Kitchen refurbishments boosted by SKDC grants

Kitchen and cooking facilities for two Grantham organisations are in for an upgrade thanks to grants from South Kesteven councillors.

Cllr George Chivers has allocated £1,000 from his Ward Member Grant to Friends of Sandon and Ambergate Sports College for their appeal to refurbish the food technology kitchen.

Chair of the Friends, Katie Bennington, said: “This generous support will help towards the £17,500 we need for seven individual work stations to develop more life skills to the youngsters here.

“The completed project will enable us to teach our additional needs children to use cooking equipment during and after their school life, which is important to promote their independence.”

Cllr Chivers (Belmont Ward) said: “This project is essential for the pupils both to develop both life skills and prepare them for independent living so that they are as ready as they can be for life after school.

“Unfortunately, with fundraising activities being curtailed due to Covid 19, FOSA are still some way short of their £17,500 target.”

Anyone who wishes to add to the refurbishment fund can donate online at gofundme.com/f/food-tech-refurb-education-for-all

Grantham Dramatic Society, meanwhile, will benefit from £500 from Cllr Annie Mason (Grantham St Vincent’s) to help meet the cost of kitchen renovations at their base. 

The society, which has more than 70 members from all sectors of the local community, moved to new premises in Westgate in 2019 and has been working to update and improve the space.

Cllr Mason said: “The society does a lot of good for the community, including people suffering from mental health issues. Engaging in the arts can help people develop their skills, build their confidence and reduce isolation.

“Some of their members actually become part of this group following divorce or bereavement to find new friends, find support and receive a focus.”

Society Treasurer Mark Brown said: “Due to the pandemic we have had to cancel our theatre productions for 2020 and have been unable to meet as a group due to social distancing rules.

“We need to be equipped and ready to welcome back our existing members and encourage new people to join when we can do so safely.

“This grant will help pay for new kitchen appliances to help support our social events and enable us to expand these get-togethers to involve members from other Grantham-based arts groups.”

For more information about Grantham Dramatic Society, and how to get involved with the group, visit: www.granthamdramaticsociety.co.uk/