TEN community projects in Herefordshire recognised by High Sheriff’s Fund with £30k grant awards

The outgoing High Sheriff of Herefordshire, Patricia Churchward, is bringing her year in office to close with the award of grants to ten community projects.

Over the past year, Patrica has raised a grand total of £30,000, by hosting events such as a Charity Golf Day, High Sheriff’s Ball and the annual Shrieval Lecture. Generous donors have also come forward, including the Freemasons and The Hop Pocket in Bishops Frome.

The grant awards are distributed by the Herefordshire Community Foundation which manages the High Sheriff Fund and among the beneficiaries is the Ross-on-Wye.

High Sheriff Patricia Churchward said: “It means a lot to me to be able to assist some of the community groups I have met during my year - all of whom give hugely supportive services.

“That said, I am also sad not to be able to have raised and given more – as, without exception, every visit I have made, witnessing some of the most hardworking and committed volunteers, deserves huge praise and support.

“It was so difficult to decide who to allocate my funds to, but I feel sure these will all use the money wisely and continue to help more people, in particular - young teenagers, veterans, the homeless and adults with special educational needs.”

The £5,000 grant will make a vital contribution to core costs of running and staffing @TheHub, which was opened by the High Sheriff last June at its base in Corpus Christi Lane and offers a warm welcome to local residents five days a week.

An award of £2,500 has also been granted to Herefordshire Veterans Support Centre which will go towards a number of initiatives, including a trip to the National Memorial Arboretum, a football project and emergency care packages.