Looking for funds

I was asked to help out at the Funding Fair in the Subscription Rooms. Many sources of funds were being presented to local community groups, and so we were there to describe who might apply for Stroud town council's small grant and the larger community fund grants.

However we also wanted to enquire about whether the Heritage Lottery Fund might be source of help to pay for the restoration and upgrading of Lansdown Hall. We had an appointment with P. who had come up from Exeter to explain who might apply for their several pots of money and with whom we have already initiated proceedings. P. was also going to make a short presentation about the Fund, so I went to listen before we met her later in the afternoon.

It was set to be in the Kendrick Room, upstairs at the rear of the Sub Rooms building, in a small room overlooking Kendrick Street. I took this picture as a test just before anyone else came in for the 1-15pm start.

Sadly, I have come away in a rather deflated state, after we realised that we may not be able to get the sort of money we require to finish the Lansdown Hall project quickly. We will look elsewhere of course, but learning about how complex the criteria are for successful applications, reminded me of the language of obfuscation as it was portrayed in 'Yes, Minister' many years ago. I must admit I was left feeling that I might very soon end up speaking like Malcolm Tucker in 'The Thick of It'.

As you look out of the rear window, you can see a scene of rather sad dilapidation, caused by the lack of investment by a landowner, who is sitting on investment property without looking after it. This is true of several areas of town, whereby landowners who care nothing for the town are prepared to let good buildings go to rack and ruin as they wait out the best deal. I am sure that they are absentee owners, who probably don't even know what they own., just names in their 'portfolio'.

Through the right hand window however, you can see the open door of the entrance into the old Walkers the Bakers shop, a family business that is still thriving and whose owners won a town award from the Council for the quality of their shop and its cared for traditional frontage. They have to face onto the rather sad state of the small alleyway opposite, which none of us can do anything about. I wish there were funds to help local people and groups ensure that their towns can be looked after as they should be. I rather think the Heritage Lottery's funds will not be spent here, sadly.

Going large may help you see what I mean, but it won't be very attractive.