Spring Grants Reception - May 2007

£344,000 worth of grants to local groups in the past 6 months. The event provides the ideal opportunity to recognise the needs and the benefits of the work of voluntary groups for the community, and embrace the many benefactors, beneficiaries and decision makers of the county together. There were inspirational speakers talking about the work done by the groups and volunteers from of a sample of the 148 groups and 13 individual children benefiting from the Foundation grants - worth a total of £344,000 in the past 6 months – November 06 to May 07.

One of the highlights of the reception was the presentation of an achievement award to “Marathon Man” Mike Russell, presenter on local radio, Time 1066FM. He became a record breaker for the longest continuous broadcast in aid of Berkshire Give A Child A Chance. This scheme gives grants to both local groups and individual disadvantaged and disabled children.

Gordon Storey, BCF Trustee, warmly congratulated Mike on his efforts and announced for formation of the Sough Community Fund. This is a way for people and companies in Slough to make more impact locally by building a special permanent fund to support their community, both now and for the future.

The event was supported by prestigious local dignitaries, including the newly appointed High Sheriff Harry Henderson; Mayors and Leaders of the unitary councils of Berkshire; and company benefactors, such as the Slough-based firm Kidde Graviner which has been donating regularly since 1998 and who were presented with a plaque to mark their commitment of £50,000 to help the local area.