All the Activities that are hosted throughout the year by the Astwood Bank Community Group are to raise funds which are re-invested back into the Community through the Astwood Bank Community Group Fund.
Not only is it reinvested in the storage and maintenance of equipment such as the Community Christmas Lights, or the Hire of Marquees and Equipment for events, but it is also given to support local Community Groups and Organisations.
Here are some testimonials from those groups and how your donations and contributions have helped and supported so many.
Astwood Bank Operatic Society
Having the financial support of Astwood Bank Community group has enabled us to continue
pursuing our love of performing. This year we used the church of St Matthias and St George for our production, due to the uncertainties left by Covid which also benefitted them through the income generated by our rental of the facilities.
We were able to perform to appreciative audiences using a Professional pianist, thanks to the generous donation from ABCG and can look forward to being able to continue our passion by staging Kiss Me Kate in 2023.
Melanie Hart. Acting Chair of Astwood Bank Operatic Society
Astwood Bank Beavers, Cubs & Scouts
After a tough couple of years, Astwood Bank Beavers, Cubs and Scouts are once again putting the ‘out’ into Scouting. Alongside our usual meeting and activities our young people – boys and girls aged 6-14 years – have been busy camping, hiking, litter picking, fire lighting, enjoying water sports, tomahawk throwing, climbing and playing wide games. We couldn’t be having more fun! We were thrilled to receive a donation from Astwood Bank Community Group this year and will be using the funds to purchase some Hi Vis jackets to help keep our young people safe whilst walking and taking part in community events.
We are always keen to welcome new Scout volunteers to help young people have fun and develop skills for life. Whether you want to work directly with young people or provide support behind the scenes we can find a role for you. Contact sally@abscoutgroup.org.uk to find out more.
Public Access Defibrillator
The funds from the Astwood Bank Community Group have been used to fund the ongoing maintenance and insurance for the Public Access Defibrillator installed in the old telephone kiosk on Evesham Road. It’s vital that any defibrillator is maintained if it is to be of benefit when it is needed. We have just received new pads for the unit and the cost for these was included in the annual fee which also provides an online service to log the checks of our equipment and date for renewal of pads and batteries for example. Having support from ABCG to fund the maintenance was a big support to our Rotary Club whose members volunteer to keep the telephone box clean and equipment checked. Annual maintenance costs £162 per annum (incl. VAT).
Girlguiding Astwood Bank
Girlguiding Astwood Bank would like to say a big thank you for their grant of £250 which is going to be spent on sports and outdoor equipment to be shared between our five Units. We have two Rainbow Units (4-7 year olds, 5 in some areas), two Brownie Units (7-10 year olds) and a Guide Unit (10-14 year olds). This new equipment will be replacing damaged and worn-out items and will also provide a wider range of equipment to enjoy together and to support our programme.
To register your daughter’s interest with Girlguiding UK:
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/information-for-parents/register-your-daughter/
Girlguiding offers the chance to develop potential, make friends and have fun.
We are always on the lookout for volunteers, if you are interested in joining our amazing team please register on our website, you will receive a warm welcome.
The Koala Tree CIC
We really appreciated the donation from ABCG!
We used the money for some resources for our group The Koala Cuppa. This group is for new parents who have struggled with the transition to parenthood for any reason. We bought some bean bags and some lidded mugs for our group which the children and parents love!
Astwood Bank Primary School
We are going to use the funds which have been very kindly donated by yourself for our pond area in our Forest School. We have recently renovated our pond which was so overgrown you couldn’t even see we had a pond. It has now been cleared and decking, paths and new fencing have been installed. We would like to use the funds to finish it off by buying plants, wood paints, ornaments etc to complete the project. This will give it some colour and make it a welcoming, relaxing area for the children to watch the pond life.
Redditch Self Defence Association
The Redditch Self Defence Association provides positive activites and Anti Knife Crime Training for young people all over Redditch and surrounding area.
We were delighted to recieve a Donation from the Astwood Bank Community .
During March following a couple of High profile Knife crimes in our area we experianced our busiest Month in our History.
With the support of local Police teams we manged to out Reach to over 1,500 young people in Schools and colleges.
The funds provided fuel for all the visits.
We have also agreed to have a presence at this Years Astwood bank carnival and take part in an event at Ragley Hall to teach 5,000 Scouts .
