SCHOOLS and community groups in the district are to share grants of more than half a million pounds to improve their facilities.

The money is part of £11 million shared out in the latest distribution by the Garfield Weston Foundation which is a family-founded charitable grantmaking trust which supports causes across the UK. This year marks its £1 billionth donation since it began in 1958.

The Weston Anniversary Fund was launched earlier this year to provide funding to charities to improve their existing facilities or provide new ones as part of the Foundation’s 60th year.

Among the recipients in the district that have benefitted to the tune of £562,500 are:

  • £149,000 for Westminster Primary Academy to refurbish a community area;
  • £125,000 for the South Square Centre in Thornton to repair the roof;
  • £80,000 for Clayton Village Primary School;
  • £37,500 for Ravenscliffe Community Association.

Also receiving funds are Addingham Community Library (£50,000), Skipton Baptist Church (£80,000) and 5th Skipton Scout Group (£41,000). Currently particular emphasis is being placed on welfare, youth and community organisations as these are facing particular financial challenges at present.

A Westminster Academy spokesperson said: “We are delighted to have received such a significant amount of funding.

“A new improved social hub will benefit the school and the wider community.

“It will be a learning space for families. We have plans to develop exercise classes, cookery, food markets and out-of-school activities.”

Thornton & Allerton Community Association which supports South Square Centre said the funding will enable the charity to replace the existing roof with one that is warm, dry and sustainable for the long-term future of the centre.

Yvonne Carmichael, director of South Square Centre, said: “We are incredibly pleased to have been awarded the Garfield Weston Anniversary Fund. This is a great boost in confidence for the centre and Thornton. The fund will enable us to make vital improvements to the centre and will be the first step realising long-term ambitious plans for the centre.”

Renovated as a community arts centre in 1982, South Square Centre is now home to ten studio spaces for a variety of artists, as well as a gallery, community spaces, archive, fine art framers, bar and a cafe. The centre hosts community events and activities for all ages, including an ongoing workshop programme and provides community spaces available to hire.

The Garfield Weston Foundation’s Director, Philippa Charles, said: “What really impressed our Trustees is the amount of volunteering and community involvement that’s going on across the UK. We heard about so many amazing projects involving local people who are helping their communities thrive - regardless of cuts, Brexit debates and other challenges.

“The response from charities to this new fund clearly demonstrates the voluntary sector is proactive and energetic; far from the complacency it is sometimes accused of.

“Yet we can also see the level of need that exists in our local communities and how much the services charities provide are so desperately needed. The impact of these grants will be significant, with benefits for many people lasting years.”

The Foundation’s funding comes from an endowment of shares in the family business which includes Twinings, Primark, Kingsmill (all part of Associated British Foods) and Fortnum & Mason among others.