitors wished to use it at an additional cost.
Savings had been made in waste costs by outsourcing bins and skips and the organisers owned the stage and sound system.
Members agreed to award £10,000
4. Gosport Waterfront Festival CIC
Members were advised that there was currently no main sponsor for this years event, far fewer caterers, and 12 stalls 4 of which are for charities and therefore not being charged a pitch fee. Ticket prices had not changed in 20 years, but all costs have risen dramatically.
In answer to a Member’s question, the applicant explained that each festival offered a different genre of music and having a summer full of entertainment gave residents something to look forward to.
Members agreed to award £7,500
5. Montserrat Events Summer in Lee
The applicant advised that this will the 9th year that this event has taken place and it has grown in size and popularity over that time. The event takes place over two days and covers the whole of the seafront with 50 stalls and food vendors as well as music and entertainment. The outdoor company GoSport would be involved in providing activities.
Members were advised that sponsorship would be sought and that local charities benefit from public donations.
Members agreed to award £2,000
6. Monserrat Events Victory Parade
The applicant explained that they wanted to offer an event to end a year of commemorative events marking the 80th anniversary of VE and VJ Day.
The parade including military vehicles and re-enactors would take place on the Saturday of the Victory Festival & Air Display and would be free to watch. A spitfire display and a uniformed march past and salute would be part of the spectacle.
Members agreed to award £4,000
7. Gosport Rotary Club
There was no representative in attendance.
Members recognised that the Rotary Club put on excellent events but voiced concern that they were being asked for a grant for events that make a profit and in turn donate to charities.
Members agreed to award £4,000
8. The Big Eat Festival CIC
The applicant advised that this was the third year they had put on this event, originally borne out of a request by GBC to finish the festival season with a free event on Walpole Park.
Members were advised that the festival would have three music stages each presenting a different genre of music including acoustic, school of rock and many local bands. There would be events for children including a petting zoo, Punch& Judy and magic, and special food vendors from the Food Festival.
Members agreed to award £10,000
RESOLVED: That the Sub Board:
Considered the applications in the report and agreed:
i) A grant of £2,500 to be paid to the Friends of Leesland Park
ii) No grant to be paid to Star Royalty UK CIC
iii) A grant of £10,000 to be paid to Monserrat Events Sunrise Party in the Park
iv) A grant of £7,500 to be paid to Gosport Waterfront Festival CIC
v) A grant of £2,000 to be paid to Monserrat Events Summer in Lee
vi) A grant of £4,000 to be paid to Monserrat Events Victory Parade
vii) A grant of £4,000 to be paid to Gosport Rotary Club
viii) A grant of £10,000 to be paid to The Big Eat Festival CIC
8
Any other items
Minutes
The Chairman advised he had been approached by the St Mary’s Alverstoke Centre requesting that the £20,000 pledged at an earlier Grants Sub Board be paid.
Members were reminded that the Sub Board had agreed to provide the last £20,000 of fundraising and a letter of pledge to help with securing other grants.
The applicant explained in their letter that the project had fundamentally changed and was now a redevelopment of existing not a new build and they still had not managed to raise the remainder of the sum required.
Officers reminded Members that had suggested a re-application, that the limit for community grants is now only £5,000. There was also the suggestion that they could be awarded an extension to the pledge given.
Members, whilst acknowledging that this was a positive project for the Borough, it was too significant a change to be accepted.
Officers were asked to take legal advice on the options open to the Sub Board in answering the applicant’s request.
Members were reminded that the Sub Board had agreed to provide the last £20,000 of fundraising and a letter of pledge to help with securing other grants.
The applicant explained in their letter that the project had fundamentally changed and was now a redevelopment of existing not a new build and they still had not managed to raise the remainder of the sum required.
Officers reminded Members that had suggested a re-application, that the limit for community grants is now only £5,000. There was also the suggestion that they could be awarded an extension to the pledge given.
Members, whilst acknowledging that this was a positive project for the Borough, it was too significant a change to be accepted.
Officers were asked to take legal advice on the options open to the Sub Board in answering the applicant’s request.
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