We were delighted to host our annual Dragons’ Den last Thursday at the Corn Exchange. Our annual event that celebrates local community projects and activities and at which we give out grants for these activities. As always we had a fantastic range of projects covering all ages and lots of different groups.
Each of the fourteen groups that gave their four-minute presentations had submitted their application forms in advance and were then invited to the evening to bid for funds.
It was particularly lovely that four of the groups included young people taking the microphone and speaking to the room. The year 6 children from Shrivenham Primary School spoke confidently about their wish to leave their playground as a more exciting place than currently when they leave for secondary school; two young members of the Darts Academy spoke about the value of community and membership of this expanding club; one of the Goodlake Explorers spoke about the confidence-building benefits of outdoor activities; and students from Faringdon Community College spoke about the need for new pianos at the school and how the music students take part in many community events.
Thanks to Councillor Alan Ford for joining our team of dragons, alongside Rotarians Mike Langmead and Becky White. And thanks also to Lou Smith for fantastic catering for the evening.
In total, our dragons awarded grants of £11,788. The photos below show the happy grant recipients:
Root and Branch received a grant for new gym equipment; Faaaze received a grant for first aid training, team clothing and materials for their sessions; Shrivenham Primary School received a grant for markings in their school playground; Faringdon Community College received a grant for a new piano; Faringdon Day Centre received a grant for promotional materials; the Darts Academy received a grant to support membership; Goodlake Explorers received a grant for hammock & tarpaulin sleep kits; Clanfield Preschool received a grant for Makaton sign language training; Razom received a grant for activities to support Ukrainians in the area; Faringdon Folly Tower Trust received a grant for new trees; Watchfield Primary School received a grant for science equipment; Clanfield Primary School received a grant for their outdoor learning centre; The Place received a grant for a day trip to the wildlife park; Friends of Shellingford School received a grant to develop their quiet space.
