Major Funding Injection for Rural Newark and Sherwood
Rural enterprises and community groups across Newark and Sherwood have been awarded a substantial share of more than £267,000 through the latest phase of a locally managed rural grant initiative. This significant financial support is designed to foster lasting community benefits and stimulate economic development in the district's countryside areas.
Council-Administered Scheme Drives Local Impact
The grant programme, meticulously designed and overseen by Newark and Sherwood District Council, utilises funding from the Mayor of the East Midlands and the East Midlands Combined County Authority (EMCCA). This capital originates from the UK Government's Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), which forms part of the broader UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).
Since April 2025, twelve organisations have received awards ranging from £10,000 to £40,000 each. These grants target initiatives that promise to deliver enduring positive changes for local communities or propel rural economic advancement.
Diverse Projects Focused on Community Enrichment
Successful applications have centred on a variety of impactful endeavours, including:
- Boosting local business and rural tourism
- Establishing welcoming community hubs
- Celebrating and preserving local heritage
- Enhancing and improving green spaces
- Driving sustainability and innovation projects
The latest funding round alone is projected to engage over 5,000 participants and upgrade seven community facilities for resident use. This builds upon previous support, with an additional sixteen rural projects funded between June 2023 and March 2025 through earlier REPF allocations.
Notable Projects Receiving Vital Support
Recent beneficiaries of this rural grant scheme include several key community assets:
- Caythorpe Cricket Club – Funding to improve highly valued community spaces.
- Feel Good Gardens in Clipstone – Investment to enhance outdoor volunteering and social action initiatives.
- Bilsthorpe – Support for developing future proposals for a new community facility.
- Southwell Brincliffe Hockey Club – Grants for facility improvements.
Flagship Transformation at Thorney St Helens
Among the most significant projects is the Thorney St Helens Community Hub, which secured a £40,000 grant. This investment will transform the village's sole public indoor space into a warm, accessible, and flexible facility for residents of all ages.
The comprehensive renovation includes installing air source heat pump underfloor heating, levelling and replacing flooring, and upgrading lighting and electrical systems. These critical improvements will enable year-round use of this much-needed venue, allowing community activities to thrive and fostering volunteering and social cohesion within the rural community.
This project directly addresses pressing rural issues such as isolation, loneliness, and health inequalities. It plans to host community groups, wellbeing programmes, and outreach support services, including 'Know Your Numbers' health checks and rural advice sessions.
Official Statements Highlight Scheme's Importance
Councillor Claire Penny, Portfolio Holder for Sustainable Economic Growth at Newark and Sherwood District Council, stated: "We are proud to support projects that make a real difference to our rural communities. These grants are helping local organisations to grow, improve facilities, and create opportunities for residents. These investments strengthen our rural economy and enhance quality of life for thousands of people across Newark and Sherwood."
The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is providing £25.17 million for local investment across Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire in the 2025/26 period. Distributed by the EMCCA, this funding aims to boost pride in place and increase life chances throughout the region, with a focus on supporting communities, businesses, and individual skill development.
Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, commented: "I’m thrilled to see funding supporting communities across Newark and Sherwood, helping local people deliver projects that make a real difference. Rural areas face unique challenges, from isolation to limited access to community spaces. Projects like Thorney St Helens Community Hub give residents the chance to come together, stay active, and support one another. By putting resources into local hands, we strengthen the economy, boost pride in place, and create lasting benefits for residents and future generations."
