Media Release : 14 June 2012

Helping launch the Olympics in Wealden

Wealden District Council has approved grants totalling nearly £5,000 to help ten local organisations provide special Olympic community events in 2012.

Olympic torch

"Since launching our Wealden Welcomes 2012  scheme a month ago, we have seen tremendous interest from local organisations seeking a bit of help to provide a memorable focus for their communities and outside visitors in what is  Britain's Olympic Year," said Councillor Roy Galley, Cabinet member with responsibility for tourism.

"These celebrations include sporting events, providing hands-on opportunities for local youngsters, and cultural events, all of which will build on the community spirit that has already shone so brightly during the Diamond Jubilee."

"The journey by the Olympic Torch through Crowborough and Pevensey on Tuesday July 17, will be the milestone in this year of celebrations."

The Wealden Welcomes 2012  scheme has utilised £4,850 of money that was available from its tourism and economic development budget. It will promote community events which encourage visitors, improve well-being and support the economic vitality of the District.  A total of 15 applications were received in the month in which bids were accepted. Five applications were assessed as falling short of what was expected.

Here are the schemes that were accepted:

Bewl Valley Sailing Club. Award:  £500

The sailing club is holding an Open Day to coincide with the Royal Yachting Association's Sail for Gold and Push the Boat Out Today events which are to celebrate the start of the 2012 Olympics. The Open Day will showcase sailing, an Olympic and Paralympic sport, to the local community and the wider general public.

Broad Oak Community Primary School. Award:  £500

The school is holding a ‘Broad Oak 2012 Mini Olympics' bringing together school children, parents, members of Broad Oak community and the village pre-school for a day of celebrations to mark the London 2012 Games. 

Cuckmere Community Bus Ltd, Polegate. Award:£400

The Cuckmere Community Bus group is providing two 16 seat minibuses to carry local residents and school children to see the Olympic Torch. 

Crowborough Arts. Award:  £450

Crowborough Arts are to stage a concert by The Monks of Tashi Lunpo at The Crowborough Community Centre to help to fund raise for a new piano for the Community Centre.

Forest Row Parish Council. Award:  £500

The parish council is organising a public outdoor screening of the Opening Ceremony of the Olympics, with a picnic and activities for the children. 

Hailsham Town Council.  Award:  £500

As part of the Olympic Celebrations, the Hailsham Town Council has organised an outdoor gym and a street market. 

Laughton Community Primary School. Award:  £500

The grant will be used to improve the community play area providing new markings for different sports.  The improvements will support the Olympic-themed Family Fun Day planned for July.

Rotherfield Primary School. Award :  £500

The funding will be used to hire coaches to take 160 pupils, staff and helpers to see the Olympic Torch Relay in Crowborough.

Rotherfield St Martin. Award:  £500

A Summer Fayre is being organised for all Rotherfield community groups. The event will highlight Rotherfield St Martin exercise programme and the cultural life of the village.

Uckfield Festival Association. Award: £500

The Uckfield Festival Association is planning an ‘Alternative Torch Relay' as part of the 2012 Uckfield Festival.  Children from six local primary schools will carry ‘Torch', designed by students from Uckfield Community & Technology College, through the town.

Find out more information about what's happening in the run up to London 2012 - both closer to home and further afield (external link).